Jun 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.
If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems. Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.
Lady Bug
– Beneficial insect
– Overwinters
– Feeds on aphids
– Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population
Box Elder Bug
– Overwinters
– Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant
– Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant
Milkweed Bug
– Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides
Leaf-Footed Stink Bug
– Feeds on a wide variety of host plants
– Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs
Wheel Bug
– Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax
– Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids
Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed
Jun 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.
If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems. Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.
Lady Bug
– Beneficial insect
– Overwinters
– Feeds on aphids
– Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population
Box Elder Bug
– Overwinters
– Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant
– Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant
Milkweed Bug
– Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides
Leaf-Footed Stink Bug
– Feeds on a wide variety of host plants
– Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell
– Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs
Wheel Bug
– Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax
– Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids
Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed
Jun 5, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Northwest Family would like to reach out to our clients, friends and community in order to support a dear friend of ours, Steve Ferguson. Steve Ferguson is a non-Hodgkins victim who has undergone several rounds of medical treatment in the last 16 years. Having exhausted all remaining options, Steve continues to fight, but his true chance of survival will come from someone like you! Steve needs a bone marrow transplant. Successful treatment will result in him being given the opportunity to continue being the amazing and loving person that he is to his friends and family.
You can become a bone marrow donor directly or provide financial support to all people who require Bone Marrow transplants by joining the Be The Match registry. There is no cost for registrants between the ages of 18 & 44, but a $100 cost for those 45-60.
We know that members of the Northwest Family are caring, kind-hearted people who are also surrounded by like-minded people. If you or anyone you know cares to help please join the registry. There is an event at Grace Community Church on 770 Kennesaw Avenue in Marietta, Georgia this coming Saturday, June 8th from 9a-1p. Please come out and show your support!
Jun 3, 2013 | Bed Bug
Brief description:
- Mahogany to re-brown in color
- Flat, broad when unfed; swollen and elongated when fed
- Ranging in size from 1.3mm to 7mm in length depending on the age
- Females can lay up to 500 eggs in their lifetime
- Bed bugs feed on the blood of warm bodied animals
- Consume a blood meal every 5-10 days but can survive a whole year without eating
Habits:
- Bed bugs harbor in cracks and crevices during the day and come out for blood feedings at night
- Hence their name, they are often found in beds among the mattress, box springs, rails, frame, headboard, and footboard
- They are excellent hitchhikers. They hide in luggage, purses, bags, and other belongings to travel from place to place
Different species:
Threats:
- Bites are painless but can cause an allergic reaction which triggers small, red bumps on the skin
Prevention:
- Inspect bedding for bed bug skins and blood spots
- Change linens often
- Inspect rooms when traveling.
- Do not set luggage on the floor or on bed when traveling
- Inspect luggage, clothing, and linens when you return from traveling
- Inspect second hand furniture before bringing it into your home
- Seek professional pest control company to address a bed bug infestation
Other pests to look out for:
– Beneficial insect
– Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds
