Sep 30, 2011 | Company News, Going Green
Northwest Exterminating recently teamed up with WSB-TV in their Going Green Georgia campaign. Going Green Georgia is a commitment to our community to educate Georgia on all things Green. In this segment, you will see how Northwest Exterminating features Green Services that keep your home healthy while also being environmentally friendly. This video highlights our NorPest Green Pest Control, Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System, and TAP Insulation. For more information on any of these services visit us online or call 888.466.7849.
If video does not automatically load, click HERE.
Sep 28, 2011 | Pest Control
The bedbug infestation has been a biting issue in the news recently. Not only has the infestation hit homes but there are also reports of exterminating companies that have claimed to be able to get rid of the bugs but just take your money instead. This is another reason why it is important to hire a reputable pest control company, like Northwest Exterminating. Make sure that you research your pest control company by getting referrals, visiting the BBB, or other service review websites.
With all of the above being said, it is best to be proactive in preventing bedbugs from coming into your home. Here are some tips that can save you the horror of finding bedbugs in your home and the hassle of hiring a pest control company:
- Inspect all used furniture before you purchase and bring into your home. For tips on how to inspect for bedbugs click HERE
- Make any repairs where bedbugs could hide. Look for cracks in plaster, loose wallpaper, loose lights or fixtures, and gaps in baseboards or shelving.
- When traveling, always use a luggage rack instead of putting luggage on the bed or floor.
- When traveling, inspect the mattress and headboard before getting into the bed.
- Upon returning from traveling, unpack luggage directly into a washing machine.
- Wash and dry any clothing you may suspect has bedbug debris. The heat from the dryer will kill the bugs.
- Inspect and vacuum out luggage before storing away.
- Empty vacuum in a tightly sealed bag and immediately discard outside.
For more information on bedbugs, click HERE.
Sep 26, 2011 | Fire Ant
We’re officially in the Fall season and you’re thinking that you are in the clear when it comes to fire ants…ALMOST! The nice fall weather brings fire ants to the surface after spending the summer underground. Fall is an ideal time to target fire ants for next spring.
We typically think of treating in the spring and summer but southern states such as Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina can treat in the fall as well. Fire ants generally slow down in the winter months so in the fall baits produce better results before the cold weather arrives.
Fire ants are travelers so it’s a good idea to team up with your neighbors to start a fire ant control program together. Northwest Exterminating offers a fire ant program that works within 24-72 hours. Other products can take up to 30 days to control fire ants, need immediate irrigation to work, can be harmful to family and pets, and may require over 80 pounds of product to work. Northwest’s fire ant service is fast, effective, covers the entire yard to wipe out colonies, even the ones underground, and it’s environmentally friendly to your family and pets. Call us today to find out how you can take the first step in protecting your yard from fire ants.
Sep 23, 2011 | Pest Control
Today marks the first day of fall. Just because most pests don’t tend to build nests in the fall doesn’t mean that they aren’t still present. While it is common for a number of pests to seek shelter in the fall and even winter in areas such as Georgia, Tennessee, and other areas in the Southeast, you may still be seeing activity around your home. There are a number of things that can be done to keep your home free of pests throughout the fall and winter seasons.
- Make sure outdoor lights are not located directly above a door. Insects are drawn to that area and will wait there for an opportune time to come into your home.
- Make sure all screens fit securely and any gaps around the structure, larger than a pencil, are filled or sealed.
- Keep doors closed when not going in or out.
- Reduce clutter at entrance areas or next to openings.
- Trim all vegetation around the structure to at least 18″ away from the building.
- Make sure any compost such as leaf piles and bags of leaves are located away from the structure.
- Treatments to the exterior of your home, such as your final mosquito control treatment for the season, can help tremendously.
- Vacuum inside the home often for pest prevention and to remove any pest that may have gotten inside the home.
Sep 21, 2011 | Pest Control
lo caterpillar
When most people think of pests that sting they think of bees, ants, or wasps…not caterpillars. I mean, caterpillars are those cute little furry things that grow into beautiful butterflies…they don’t sting! WRONG! Well, some do. In most cases, caterpillars only sting when they feel as though they are in danger. Caterpillars are equipped with quill like hairs that are connected to poison sacs. When these hairs are touched, they break through the skin and release the poison into the skin. The majority of people stung by a caterpillar will have mild itching and irritation. However, there are those rare occasions where people have needed medical attention.
If you are stung by a stinging caterpillar, place scotch tape over the area and rip off repeatedly in order to remove the caterpillar’s hairs. Apply an ice pack to remove the stinging and apply a paste of baking soda mixed with water. As in any case of bites or stings, if reactions worsen or continue, contact a medical professional.
There are several different species of stinging caterpillars such as lo caterpillar, monkey slug, puss caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, spiny oak-slug and the white flannel moth caterpillar. Caterpillars can be brought into buildings through plants or can be found on the outside walls. Generally, no control is needed where caterpillars are found. Avoidance or trapping the caterpillar and setting it free in a different area are the best solutions.
