Sep 6, 2023 | Good Deed Team
Northwest Exterminating recently hosted its second annual Teammate Appreciation Day across its 50+ Service Centers! Our teams were able to celebrate in their own way and they had an extraordinary time getting together to recognize all of their achievements!
Each Service Center Manager put together a surprise celebration to honor their teammates for all that they do for each other, for Northwest, and for our communities. Some opted for hosting a 50s themed trivia game, bowling, cook outs, and beach themed celebrations! Teammates also received their yearly Northwest t-shirt. Dedicating a day to truly thank our teammates will continue to be important for our teams, as Northwest wouldn’t be Northwest without our extraordinary people.
Our teams had a great time taking some time to just hang out and show their appreciation for that they’ve accomplished in 2023. We can’t wait to see how they celebrate Teammate Appreciation Day next year!
Sep 6, 2023 | Good Deed Team
Our Northwest Good Deed Team is your school’s biggest fan! Some of our favorite initiatives include local schools across the Southeast. Recently, we had two teams collect school supplies for their local areas. Let’s see what these teams were able to accomplish!
Our Fort Myers team was able to collect snacks, markers, cleaning supplies, and paper supplies for a local school in their area. They decided to give back to the Cape Academy due to their being a close connection to one of our teammates. We love to see our teams come together to give back!
Likewise, our Realtor and Sales team partnered up to participate in the 6th Annual Kid’s Shop Charity Event held in Buford, Georgia. This event is held to assist foster children in the area with shopping for their own school supplies. Each child is given a $150 gift card and a VIP personal shopper to help them pick out their own supplies and learn to shop on a budget. Our team was able to sponsor and provide backpacks for the event. We can’t wait to see what they do next year!
We know that any help for these schools or students means a lot. Our teammates enjoyed the opportunity to serve their local areas and look forward to partnering with them again in the future.
Sep 4, 2023 | Termite Control
Termites are a major problem in the southeastern region of the United States. These wood-eating insects can cause extensive damage to homes and are active year-round. However, Georgia termite season typically peaks from March to November.
The period termites are visible depends on a variety of factors, including the type of termite, the weather, the amount of moisture in the soil, and human activity.
The two main types of termites you might encounter in your area are subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites are more active during the warmer months, when the soil temperature is above a certain degree. They forage for food underground, so they can be affected by the changes in soil temperature. These termites can remain active in the winter if they find a warm, moist area, such as a basement. Typically found in more southern, coastal areas in Georgia, drywood termites can be active year-round, as they are found inside the wood that is in your home, allowing them not to be exposed to temperature variations.
Controlling termites is a two-part process: preventing termites from accessing your home and treating known termite colonies. Methods to help prevent termites from damaging your home include:
- Receiving regular termite inspections yearly is recommended.
- Working with your termite technician to address any concerns, such as wood-to-ground contact or excess moisture
- Receiving a customized termite prevention plan perfect for your property needs
Although termites are less active in cooler months, it doesn’t mean your home is off their mind. Give our team a call today to get ready for the termites’ off-season!
Aug 31, 2023 | Pest Control
Fall weather has a significant impact on pest activity. As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, many fall pests will begin to seek out warm, sheltered places to overwinter. This can lead to an increase in pests in your home and yard.
Some of the most common fall pests active in the fall include:
- Spiders: Spiders are looking for a warm, dry place to overwinter, and your home can provide the perfect spot. They will often build webs in corners, basements, and attics.
- Boxelder Bugs: Boxelder bugs are attracted to the sweet sap of boxelder trees. As the weather cools, they will start to look for a place to stay warm and your home may be the target.
- Ladybugs: Ladybugs are beneficial insects, but they can become a nuisance in the fall. As they start to look for a place to overwinter, they may congregate in large numbers in your home.
- Cockroaches: Roaches are active year-round, but they are more likely to be seen in the fall as they seek out warm, moist places to overwinter.
- Rodents: Rats and mice are also active in the fall, as they are looking for food and shelter. They may find their way into your home through cracks and holes in your foundation.
Prevent fall pests from invading your home this fall by following these tips:
- Seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation or siding.
- Inspect your home for signs of pests, such as droppings, webs, or nests.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Clean up any debris or leaves around your home.
- Give your local pest control company a call for a free inspection and customized treatment plan!
Aug 28, 2023 | Florida Pest Control
After a rainstorm, the last thing we want to deal with in our Florida homes is an influx of pests. Unfortunately, prolonged periods of heavy rains can cause certain pests to emerge, seek shelter, and cause damage to your home. To prevent pests after rain, it’s important to understand the prevention measures to put in place.
Prepare Before the Storm
If reports of a potential rainstorm or hurricane emerge, look to inspect the exterior and interior of your home to help identify any issues that could lead to a pest infestation. Look for any cracks, crevices, holes, or gaps throughout your home, and seal them up with a silicone-based caulk as soon as possible. Likewise, ensure that your downspouts are diverted away from the foundation rather than towards it. Look to place both your garbage and any mulch away from your home too.
Remove Standing Water
After a storm, your property could see plenty of standing water throughout. Unfortunately, pests like mosquitoes and roaches seek out excess moisture for survival. Look to remove all standing water from your property to avoid an influx of pests. Remove items holding water, such as buckets, old tires, tarps, etc. Likewise, clear out debris and leaves from your gutters.
Remove Spoiled Food
With storms comes the chance that power outages may occur. If these outages last for a while, your stored food could go bad. Pests, like flies and rodents, seek out rotten food to eat, making it crucial to remove it as soon as possible. Deposit any food that’s gone bad in a sealed trash bag outside of the house. Likewise, ensure that any discarded food outside is also picked up and thrown away.
Identify Water Damage
Rotting wood caused by water damage can attract destructive pests like termites, who will chew wood from the inside out. If these pests infest, they can cost millions of dollars in repairs. After a storm, inspect your home for any water damage that may have occurred. Remove any rotting debris, fix damaged pipes, and fill areas in your yard where water has pooled with dirt.
Inspect for Openings or Holes
High winds and rain result in damage to our homes. Any openings that lead inside your home are an open invitation to larger pests such as rats, mice, raccoons, and squirrels to seek shelter. It’s important to inspect these areas after a storm has occurred. Damaged roofing, siding, and soffits can provide entry points inside the home. If you see any openings, look to seal them with caulk or steel wool.
Call a Professional
If you notice more pests than you can handle after a storm, it’s best to reach out to your local pest control company. These professionals will inspect your property, identify the type of pest that’s infested, and recommend the best treatment and prevention plan.
