Jul 16, 2014 | Termite Control
You have termites…now what? What are your termite treatment options?
So you’ve called your termite extermination company out to your home and they confirmed your suspicions that yes, you have termites! There are many different termite treatment options so how do you know which one is right for your home?
Each termite infestation is unique, just like each home is unique. What works for your neighbor’s home may not work for yours. By working closely with your licensed termite professional, you can develop a customized termite treatment plan that is right for your situation.
So what are some of the termite treatment options?
- The Sentricon Termite Baiting System – This termite baiting system is an environmentally friendly option to preventing and eliminating termites. Termite monitoring stations are placed around the perimeter of your home. Termites take the bait and share it with other termites. When the bait is ingested it helps to control the termite colony.
- Liquid Termite Treatments – Liquid Termite treatments can be used inside, outside, and even on the structure. The method of application depends on the type of structure. Termites come into contact with the product, ingest it, and share it with their colony.
Regardless of what type of termite treatment you choose, it’s important that you maintain ongoing termite control. Your trusted termite exterminating company will help provide ongoing monitoring to ensure that your home stays free of termite infestations.
Northwest Exterminating offers free termite inspections.
Jul 9, 2014 | Termite Control, Uncategorized
How to Maintain the Value of Your Home with Termite Control
Your home is probably the biggest investment that you will make in your lifetime. Not only is it a monetary investment but it’s a place where you want to feel safe, comfortable, and at peace when you are there. So what does termite control have to do with the value of your home?
Termites work 24/7 to find food. Unfortunately for us, and our homes, their choice of food is wood…as in the wood that is used to build our houses. So here we have these creatures that are eating wood around the clock…they are bound to cause damage.
Termite damage can be severe. Each year, termites cause over $2 billion of damage to homes in the US. In most cases, termite damage is not covered under homeowner’s insurance. So with all of that being said, it’s easy to see why termite protection is important to maintain the value of your home.
Preventing Termite Damage To Your Home:
- Be proactive. Don’t wait until the damage is done. Prevent termite infestations before they have a chance to cause damage.
- Have a reputable exterminating professional perform a termite inspection on your home. This will help to determine if you have active termites or termite damage already. They can also educate you on things you can do to deter termites away from your home.
- Save time and money by working with your pest control professional to treat your home with the termite treatments that are right for your property and situation.
By maintaining the quality of your structure you are maintaining the value of your investment, your home.
Jun 30, 2014 | Mosquito
What Do You Need To Know About Chikungunya, the mosquito-borne virus?
By: Kate King
[email protected]
As many of you have been seeing or hearing in the news recently, the mosquito-borne virus, Chikungunya is being reported in the United States. The symptoms of Chikungunya are very similar to those of the flu: fever, joint pain, muscles aches, joint swelling, and possible rash. The symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last for about a week. However, the joint pain may continue for a longer period of time. The best thing for you to do if you are experiencing these symptoms is to get plenty of rest, keep hydrated, and take a pain reliever/fever reducer. You should also notify your doctor.
Let me first say that many of the cases reported are from people traveling in areas where the virus is found naturally. To date, there are no documented cases originating from within the United States, according to the CDC. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are found throughout the United States, so there is the potential for the virus to become established here.
There are a few things that you can do to help limit the possibility of being bitten by a mosquito and reduce the risk of chikungunya:
- Prevent standing water
- Dump water at least once a week to prevent mosquito larvae from becoming adults
- Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and close toe shoes
- Use a protective spray that will repel the mosquitoes
- Be cautious when standing in shaded areas – the mosquitoes that carry the virus are known for biting during the day, not during dawn and dusk as many other mosquitoes are
- Hire a professional mosquito control company
If you are experiencing an issue with mosquitoes on your property, or you would like to try and prevent any kind of issues, contact your local Pest Control Company.
Jun 18, 2014 | Bed Bug
Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite: The 411 on BedBugs
It’s not just a nursery rhyme anymore, it’s a way of life. Bedbugs are a real concern for people, especially those that travel, but those that stay close to home aren’t exempt from the threat of bedbugs. Luckily, bedbugs are more of a nuisance than a health hazard. Although not a health risk, it is imperative that you call a licensed pest professional if you think you have a bedbug infestation.
What Do Bedbugs Look Like?
Bedbugs are small, flat, wingless insects with 6 legs. Like mosquitoes, bedbugs feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are brown in color and turn a reddish brown after a feeding. Read more on how to ID a bedbug HERE.
Where Do Bedbugs Come From?
Bedbugs are great hitchhikers. They can catch a ride on luggage, purses, clothing, pets, boxes, and other belongings that are taken from place to place. That is why bedbugs are often found in hotels, apartments, dorm rooms, places where people often come and go. Bedbugs are a world-wide issue. At one time, they were most common in developing countries but due to increased international travel, they are an issue in the US and other developed countries.
What Do Bedbugs Eat?
As stated earlier, bed bugs feed on blood from humans and animals. They typically feed at night. After they feed, they become engorged and fall off of their host. It only takes them about 3 minutes to complete their meal. They can go weeks without feeding.
What Does a Bedbug Bite Feel Like?
Bedbugs inject a numbing agent in the body when feeding. In most cases, you won’t know if you are being bitten by a bedbug.
What Does a Bedbug Bite Look Like?
Bedbugs bites are itchy, red bumps, usually left in a straight line, on the skin. Bites are usually found on the upper body.
How to Treat A Bedbug Infestation?
It’s simple. Hire a licensed pest professional if you think you have a bedbug infestation. They can be very difficult to treat. In the mean time, inspect all mattresses and bedding, especially when traveling. Avoid putting your luggage on the floor or bed, instead use a luggage rack. When returning home, wash and dry clothing on the highest heat level. Make sure to check the cracks and crevices of any luggage before storing.
Jun 16, 2014 | Pest Control
Northwest Exterminating offers tick bite prevention advice for the summer season
As people venture outside to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather we want to encourage increased public awareness of ticks and their numerous health risks.
Certain species of ticks are capable of transmitting serious diseases to humans when they bite, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. We encourage people to take steps to protect themselves and their pets from tick bites when outdoors this summer and decrease the chances of contracting one of these tick-borne illnesses.
Below are some tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests.
Most effective ways to prevent a tick encounter, and tick bite, include:
- Landscape your yard. Keep grass cut low and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris. Ticks are found in high grass, and yards with shrubbery.
- Protect your skin. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes when outdoors, especially in wooded areas or tall grasses. Choose light colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks and other insects.
- Use an effective bug repellant. Always apply an insect repellant containing at least 20% DEET to protect against ticks when spending time outdoors, and reapply as directed on the label.
- Regularly check for ticks. Most ticks require 24-48 hours of feeding before they can successfully transmit infections, so it’s crucial to perform a thorough tick check immediately after spending time outdoors. Be sure to check all areas of the body, including the hair.
- Don’t forget about pets. Check pets frequently for ticks, especially after the animal has been outside. Consult with a veterinarian about prevention and treatment options available to pets and wash pet bedding and toys frequently.
- Brush up on proper removal techniques. (Read our post “How to Remove a Tick“) Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick, using a slow, steady pulling motion. Wash hands and the bite site thoroughly with soap and water, and flush the tick down a toilet or wrap it in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle.
- Contact a professional pest professional. Anyone suspecting a tick bite or experiencing symptoms, including a skin rash, joint pain or fever, should seek prompt medical attention. If ticks are a problem on your property, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and implement a treatment plan to reduce tick populations.
For more information on ticks, please visit https://www.callnorthwest.com/learning-center/identify-your-pest/ticks/.
Source: NPMA
