May 30, 2014 | Wildlife
Beware of Snakes While Still Enjoying Your Summer
By: Katherine King
The weather is starting to warm up nicely, making a lot of us want to be outside to soak up the sun. We aren’t the only ones enjoying the sun’s rays, though. Snakes are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded and dependent on their surroundings to regulate body temperature. Be careful when participating in outdoor activities. Caution is necessary around rock and log piles, particularly if they are in a nice, sunny spot. Snakes will often rest on the top of these areas to warm up before they begin the day’s activities.
Snakes may also be in your garden, helping you control insect populations. Watch where you put your hands so that you do not accidentally grab a small snake. Snakes never intentionally harm humans, but when they do it is because they feel threatened. If at all possible, avoid interactions with snakes. If you are bitten by a snake that is poisonous, seek medical attention immediately, do not try to do anything on your own.
If you are having a snake problem, contact Northwest Exterminating’s Wildlife division. A service representative will be sent to remove the snake, and provide suggestions on how to avoid contact with snakes in the future.
Katherine King
[email protected]
May 28, 2014 | Pest Control
Eliminating Pests to Prevent Allergies and Asthma This Spring
Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America designates May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, an ideal time to educate the public about triggers, prevention and treatment measures for asthma and allergic diseases. In recognition of this important observation, we want to remind people that a few simple pest prevention measures can go a long way in combating allergies and asthma this spring.
Common household pests, such as cockroaches and stinging insects, can pose a significant threat to asthma and allergy sufferers. Cockroach droppings, saliva, shed skins and other body parts contain allergen proteins known to cause allergy flare-ups and increase asthma symptoms, especially in children. In addition, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year due to serious reactions from the pest’s venom.
Many people blame their sneezing and runny noses during the spring season on pollen and grass, however, household pests are often culprits as well. It’s important for people to make an effort to keep the home free of potential triggers, and the first step is practicing good sanitation.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against common indoor allergens caused by pests:
- Exclude pests by sealing cracks and gaps on the outside of the home. Pay special attention to utility pipe entry points.
- Vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
- Keep food sealed and stored properly, and clean kitchen floors and counters daily.
- Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
- If allergic to stinging insects, learn how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times.
- Should you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction following a stinging insect encounter, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath, call 911.
- If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to safely remove the threat.
To view full image click HERE
Source: NPMA
May 27, 2014 | Pest Control
Simple ways pet owners can keep their animals safe from fleas and ticks
The spring season is a time when all members of the family, including pets, wander outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and blossoming flowers. Unfortunately, it’s also prime pest season, which means pets are at risk of encountering hungry fleas and ticks that are in search of active hosts. Northwest Exterminating encourages pet owners to take precautions against these dangerous pests during the warmer months.
Fleas are more than just an itchy annoyance. Their saliva can cause anemia, dermatitis and can transfer tapeworms in dogs and cats. Ticks can spread bacteria to pets and cause tick paralysis, which occurs when a female tick attaches near a pet’s spinal cord. This condition can lead to muscle weakness, loss of coordination and in some cases, death from respiratory failure as chest muscles become paralyzed.
In addition to the health threats posed by fleas and ticks, both pests are small in size and extremely mobile, making them difficult to detect and get rid of once inside the home. It’s extremely important for pet owners to be cautious of these pests and contact a licensed pest professional if they suspect an infestation.
The National Pest Management Association, a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests, offers these tips to keep pets pest-free:
- Check pets’ coats thoroughly for ticks and fleas on a regular basis, especially after spending time outdoors. Be aware of excessive scratching and licking.
- Avoid walking dogs in tall grass, where there is a greater chance of encountering ticks.
- Bathe pets after walks or playtime with other animals.
- Wash pet bedding, collars and plush toys frequently.
- Wash bed linens and vacuum carpets, floors and furniture regularly.
- Empty vacuum bags in an outside receptacle.
- Speak to a veterinarian about flea and tick prevention treatments.
Source: NPMA
May 23, 2014 | Uncategorized
What Are 10 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Here in the South, mosquitoes and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. In North America there is an estimated 170 different species of mosquito. Sometimes it feels like 169 of those species live right here in the south. Aside from being a nuisance, mosquitoes can be a threat to our health. West Nile virus is a disease that is carried by mosquitoes and has become a concern in the US in recent years.
So how do you keep those pesky mosquitoes away? Below are 10 ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites:
- Wear long clothes – We know it’s the summer and it’s hot but if possible, wear long sleeves and pants when you’re going to be outdoors.
- Eliminate areas of standing water – Empty areas where water collects such as flower pots and bird baths. Properly landscape areas of the yard where water pools.
- Use insect repellant containing DEET – Follow the instructions on insect repellants that contain DEET.
- Ensure windows and doors are screened – If you have windows and/or doors open make sure they are properly screened to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Avoid the outdoors between dusk and dawn – Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Avoid going outside during those times.
- Try not to work up a sweat – Mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid in sweat.
- Don’t move – Mosquitoes are attracted to movement, so be still!!
- Wear light colored clothes – Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so wear lighter colors to avoid their bites.
- Don’t drink beer – Mosquitoes are beer lovers and will likely bite you if you are drinking one.
- Keep body temperature low – Stay cool. The higher your body temperature, the more attracted mosquitoes are to you.
Mosquito treatments can also be a great way to prevent mosquitoes. Northwest Exterminating offers a GREEN mosquito program that targets both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
May 19, 2014 | Mosquito
Are Mosquitoes the Most Deadly Animal? The Dangers of Mosquitoes.
Bill Gates recently wrote “The Deadliest Animal in the World” on his blog, ‘gatesnotes’. In this article, Mr. Gates quotes some pretty startling statistics about the dangers of mosquitoes and their threat to humans. Mosquitoes kill more people each year than any other animal in the world. How’s that for the tiny, annoying bug that we often sarcastically refer to as the “state bird”?!
There are over 2,500 species of mosquitoes around the world (covering every region except Antarctica). Besides termites and ants, mosquitoes outnumber every other animal.
What makes mosquitoes so dangerous?
Mosquitoes can carry malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, West Nile, and encephalitis. Malaria alone threatens half of the world’s population and is responsible for killing more than 600,000 people each year. Dengue fever causes serious illness and death, especially among children. Cases of dengue fever were discovered in Florida last year. Read more on Bill Gates recent trip to Indonesia to learn more about the fight against dengue fever HERE.
We encourage you to read Bill Gates full blog on the dangers of mosquitoes. For more information on what you can do to control mosquitoes around your home visit https://www.callnorthwest.com/pest-control/mosquito-control/
