Jun 13, 2014 | DIY, DIY Mosquito Control, Mosquito
How to Treat a Mosquito Bite
If you spend any time outside, especially in the Southern states, there is a good chance you will get a mosquito bite. The female mosquito (males don’t bite) feed on blood. Once they bite they cause a minor allergic reaction. You will most often see the skin raise and turn red. The itch comes from the allergic reaction to the saliva, an anticoagulant, that the mosquito injects while sucking your blood.
So how can you treat a mosquito bite?
- Wash the affected area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to remove any excess saliva that is still on the skin.
- Apply ice to the bite as soon as you become aware that you’ve been bitten. Ice will help alleviate pain and swelling.
- Apply an anti-itch medication to the area of the bite. You can also try home remedies such as applying toothpaste, baking soda, mouth wash, or Epsom salt.
- Although it can be difficult, avoid scratching. Scratching will only further aggravate the itch and prolong healing.
How to avoid getting bit by a mosquito:
- Have your property treated by a licensed mosquito control company.
- Apply an insect repellent to deter mosquitoes.
- Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed toed shoes when possible.
- Read our blog 10 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites
Jun 11, 2014 | Mosquito
Tips to Prevent Mosquito Bites When Outdoors this Summer
Warmer weather is finally here and we know our residents are no doubt spending more time outdoors. However, with increased outdoor activity, the public is at risk of becoming a meal for summer’s most dangerous and pesky pest – the mosquito. That’s why we are urging the public to take preventative measures to protect themselves and their families.
Mosquitoes are emerging early across the country due to recent rainfall and an increase in temperatures. With the threat of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, it’s important for people to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites when spending time outdoors in the coming months.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests, offers the following tips to avoid becoming a mosquito meal:
- Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flowerpots, birdbaths, baby pools, grill covers and other objects where water collects. Mosquitoes need only about a ½ inch of water to breed.
- Screen all windows and doors. Repair even the smallest tear or hole.
- Minimize outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.If you must be outside during those times, consider staying inside a screened-in porch or dressing in clothing that leaves very little exposed skin.
- Avoid wearing dark colors, loose-fitting garments, and open-toe shoes.
- Always use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors or traveling, especially in areas known to have increased mosquito populations.
For more information on mosquitoes and other summer pests, please visit www.callnorthwest.com.
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.
