Jun 9, 2014 | Going Green, Mosquito
What If Mosquitoes Were Annihilated?
A recent video on Yahoo! News asked the question, “What If Mosquitoes were Annihilated?”. The video reminds us that mosquitoes, although tiny, have a HUGE impact on humans. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal killing more than 725,000 people each year. If mosquitoes are such a danger then why don’t we eradicate them?
Out of the 3,500 species of mosquitoes, only 3 of those are the cause of disease spread. Is it worth it to destroy habitats, danger the environment, and disrupt the life cycle of other animals?
To watch the video, “What If Mosquitoes were Annihilated?” click HERE.
We may not be able to kill mosquitoes across the world but we can assist you in mosquito control for your home in an environmentally friendly manner. Call us today for more information on our Green Mosquito Control Program.
Jun 6, 2014 | Company News, Pest Control
Northwest Exterminating Jumps 3 Spots to #19 on PCT’s Top 100
Each year PCT (Pest Control Technology) puts out a list of the Top 100 Companies. We are proud to say that Northwest Exterminating jumped 3 spots to #19 from last year! The list is compiled by the PCT staff.
In the article, Northwest Exterminating’s Stanford Phillips talks about our NorPest Green Pest Control service and how “Going Green” is truly a way of life at Northwest.”It’s really changed our culture overall. Green is who we are, it’s what we offer, and our purpose is to help create a healthier working and living environment. We’re out there with the purpose of leaving that home or business knowing that we’ve created a healthier environment for that family. That makes it personal.”
If you’re not using a green approach to your pest control, we highly recommend that you do. FOr more information on NorPest Green you can visit our website. We offer a FREE inspection for your home.
Jun 4, 2014 | Wildlife
Scientists Develop a Use for Rats in Space
By: Katherine King
It seems like every little kid, and some (most) adults, dream of going to space one day. The only trouble seems to be the whole lack of gravity thing, minor details. Scientists have come up with a new way to study the effects of microgravity on astronauts…rats!
Scientists have developed new, high-tech cages that will allow for constant monitoring of rats or mice as they are in space. The cage provides food, water, fresh air, lighting, and bars to aid in movement. It is designed so that the rats can move from a transport cage to their main habitat without risk of escape. Rats and mice are great study animals, because they have similar eating habits to humans, have been extensively studied, and have a short life span. The new information gathered from the rats and mice will help scientists to understand the effects of microgravity over time, and help astronauts to come back healthier than in the past.
Scientists may not have been studying rodents in space for very long, but Northwest Exterminating has been studying rodents in your “space” for years! If you have a rodent problem, call Northwest Exterminating today.
Jun 2, 2014 | Pest Control
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
Identification of stink bugs:
- Grayish-brown
- 6 legs
- Triangular or shield shped
- 2/4 in long
- Found in eastern US, as well as California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
What are stink bugs?
Brown marmorated “stink bugs” are an invasive species from Asia that arrived in Pennsylvania in 1996 and can now be found from South Carolina to New Hampshire and west to Indiana, as well as in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
Why are they called stink bugs?
Stink bugs get their name from the odor they emit as a defense against predators, including birds, spiders and assassin bugs. When handled or disturbed, stink bugs are able to secrete a bad-smelling fluid from pores on the sides of their bodies.
Are stink bugs more prevalent during a specific season?
Adult stink bugs enter homes and other structures in the late fall to seek shelter from the winter weather, often from mid-September through mid-October. They reemerge from overwintering sites in early spring and try to exit, but sometimes enter living spaces instead.
Why are stink bugs problematic?
Stink bugs have the potential to spread throughout the country, which could be increasingly harmful to the agricultural industry, as they destroy crops.
Do stink bugs pose a threat to human health?
Stink bugs are not known to bite humans, but their tendency to invade homes in high numbers makes them a difficult pest to control once inside.
What can homeowners do to prevent an infestation?
- Seal cracks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fans and light switches with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.
- Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum because stink bugs are drawn to light. Replace outdoor lighting with yellow bulbs, which are less attractive to stink bugs.
- Repair damaged window screens. Don’t forget to check for torn weather-stripping and loose mortar.
- Properly ventilate basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces to eliminate harborage points. Also, install screens over chimney and crawlspace vents.
- A licensed pest professional can pre-treat homes for stink bugs in the late summer or early fall just prior to their full maturation and congregation.
How can a homeowner get rid of stink bugs once they are inside their home?
- If stink bugs have already entered a home or building, use a vacuum cleaner to aid in their removal
- Remove the vacuum bag immediately to prevent odor from permeating the area, as dead stink bugs leave a residue inside the bag that can stink up your home.
- Seal contents from the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and dispose of it with your normal garbage.
- If an infestation has developed inside the home or building, a licensed pest professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the severity problem and help to identify the access points for these invasive species.
Source: Professional Pest Management Alliance
Photo Credit – Steven Jacobs Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
