Atlanta #3 Most Pest Infested City

April 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

According to a new study out by Orkin, Atlanta ranks #3 among the U.S.’s most pest infested cities and ranks #1 for mosquitoes.  There is little explanation as to why bugs are found in certain cities more than others.  Two common factors are climate and building infrastructure of the area.

Knowing that Atlanta ranks so high on both of these lists it is important that you keep your property protected from pests and mosquitoes.  A regularly scheduled pest control program and mosquito control program will not only get rid of bugs but it will assist in keeping the bugs away.  Our NorPest Green pest control program and our Green Mosquito Control program are customized plans that are developed specifically for the needs of you and your property by one of our highly trained technicians.  For more information on NorPest Green visit HERE, for more information on Green Mosquito Control visit HERE.

Source

Northwest Exterminating
830 Kennesaw Ave Marietta, GA, 30060 USA 
 • 888-466-7849
 
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Insects in Art

February 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment

When you reflect on famous artists and their work, like the Mona Lisa by DaVinci for instance, you can immediately appreciate the beauty of their masterpiece. However, when the subject of an artwork is an insect, you might have a little more trouble seeing the beauty in it before wanting to call an exterminator! The brave souls who did make insects their muse had an appreciation for natural history, especially during the 17th century.

Studying bugs for their connection to the earth and nature led to some beautiful creations by Albrecht Dürer such as the Stag Beetle. Dürer said of art, “It is indeed true that art is omnipresent in nature, and the true artist is he who can bring it out.”

Albrecht Durer, Stag Beetle, 1505

Albrecht Durer, Stag Beetle, 1505

Some artists liked to focus on butterflies because they represented transformation and resurrection. Wenceslaus Hollar’s drawing Forty-One Insects, Moths and Butterflies features a collection of bugs of different varieties on displaying much like a “cabinet of curiosity.” Check out this painting and more below!

Wenceslaus Hollar, Forty-One Insects, Moths and Butterflies, 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar, Forty-One Insects, Moths and Butterflies, 1646

Robert Hooke, Ant, from Micrographia London, 1665

Robert Hooke, Ant, from Micrographia
London, 1665

Maria Sibyla Merian, Branch of guava tree with leafcutter ants, army ants, pink-toed tarantulas, c. 1701-5

Maria Sibyla Merian, Branch of guava tree with leafcutter ants, army ants, pink-toed tarantulas, c. 1701-5

Melissa Brown
mbrown@callnorthwest.com

Source:

http://venetianred.net/2010/04/20/the-busy-bee-has-no-time-for-sorrow-insects-in-art/

 
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February’s Pest of the Month – Roaches

February 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Roaches are often referred to as wRoachaterbugs. These bugs enter homes and commercial kitchens in search of food, water, and shelter.

Habits

  • Enter through cracks and crevices
  •  Enter by way of boxes, containers, etc.
  •  Commonly found in areas with water such as kitchens and bathrooms

Different Species

Threats

  • Cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms, and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens
  •  Cockroach allergens trigger allergic reactions
  •  Have shown to cause asthma in children
  •  Pick up germs while crawling though decaying matter or sewage and carry those germs onto foods or other surfaces

Prevention

  • Reduce moisture by fixing leaky drains and pipes, properly ventilate basements and crawlspaces
  • Brush all firewood before bringing it into your home – many insects lay eggs on firewood
  • Clean kitchen counters regularly of spills and crumbs
  • Clean dishes immediately after use
  • Vacuum often
  • Keep garbage in sealed containers and dispose often
  • Keep food seals and stored properly
  • Seal cracks and crevices that roaches could use as entry points into a structure

Other Pests to Look Out for

 
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Origin of Pest Related Words

December 28, 2012 by 2 Comments

We, at Northwest Exterminating, like to ensure that our customers fully understand just how we plan to provideDSC_0368 services for them. Whenever a salesman gives you an assessment of the services you may need, he’s sure to make everything very clear as far as what his suggestions are for your property. Similarly, a technician that comes to your home will let you know the steps he will take before, during, and after the process is completed. He will be sure to answer any questions you may have, show you the results of his work and suggest anything else you may need, even if it’s not exactly pest related!

You will definitely understand our technicians, but may not know why certain words are what they are. After all, you probably don’t know that the word ‘pest’ comes from the Latin word pestis meaning ‘plague.’ Do you think that when you call your little brother a pest, it’s because you’re likening him to the creepy, slimy bugs you detest? Not at all! Pest has meant “noxious or troublesome person or thing” since the 1600s.

DSC_0438Ever wondered why we exterminate bugs? Just like many other words in the English language, exterminate comes from Latin. The word exterminatus means “drive out, expel, drive beyond boundaries.” Modern English has led to a word meaning of “utter destruction.” We at Northwest more closely follow the original meaning of pest exterminating, by making sure your home is pest free without using harsh chemicals that can lead to more harm than good. If you would like a company whose technicians really know the meaning of pest control, Northwest Exterminating is just one appointment away.

Melissa Brown
mbrown@callnorthwest.com

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com

http://www.etymonline.com/

 
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Inspecting Your Pantry for Pests

December 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment
red flour beetles

Red flour beetles in a bag of flour

Baking is a big part of tradition for lots of people during the holiday season.  And what better time while you’re breaking out all of the baking supplies to inspect your pantry for signs of pests.  Pests are living creatures that are in search of the same things we are…food, water, and shelter.  A pantry where those necessities are stored is an ideal place for pests to make a home.

Common pests that are found in pantries:

Below are tips on ways to inspect your pantry for pests:

  • Place foods in tightly sealed containers.  This will keep bugs out and freshness in.
  • Unpack seasonal decorations outside.  Dried foliage, potpourri, etc, should be unpacked outside of the home and inspected before displaying in your home.
  • Place a bay leaf in containers of dry foods like flour and rice.  The smell of bay leaves often repels pests.
  • Inspect groceries before bringing them in to your home.  As with anything you bring into your home, be sure to inspect it.
  • Always check the date before using items in your pantry.  Frequent checks of this throughout the year can be beneficial.
  • Clean messes immediately.  Wipe any spills or crumbs as soon as they happen and take the trash out regularly.
  • Place trash in a tightly sealed bag.  Remove the bag frequently to a garbage can outside of the home that is equipped with a tightly sealed lid.
  • Seal cracks or holes that pests could use to enter your home.
  • Eliminate moisture areas.  Seal leaky pipes and use humidifiers in the home.  Water is a major attractant for bugs so the less access they have to water, the better.

If you find pests in your pantry, throw out the infested food immediately.  If pests have made a home in your pantry you should call your professional pest control company.  A professional exterminator will be able to inspect the area and treat the problem properly and efficiently.

Sources:

http://www.pestworld.org/news-and-views/pest-articles/articles/preventing-pantry-pests/

http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/pantrypests304.shtml

 
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Why Are People Afraid of Bugs?

December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Spotting a spider or roach may cause someone to jump from fright. Most people who have a typical fear of bugs may have these fears for various reasons. For instance, people who avoid bees may have a legitimate concern about being stung, especially if they’ve been stung before and found themselves to be allergic. Some bugs such as bees, wasps, poisonous spiders and mosquitoes can carry threats that many people try to protect themselves from. Northwest Exterminating provides an extensive amount of services to protect homes and businesses from such threats.

Then there are the bugs that may not carry much of a threat but we know the sight of them indicates other unpleasant conditions. Flies and roaches tend to flock to places that are unhygienic and not the cleanest. Maintaining a clean living and working environment usually helps eliminate the presence of these bugs, as well as the related fear. Our preference for a bug-free environment may be due to that in more industrialized, urbanized societies, we do not have firsthand experience with bugs because we do not live in their natural environment. Out of sight is out of mind, so spotting an unusual insect might always be a little bit surprising.

Other people have much more than an aversion, but rather a legitimate fear of insects otherwise known as entomophobia. A well-known form of entomophobia is arachnophobia, the fear of spiders. As the definition suggestions, the fear or concern has little to do with bugs themselves and more to do with somebody’s psychological disposition.  Northwest Exterminating may not be able to fix your fears, but we can certainly take care of the bugs for you. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Source

Melissa Brown
mbrown@callnorthwest.com

 
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Bon Appetit?: A Different Type of Insect Bites

December 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Normally, an invitation from a friend to go out to lunch will be met with enthusiastic acceptance. However, if your friend tells you that bugs are on the menu, you’ll probably take a rain check. Here in the U.S. most people go great lengths to avoid creepy crawlers in the kitchen, but other countries around the world have a different view.

In some countries, dishes featuring insects are delicacies, so these meals are a rare and unusual treat, much like escargot and caviar. Grasshoppers are the favorite insect to eat, being included in the diets of some people from Latin America, Japan, Africa and the Middle East. Other insect treats include wasp larvae, silk moth pupae, and termites. Some brave students over at Princeton University decided to give it a try, though they described their silkworm treat as “surprisingly bland.”

One researcher states “insects have been a delicacy… not only because of their delicious flavor, but also because they provide a more complete protein… and are concentrated sources of calcium, magnesium, potassium and many other nutrients.” So not only do some people think they taste good, but some insects are also good for you – better than soy, meat, and fish! In addition, insect farming is ecologically less damaging than raising animals for human consumption. At Northwest Exterminating, we have a different type of recipe when it comes to insects. Our goal is also to reduce our impact on the environment while protecting your home from unwanted pests.

Sources:

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/2795548-insects-are-worldwide-delicacies

http://blogs.princeton.edu/paw/2010/11/bugging_out_stu.html

Melissa Brown
mbrown@callnorthwest.com

 
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Winter Lawn Care Tips

November 30, 2012 by 1 Comment

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean no yard work.  In fact, fall and winter lawn maintenance is vital to a healthy green lawn in the warmer months.  Here are some things to consider when caring for your lawn in the winter:

  • Keep it clean.  It’s important to keep your lawn clean of debris that could smother grass and promote the growth of weeds.  Rake leaves, remove debris, and keep pine straw in the beds.  This is also important in keeping unwanted bugs and other pests from finding a home in your lawn or even worse, your home.
  • Mow, if necessary. – If your grass is long it can smother itself, cause damage from freezing conditions, or develop diseases.  Beware not to cut the grass too short, you could scalp it and cause further damage.
  • Fertilize. Choose a fertilizer that is high in phosphate and focuses on root development rather than lush lead development.

Your lawn is supposed to be enjoyed.  So whether it’s having cook outs in the summer, raking leaves in the fall, or building snowmen in the winter…take care of your lawn.  And for those of you who like to spend your time and effort elsewhere, call a professional lawn care service to take on the task for you.  If you’re looking for lawn care in Atlanta call Northwest Lawn Care.

 
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“The Pest Detectives” Free eBook

November 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Pests may not be something that intrigues most adults but most kids enjoy watching and learning about insects and other bugs.  If you have a pest explorer in your home, we have just the read for you.

PestWorld.org has a FREE eBook where your little explorer can join “Millie, an 8 year old insect lover, as she solves real-life pest mysteries with her father, a pest professional.”  Your kids can follow Millie and her dad as they help Mrs. Romero identify the pest in her home, where they came from, and a treatment plan to get rid of the pests.

Download this FREE eBook today…you and your kids will both enjoy this pest mystery!

 

 
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Not All Bugs Are Bad

October 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The fear of insects is normal.  For some, the fear can be so severe that it can be diagnosed as entomophobia, a fear or aversion to insects.  This fear can confine people to their homes without the ability to enjoy the great outdoors and interfere with the quality of life.  Experts say that 1-2% of adults in the US has some degree of entomophobia.

But not all bugs are to be feared.  We speak a lot about the harm and damage that pests can do to your health and home but we also want to point out that not all insects are bad.  The preying mantis is pest control in itself.  Preying mantis’ are predators that catch and feed on other insects.  Although termites can do thousands of dollars of damage to a structure they are beneficial for the eco-system. Termites help break down decaying trees.  Termites can break down wood on a massive scale and prevent trees from piling up and killing the forest.  Ladybugs are another natural pest control.  Ladybugs eat other insects that do not have a too hard shell.

Although some bugs can be beneficial it is still very important to protect your home. Continue your pest control service to keep bugs in their natural environment instead of your home.

Check out our blog 5 Bugs to Love

 
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