Why Should I Aerate My Lawn?

Why Should I Aerate My Lawn?

Just like any living being, lawns need TLC too.  Throughout the seasons, climates, and general wear and tear, lawns can become damaged.  The ground gets hard and compacted, not allowing water and nutrients to get through.  This can make for an unhealthy lawn.

Aerating can be just what your lawn needs to allow it to “open back up” and be able to receive its water and nutrients again.  Aerating consists of inserting holes into the lawn for better water and nutrient absorption, and eliminating thatch (organic and non-organic debris that settles between the green and the soil).  All of this build up makes the soil hard and compacted.  Aerating will loosen the compacted soil and allow your grass to grow faster and thicker.

Aeration will make your lawn treatments more effective.  Oxygen, fertilizer, water, and other nutrients will be better absorbed.

When is the Best Time to Aerate?

It is recommended that cool season grass be aerated in the fall.  Warm season grass should be aerated in spring or summer.

For more information on aeration and other lawn care services, contact the professionals at Northwest Lawn Care.  We will come out and do a FREE lawn care analysis of your lawn and work with you to create a customized lawn care program that is right for your yard.

Trust A Professional – Video

The National Pest Management Association has a short video explaining why is best to trust the professionals when it comes to keeping pests out of your home.  It helps explain why pests can be bad for your home and family, the damage they can do, why it’s better than DIY options, and why more isn’t always better!

If you are looking for an experienced pest company in your area…look no further.  Northwest Exterminating has locations in Georgia and Tennessee that are in prime locations to treat homes and businesses across Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Call us today if you would like more information on our professional exterminating services.  888.466.7849

Palmetto Bugs

American CockroachAmerican Cockroaches, or the Palmetto Bug, have been making appearances in homes all over the South recently.  Reddish brown in color with a yellow marking, palmetto bugs can grow to be 1.5 to even 2 inches in length.  These roaches have wings but are not good flyers.

Cockroaches are found in residences and commercial buildings…anywhere that has food and water sources.  Homes, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, food processing plants, and even hospitals are common places that cockroaches can be found.  Kitchens, food storage areas, and basements are the usual areas roaches are found in because of food and water.  They can be found in dark, moist places like basements, drains, tubs, and sewers looking for water.

Keep roaches from invading your structure by:

  • Sealing off entry points.
  • Caulking around pipes and drains.
  • Keep kitchen and food preparation areas clean, especially at night.
  • Use a disinfectant on counter tops.
  • Wash, dry, and put away dishes.
  • Tightly seal food.
  • Tightly seal and remove garbage.

Roaches can be difficult to control once they have infested your home. Call the professionals for a quick and efficient way to get roaches out of your home.

Mosquito Eggs are Hatching Early…So What Does That Mean For You?

Mosquito eggs are hatching early…so what does that mean for you?

Reports have talked about the early mosquito season due to the warmer temperatures that we’ve experienced early in the season.  But will this impact your summer plans of being outdoors anymore than usual?  The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran a story featuring Northwest Exterminating that gives a glimpse of what we have to look forward to this summer with not just mosquitoes, but ants, kudzu bugs, and other pests as well.  The article includes reasons why we are seeing so many mosquitoes and tips on preventing them from invading your yard.

Read The AJC article here.

Although there are many DIY products and other mosquito control systems, Northwest recommends a monthly mosquito control program performed by licensed, experienced professionals.  Our Green Mosquito control uses products that are derived from flowers and bacteria to ensure that our program is effective and environmentally friendly.  For more information on our Green Mosquito Control or for a FREE inspection, visit us at callnorthwest.com.

Do it Yourself Pest Control VS. Professional Pest Control

There is a whole market for people who like to do it yourself.  I am one of them.  I enjoy the occasional weekend project around the house like painting, fixing a leaky faucet, or changing out fixtures.  However, there are some do it yourself projects that are just not for me.  I don’t touch wires, I don’t clean high chandeliers, and I don’t clean out gutters (thank goodness Northwest Exterminating does).  Those are the tasks that I leave for the professionals.

In the recent years of the down economy, we have witnessed more people resorting to a do it yourself method of getting rid of bugs.  There are certain situations where we agree that do it yourself is a good alternative to hiring an exterminator.  If you spot a single bug such as a fly, yellow jacket, or ant, there is usually no need for a professional pest control company to come to your home.  But if you spot a termite, a bed bug, or any other insect that can cause damage to your family or your home, it is necessary to call an exterminator.

There are certain things that need to be considered when deciding to DIY or hire a professional:

  • Expense

o   DIY – A trip to the store and the purchase of chemicals is typically less expensive than hiring a pest control company.

o   Professional – Although the initial investment is more expensive with a professional, it may end up being the cheaper alternative.  If the in store pesticides are not effective they may result in the growth of your pest control problem.  Continuing to buy in store products can get expensive.  Not to mention the potential damage to your home that pests can cause.

  • Convenience

o   DIY – When doing it yourself, you can go to the store, purchase the pest control product, and apply it at your own convenience.

o   Professional – It can be a pain to find a time that is convenient for both you and your exterminator to meet at your home for a treatment.  More often than not, this is at the inconvenience of the customer.  However, a good exterminator will work with the homeowner to schedule the best time for them.

  • Knowledge

o   DIY – The instructions are on the label.  Not only can information be found on the label but it is very easy to go to the internet and do a research on the particular product or insect.  Be sure that all instructions are followed exactly as listed on the package.

o   Professional – An experienced and knowledgeable exterminator will be able to quickly identify and treat your problem.  They are also able to answer any questions that you have about prevention or other issues that you are experiencing.  Their experience and expertise can keep your home and family healthier than just reading the instructions on a label.

  • Risk

o   DIY – Chemicals of any kind can carry a risk.  Applying chemicals that you are not knowledgeable about could potentially cause harm to humans, pets, or plants in the area.  This is not to scare you but to remind you that we cannot stress enough the importance to read all instructions and follow all directions listed on the product label. 

o   Professionals – By hiring an experienced and knowledgeable pest control company, most risk is removed from the homeowner.  Be sure to read all contracts and get reviews from past customers before hiring a pest control company.

  • Effectiveness

o   DIY – For small pest problems, store bought exterminating products can oftentimes be effective.  For a bigger infestation, it can be more difficult with store bought products.  Pests are adaptable creatures and can get become immune to certain chemicals after a certain amount of time. 

o   Professionals – A reliable pest control company will have up to date information and products to treat your infestation. 

  • Warranties

o   DIY – Depending on the store and product, you can return a product.  Check your local store return policies before purchasing.

o   Professionals – Always ask about a company’s policies before hiring them to treat your home.  Will they return to your home for no charge if your issue is not solved? Do they offer warranties on their work?  A good exterminating company will.

When trying to decide if you should tackle your pest control problem, consider the list above.  For a small infestation, do it yourself is a good option that can be inexpensive.  For larger infestations or a continuing problem, save yourself the time, hassle, and money and call a professional exterminator.  As always, the key to pest control is prevention. For pest prevention tips visit this blog.

If you have a pest or termite issue in the Atlanta, Columbus, Savannah, or Nashville area, call Northwest Exterminating. 

What kind of do-it-yourself projects do you enjoy?

Have you ever tried to do-it-yourself and had to call in the professionals?

 

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