Oct 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
The recent rain has kept more than just human beings inside…it’s caused lots of pests to head indoors as well. You may have seen an increase of bugs in and around your home or office where they are entering to seek shelter from the rain.
Easy steps to keeping pests out:
- Eliminate possible entry points. Check doors, windows, foundation, attic, and/or basement for places that could be used to gain entrance to your home. Insects can enter into the smallest of spaces.
- Seal cracks and crevices in and around the foundation and around pipes and electrical boxes.
- If you don’t have screens on your doors or windows then it’s best to keep them closed.
- Keep outside lights pointed away from your home. Most species are attracted to light.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
- Seal and take trash out on a regular basis.
- Check items brought into the home for pests.
- Hire a reputable pest management company to do regularly scheduled services that will help in preventing insects, pest, and rodents from entering your home or office.
Oct 9, 2013 | Uncategorized
The latest app in pest control is SEEDN or Southeast Early Detection Network. SEEDN allows you to report infestations by collecting data and submitting pictures right from your mobile device. The report is then emailed over to local and state verifiers. According to the site:
Now you can submit invasive species observations directly with your smartphone from the field. These reports are uploaded to EDDMapS and e-mailed directly to local and state verifiers for review. (http://apps.bugwood.org/seedn.html)
According to the site, non-native invasive species of pests and plants cost the US over $120 billion each year. Pest infestations and damage to plants and crops can cause issues for our health and economical issues. The SEEDN app allows us to report infestations quickly and gives a better chance at preventing other potential infestations. It also provides a helpful ID guide.
For those in the pest management field, this is a great tool to have on your mobile device. SEEDN is available for Apple products and Androids.
Oct 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
Termites are some of the hardest working pests in the business. 24/7 they are in search of food which is oftentimes the wood from our homes. Termites are responsible for an estimated amount of over 2 billion dollars worth of damage to home in the US each year.
One of the first signs of a termite infestation is spotting termite swarmers. Swarmers are winged termites that are often mistaken for flying ants. Swarming (flying) termites have only 2 body segments, straight antennae, and 2 sets of wings equal in length. Flying ants, on the other hand, have 3 body segments, bent antennae, and 2 sets of wings that differ in length. Mud tunnels or tubes along the foundation are also signs that termites have found their way to your home.
The best action against termites is to be proactive.
- Divert water away from the foundation of your property.
- Reduce humidity, especially in areas like attics, basements, and crawlspaces.
- Keep all wood at least 20 feet away from your home and at least 5 inches off the ground. Termites are known to travel in tunnels underground.
- Keep mulch at least 15 inches away from the foundation.
- Call Northwest Exterminating at the first sign of termites. Termite infestations need immediate action by a licensed pest professional.
Oct 2, 2013 | Uncategorized
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that mosquitoes are no longer a concern. Mosquitoes can continue to be an issue throughout fall.
Be sure that you are continuing to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your yard from mosquitoes.
- Remove areas of standing water (gutters, plants, lawn decor, tires, playgrounds, debris, etc).
- Keep screens on windows and doors.
- Use insect repellant when outdoors.
- Wear clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Wear light colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
- Hire professional pest management to treat your yard for mosquitoes and their breeding grounds.
Call Northwest Exterminating for mosquito control.
Sep 27, 2013 | Uncategorized
With cooler weather you may begin to see more pests coming into your home. Pests and rodents are looking for a warm place with food and shelter and homes and businesses are prime real estate for them. We often talk about the health risks and the nuisances that unwelcomed pests bring into a home.
The NPMA recommends the following steps to keep your home pest free this fall:
- Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys.
- Eliminate moisture sites, including leaking pipes and clogged drains.
- Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention where utility pipes enter the structure.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house; keep shrubbery well trimmed.
- Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens.
- Inspect items such as boxes of decorations and grocery bags before bringing them indoors.
For pest protection for your home or business call Northwest Exterminating.
Source: NPMA – Fall Pest-Proofing Helps Keep Pests Outdoors
