Mar 14, 2014 | Uncategorized
Head Into Spring With These Helpful Wildlife Prevention Tips
The South (and a greater portion of the country) is making its way out of a treacherous winter. During the recent cold months its likely that pests or wildlife may have taken shelter in your home. Since Spring is approaching it’s a good time to get in the habit of checking around your property for areas that could have been used or could be used as entry points for wildlife.
chipmunk
Wildlife and pests come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are relatively harmless while others can cause potential health threats. Illnesses can be contracted by breathing in contaminated air with spores that develop from fungus grown in animals’ fecal matter. The elderly, children, or those with compromised immune systems can be at high risk for contracting these illnesses.
If you hear scratching or scurrying in your walls, don’t ignore it or try to solve the problem on your own, call a professional wildlife removal team. Guessing or attempting to get rid of the animal on your own could result in costly damage and even danger. When hiring a trusted wildlife removal company, like Northwest Exterminating, the first order of business is to inspect the property and assess the situation. They can identify the issue based on where you’re hearing noises, openings, droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Once the pest is identified a customized plan can be established.
As we say here over and over again, the key is PREVENTION. Some wildlife are bound and determined to get into your home regardless of the steps you take, however, there are ways you can deter them.
Wildlife Prevention Tips:
- Bring pet food and water indoors and keep in a tightly sealed container.
- Trim trees back from the roofline.
- Although they are fun to watch and enjoy, bird feeders should be removed. They can attract squirrels and other animals to your home.
- Clean out gutters.
- Keep outdoor trash in a tightly sealed container.
- Caulk & seal entrances around the home.
- Hire a trusted and knowledgeable wildlife expert to remove wildlife from your home.
Mar 12, 2014 | Uncategorized
Thinking About Selling Your Home This Spring? Start Preparing Now!
Spring is a popular time for listing your home. The yard is in pique performance, you have ample time before the kids are out of school for the summer, and people seem to enjoy getting out in the beautiful weather to search for their potential new home. Are you looking to sell your home this spring? Here are some tips on selling your home this spring:
- Find a Knowledgeable Realtor – Having a good Realtor on your side can make a big difference. Their expertise in marketing your property, showing your property, and working with other agents can make the selling process easier on you. Interview Realtors or ask for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors.
- Take Care of General Maintenance – Cleaning out gutters, changing air filters, and having the HVAC system checked are all ways you can keep your home running efficiently. This will aid in the purchasing process and have huge benefits while you’re living in the home as well.
- Make Small Improvements – Replace old fixtures, re-caulk the bathroom, change the doorknobs, all of these are small improvements that can make a big difference in the look of a home.
- Complete Any Large Home Improvement Projects – While small projects are encouraged it is recommended to finish any large projects before listing your home. Paint, carpet, new landscaping are all things that you want completed before potential buys come to look at your home.
- Spring Cleaning – Spring cleaning can knock out the winter blues that may have sprung up in your home along with getting a deep clean. Need a spring cleaning checklist? Click here.
- Clean Out Storage – Take time to go through storage closets, basements, attics, and garages and throw out or donate any items that you no longer need or use. Not only are you making more room but you’ll also have less to pack when you move.
- Remove Clutter – Remove clutter from around the house. Potential buys don’t want to see bills lying around, laundry, or even extra knick knacks. The less clutter, the more eye appealing it is to a potential homeowner. This will also help you to clean up quicker when those last minute showings pop up!
- Research the Market – Know what else is out there. This will go hand in hand with Tip #1 because your Realtor should provide comparibles for you to view when choosing an asking price. It’s good to know what other homes are offering in the area and how your home stacks up.
- Get a Termite Letter – Although termite letters are no longer required according to the Purchase and Sale Agreement it may be required based on other factors. It’s also a great selling tool! Northwest Exterminating provides a warranty for the initial termite inspection that is transferable to the buyer with the first year free. For more information click HERE.
For information on Northwest services you can visit our website at www.callnorthwest.com. Realtors please visit https://www.callnorthwest.com/builder-realtor-services/realtor-services/
Mar 11, 2014 | Uncategorized
New Research is Helping Us Find New Ways to Control Mosquitoes
A mosquito’s ability to target humans seems a little mysterious, right? Not really. They are programmed to look for three things when looking for a blood meal to go lay their eggs: carbon dioxide, heat, and odor. Humans give off all three of these but the mosquitoes really only need two of these to decide we are a good meal.
Researchers have found that carbon dioxide is the most important cue for a mosquito choosing a blood meal. The researchers created mutant mosquitoes that could not detect carbon dioxide and when the mosquitoes were put in a situation with just heat or skin odor they would not bite.
The researchers took the experiment a step further and put a bunch of “regular” mosquitoes and some of the mutant mosquitoes, who could glow in the dark, in a greenhouse and then counted how many of each type landed on the humans. The mutants were still successful in finding a target, but not as good as the “normal” ones. When put in the room with a mouse the mutants really did not do well.
The mouse gives us some important information, the mosquitoes don’t want to waste their time on something that may not help them to lay eggs. This is important to us because it gives us a clue on how to make a better repellant for mosquitoes and control mosquitoes.
This is important to us because it gives the Pest Management industry a clue on how to create more effective products and treatment protocols for mosquitoes. The good news is Northwest Exterminating has an Integrated Mosquito Management program. IMM is an environmentally friendly way of managing mosquito populations at your home or place of business. Please visit the website under the Pest Control tab, or give your local Northwest Exterminating office a call to learn more about this program.
Kate King
Northwest Exterminating
[email protected]
Mar 5, 2014 | Uncategorized
Severe Winter Temperatures Won’t Stop Georgia Insects
UGA Extension entomologist, Elmer Gray, recently wrote an article explaining why the severe winter weather that we’ve experienced in Georgia, and surrounding states, won’t slow down the insect population. In fact, he explains that spring temperatures and moisture conditions will have a far greater effect on insect populations than winter weather. Some insects will die due to the severe weather but most will survive.
Gray explains that insects, having been around for over 300 million years, are adaptive creatures. They are highly adaptable to their surroundings and can survive in extreme conditions. Many insects also overwinter. In the case of insects, overwintering is basically how they survive during the winter months (or how they receive their basic needs). Many insects go through physiological changes that help them survive cold temperatures.
The main concern for insects is that they avoid ice crystals to form inside of their body.
To read the full article, click HERE.
Mar 4, 2014 | Uncategorized
Northwest Attends WNCW’s 2014 Community Association Legal Forum
We recently had a team participate in the 2014 Community Association Legal Forum & Expo at the Cobb Galleria. The event was put together by Weissman, Nowack, Curry, & Wilco Attorneys at Law for community associations and managers.
The event, Learning from the Movies, used memorable moments from Hollywood movies to teach community leaders about current topics and trends in communities.
For more information on how Northwest Exterminating can help with your community management needs visit HERE. Check out some of our pictures from the event.
Chuck Negas and The Beav with George Nowack, the host and originator of the Weisman, Nowack, Curry and Wilco Legal Forum
Tyler Vickery and John Delapina working at the WNCW Legal Forum
Tyler Vickery and John Dellapina working at the WNCW Legal Forum
John, Tyler, Chuck, and the Beav at the WNCW Legal Forum
The Beav enjoying a snack at the WNCW Legal Forum
Feb 28, 2014 | Uncategorized
We are very proud to say that we are partnering with Pulte Homes and Operation Finally Home to build a home for a very special veteran and his family!
Sgt. Perry Haley and his family of seven were recently surprised live on CNN when they were told that Pulte Homes and Operation Finally Home were building them a mortgage free home.
Watch the video HERE.
Sgt. Haley’s home is one of 20 new homes for wounded veterans the Company’s Built to Honor™ program plans to build across the nation in 2014.
You can follow along with the progress of the Haley family home at https://www.facebook.com/builttohonorperry
Feb 27, 2014 | Uncategorized
Do you have an idea for Northwest Exterminating’s next billboard?
Northwest Exterminating is running a Facebook contest to find our next billboard! It’s easy to participate! Go to our Facebook post and leave a comment with your billboard idea (7 words or less). The submission deadline is Monday, March 3, 2014. After we receive all submissions we will narrow it down to the top 3 picks. From there, the winner will be chosen based on the amount of LIKES for each board!
So what’s in it for you?
The winner will receive $100 Visa gift card and for their billboard to be displayed in and around Metro Atlanta!
To read the full list of rules and regulations you can visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CallNorthwest
Here are some of our past boards:
So what’s your idea?
Feb 25, 2014 | Uncategorized
This past weekend was a great preview of the warm Spring weather that is coming. The sun was shining, birds chirping, and we could comfortably be outside without multiple layers of clothing. It seems that we have almost (I repeat, almost) escaped the harsh winter that we’ve been experiencing.
After our spring preview, its made many people think about their lawn and how they can enjoy it in the upcoming months. After the treacherous winter weather, it may need a little more TLC than usual. Northwest Lawn Care would like to help you get your lawn back into tip-top GREEN shape!
Our FREE lawn care analysis is an in-depth inspection of your lawn that will help us develop a comprehensive plan that is unique to the needs of your lawn. Call us today or visit us online to schedule your analysis to have your lawn healthy and green for the spring.
Feb 24, 2014 | Uncategorized
Getting Rid of Pests by Eliminating their Needs
Bugs are no different than humans in that we’re all in search of 3 basic needs: water, food, and shelter. It’s important when trying to obtain a pest-free home that we are eliminating pest’s basic needs. Limiting their access to these items will be a big step in prevention AND maintenance.
So what steps do you take to eliminate these sources?
Trim vegetation away from structure
How to Eliminate Pest’s Water Sources From Your Home:
- Check under cabinets and sinks for leaks
- Caulk around pipes
- Eliminate any areas in the yard where water pools
- Clean out gutters of debris so water can drain properly
- Don’t leave your pet’s water bowls sitting out
- Remove debris in the yard that gathers water
- Remove standing water from bird baths
How to Eliminate Pest’s Food Sources From Your Home:
- Clean up any food spills immediately
- Don’t leave your pet’s food sitting out
- Keep food (pet food included) in tightly sealed containers
- Take out trash on a regular basis
- Place trash in an outside garbage can with a tightly sealed lid
How to Eliminate Pest’s Access to Shelter From Your Home:
- Be cautious of what you bring in (old furniture, produce, boxes, all can contain bugs that you could potentially bring into your home)
- Caulk and/or seal any cracks or crevices located around windows, doors, pipes, vents, etc.
- Use low sodium vapor lighting on the outside of your home
- Point security lights away from your home
- Trim back vegetation at least 1 foot away from your home
- Remove clutter and debris from the interior and exterior of the home
- Keep doors and windows shut
- If you need to have doors or windows open use screens
If pests have already found their way into your home it’s best to call a professional exterminator. A pest professional can properly inspect your property, identify the pest, identify the sources, effectively treat the home for the targeted pest, and work with you to develop a customized action plan to maintain and prevent further issues from occurring. If you’re in need of a professional pest control company call Northwest Exterminating!
