Dec 9, 2013 | Uncategorized
What to Look for When Choosing an Exterminator.
Last week we talked about the reasons that it can be best to hire a professional pest control company (Why Choose a Professional Pest Control Company?) to come in rather than doing-it-yourself. A simple recap: Professionals are the experts in their field and are better equipped to identify the problem and the source, treat the problem, and develop a plan to keep pests or rodents from returning.
Whether faced with an infestation or looking for preventative measures, here are some tips on What to Look for When Choosing an Exterminator:
- Do your research. Don’t just go with the first company that comes up in Google or in the phone book.
- Ask friends, neighbors, and view review websites like Yelp or Angie’s List.
- Look for companies that are members of local or national pest management associations. These companies have to live up to higher standards than the exterminators that are not part of these associations.
- ALWAYS use licensed pest control companies.
- Call the State Department of Agriculture for more information on a professional pest control company.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that you fully understand the treatments and all other aspects of the contract BEFORE signing.
- Ask about warranties and guarantees. What do they cover? How long do they last? Upkeep? What do you need to do to hold up your end of the contract?
- Choose based on VALUE, not cost. Just because it’s cheaper doesn’t mean that it’s better. You may end up spending more money in the long run if a quality job isn’t done the first time around.
- Talk to more than one company so you can compare the services, quality, cost, etc.
- Visit www.pestworld.org for exterminators in your area.
Dec 6, 2013 | Pest Control
Some things are just better left to the professionals. Why Choose Professional Pest Control?
When dealing with bugs in your home or business, there are often times that do-it-yourself measures do the trick and get rid of your pest problem. However, when you have a bug infestation, it’s best to realize that it is probably a job that is better off left to the professionals. Knowledge is power – and knowing exactly what you’re working with is key to eliminating your pest problems. A pest professional, or exterminator will be able to:
- Identify the pest – knowing the difference between a carpenter ant and an Argentine ant can make a huge difference when it comes to correct treatments.
- Eliminate the source – you may not realize that something in your home is being used as bait or an open invitation for pests to invade.
- Effective treatment – based of the type of pest, an exterminator is able to suggest what treatment plan will be most efficient and effective for your home or business.
- Ongoing plan – based on the information gathered, pest sources, and treatment options, a professional pest control company, along with the home or business owner, is able to develop a customized plan that can help prevent pest problems in the future.
All of the above reasons help to alleviate headaches that come with DIY, saves you from dumping unneeded or inefficient chemicals around your property, often times can save you money, and helps to reduce the risk of returning pests.
Call Northwest Exterminating to make sure your home or business stays pest free.
Dec 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
We often think of critters in our house as the big bad monsters that are under our bed. In our minds, these intruders are the size of a Great Dane running around in our walls or in our attic. But that’s not always the case. A house mouse is typically between 2 1/2-3 3/4″ long, not the monster we imagine it to be in our heads.
The world is full of tiny little creatures. And it seems that bigger isn’t always better since so many things come in “mini” versions; mini candy bars, mini dogs, mini cars, iPad minis…things seem cuter when they’re MINI. Animals are no different! Miniature animals are sure to elicit an “awwwww” from even the toughest hearts!
Check out this Flickr page of “Tiny Animals on Fingers“. There are lots of pictures that are sure to make you smile!
Nov 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
Allow Kids to Create and Learn about Bugs with Critter Crafts
Christmas is a month away which means the kids will soon be getting out of school for Christmas break. During these days you’ll need to keep them occupied when they’re cooped up inside the house. Luckily, PestWorldforKids.org has got you covered with their Critter Crafts.
Critter Crafts are educational kid crafts that are creative bug inspired projects that are fun for kids…and even adults. You can keep kids occupied by creating ladybug hats, bumblebee bookmarks, mouse headbands, and lots of other fun creations.
It doesn’t stop at arts and crafts though, it also has some great ideas for some pest inspired snacks as well. Worms in dirt, celery and PB butterflies, and apple ladybugs are just a few of the delicious looking treats that they feature on their site.
PestWorldforKids.org offers a lot of entertaining games and learning tools for kids. Help your kids to learn about bugs and rodents…they are part of nature afterall!
Nov 22, 2013 | Uncategorized
The Proper Steps to Getting Rodents Out of Your Home
If you’ve read this blog before then you know that prevention is key. Whether talking about ants, termites, mice, or other pests and rodents, prevention is always the first step. Taking the proper steps to prevent these creatures from entering your home is the key to eliminating pest and rodent problems.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, rodents, such as rats and mice, spread over 35 diseases. Their diseases are spread through contamination by urine, feces, saliva, or bites.
So what are the proper steps to getting rid of rodents in your home?
First, is a thorough inspection of your home by a licensed professional who is knowledgeable about wildlife removal. Northwest Exterminating’s wildlife team specializes in the exclusion, removal, and control of rodents and wildlife. The wildlife team will inspect your property for any current infestations and points of entry. After that, they will work with you to customize a plan to get rid of any current rodents and the necessary steps to prevent future rodent infestations.
Second, is trapping the rodent. After your rodent control specialist has inspected your property and identified the infestation they will place traps or bait in the areas where the rodents will most likely travel.
Third, after rodents have been trapped and controlled, the wildlife team will work with you to take the necessary steps to prevent future rats and mice from returning. Proper prevention can include but is not limited to sealing cracks, blocking off entry points, eliminating food sources, and cutting back tree limbs from the roofline.
Lastly, it is very important that after the rodents have been properly trapped and out of your home that the area is carefully cleaned to avoid the spread of disease. Droppings and urine should be cleaned immediately, any nests should be removed, damaged wires repaired, and contaminated insulation should be replaced.
For more questions on rodent or wildlife control please call 888-466-7849 or visit us at www.callnorthwest.com
