Dec 31, 2013 | Uncategorized
New Article Suggests Bees May be Able to Sniff Out Cancer
A recent article that appeared on Smithsonian.com says that new research may prove that bees are able to detect cancer. Insects, including bees, have such a keen sense of smell that they are able to detect smells made up by only a few molecules.
According to the article “Can Bees Be Trained to Sniff Out Cancer?”
U.K.-based product designer Susana Soares has created a simple, elegant way of harnessing bees to screen for a number of diseases, including cancers, like tumors of the lung and ovaries. Her glass apparatus, called “Bee’s,” features a large chamber and a smaller connected chamber housed within it. After training the bees to associate a specific chemical odor with a food reward, such as sugar, the insects are released into the diagnostic device through an opening. Patients would simply blow into the smaller compartment and wait to see if a swarm gathers toward something alarming in the person’s breath.
Insects are great detectors due to their antennae. Bees have an accuracy rate of 98% and have been known to detect tuberculosis, diabetes, cancers, along with other diseases and illnesses.
Read the full article Can Bees Be Trained to Sniff Out Cancer?
Dec 18, 2013 | Uncategorized
Northwest Exterminating shares tips to prevent a stink bug infestation
As the seasons bring cooler weather, stink bugs are likely to make an appearance in homes throughout the United States. Northwest Exterminating encourages homeowners to take proactive measures to stink bug-proof the home, both inside and out, to help keep these smelly pests at bay in the coming months.
Stink bugs often enter homes and other structures this time of year to seek food, water, and shelter in preparation for the upcoming winter weather. Fortunately, stink bugs do not pose a safety or property risk to homeowners. However, they tend to invade homes in high numbers and can become a nuisance once inside.
Experts at the National Pest Management Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food, and property from household pests, offers a few simple tips to ward off stink bugs before an infestation develops.
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fans, and light switches to prevent stink bugs from entering the home.
- Stink bugs are attracted to lights, so it’s recommended to keep outdoor lighting to a minimum.
- Repair damaged window screens and install door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Properly ventilate basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points. Consider using a dehumidifier in these areas.
- Install screens over the chimney and attic vents.
- Keep branches and shrubbery well trimmed, and make sure to store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.
If you find a stink bug in the home, you can use a vacuum to aid in its removal. However, a licensed pest professional can be contacted if a more serious infestation is suspected.
For more information on stink bugs, visit https://www.callnorthwest.com/learning-center/identify-your-pest/kudzu-bug-stink-bug/.
Dec 13, 2013 | Uncategorized
Noises in Your Attic? Could be a raccoon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Raccoons are one of the most charismatic species of animals found in North America. They are said to be very intelligent; they can remember the solution to tasks up to three years later.
- 16 to 28 inches in length
- Weighs 8 to 20 lbs
- Grayish in color with white and black facial markings
HABITS
- Superb ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
- Common residents in cities, towns, and suburbs.
- Will live in hollowed out trees, caves, or even an attic or garage if they find one available.
- Consume both animal and plant matter.
- Diet varies with locality, season, and availability.
THREATS
- Commonly raid gardens, garbage cans, bird feeders, fish-ponds, and even kitchen cabinets.
- Have been known to use door knobs which makes cabinet doors fair game.
- A pet door is an open invitation into a home.
PREVENTION
- Provide an exclusion barrier where needed.
- Live cages around garbage cans.
For more information on raccoons and other wildlife removal, call Northwest Exterminating.
Dec 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
When traveling this holiday season, be careful not to pick up the dreaded hitchhikers…bed bugs.
Bed bugs can be found in homes, hotels, trains, buses, anywhere that people are traveling. Bed bugs are nocturnal creatures that make their home in the seams of mattresses, cushions, pillows, and other linens. They spread from place to place by getting into purses, suitcases, or other belongings that people are traveling with.
There are ways to protect yourself from bed bugs:
(See bed bug ID)
Do not put any furniture on the floor, instead use luggage racks or the bathroom. It’s important to check mattress seams when you arrive at a home or hotel. You can do this easily by pulling back the sheets and mattress pad and checking along the seams for bed bug casings. Bed bugs are small, flat, and a reddish-brown color. Since they are nocturnal, you may not see actual bed bugs but you can see the casings or the rusty colored spots that they leave behind. If you do find signs of bed bugs, immediately notify the hotel or the homeowner so that different sleeping arrangements can be made.
Whether you’ve seen bed bugs or not, when returning home, make sure to inspect your luggage before bringing it into your home. You can do this by checking the seams of the bags and by placing all of your clothes and luggage in the dryer on the hottest setting. This will kill any bugs that may have found their way home with you.
Bed bug infestations can be difficult to treat. It is highly recommended that a trained professional who specializes in bed bugs perform bed bug removal treatments.
Dec 9, 2013 | Uncategorized
What to Look for When Choosing an Exterminator.
Last week we talked about the reasons that it can be best to hire a professional pest control company (Why Choose a Professional Pest Control Company?) to come in rather than doing-it-yourself. A simple recap: Professionals are the experts in their field and are better equipped to identify the problem and the source, treat the problem, and develop a plan to keep pests or rodents from returning.
Whether faced with an infestation or looking for preventative measures, here are some tips on What to Look for When Choosing an Exterminator:
- Do your research. Don’t just go with the first company that comes up in Google or in the phone book.
- Ask friends, neighbors, and view review websites like Yelp or Angie’s List.
- Look for companies that are members of local or national pest management associations. These companies have to live up to higher standards than the exterminators that are not part of these associations.
- ALWAYS use licensed pest control companies.
- Call the State Department of Agriculture for more information on a professional pest control company.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that you fully understand the treatments and all other aspects of the contract BEFORE signing.
- Ask about warranties and guarantees. What do they cover? How long do they last? Upkeep? What do you need to do to hold up your end of the contract?
- Choose based on VALUE, not cost. Just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean that it’s better. You may end up spending more money in the long run if a quality job isn’t done the first time around.
- Talk to more than one company so you can compare the services, quality, cost, etc.
- Visit www.pestworld.org for exterminators in your area.
