May 22, 2023 | Pest Control
During the spring and fall you will often see an influx of ladybugs in your home. While they don’t pose a real health threat to you, they can stain carpets, upholstery, and walls. Why are these pests invading your house and how can you get rid of them?
Ladybugs will make their way indoors in the fall to overwinter in the warm shelter of your home. Once inside, they will hide until the warm weather of spring comes back around. It is at this time they will reemerge to try and return outdoors to reproduce.
Once inside, you will often find them clustered together in the corners of attics and basements or near doors and windows, especially those with large amounts of light. Once they make their way indoors, ladybugs will release a pheromone that signals other ladybugs to follow them.
Although they aren’t harmful, ladybugs can be a nuisance, especially when they invade in large numbers. You can prevent ladybugs by:
- Winterizing your home using weatherstripping on doors and windows, using tight fitting screens, and caulking or sealing any cracks or other potential openings.
- Vacuuming. You can use a vacuum cleaner to safely relocate live ladybugs outside. Put a rag between the dust bag and the hose to catch them, then release them once you get them outdoors. You can also vacuum dead bugs so they don’t stain paint and fabric.
- Using natural repellents to deter them. You can put a small bag of bay leaves or cloves near areas of your home where you often see them gathering. You can also use essential oils sprayed in populated areas to repel them. Some scents include citronella, menthol, peppermint, clove, and citrus.
If your DIY efforts are futile or you just want the help of a professional, contact your local pest control company for an analysis.
May 16, 2023 | CrawlSpace
Crawlspaces are often neglected and forgotten about, but they play an important role in your home’s health and safety. They can also be a prime spot for pests to invade, leading to a range of problems such as damage to your home’s foundation, poor indoor air quality, and potential health hazards. Let’s discuss how to care for your crawlspace and keep pests away with the help of encapsulation and CrawlSpace Seal.
What is a Crawlspace?
A crawlspace is a low, unfinished space beneath your home that provides access to your home’s plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. It’s typically constructed with a dirt or concrete floor and is accessible through a small door or hatch. They can be damp and prone to moisture problems, making them an attractive spot for pests to invade.
Crawlspace Encapsulation:
Encapsulation is the process of sealing your crawlspace to prevent moisture from entering. This can involve installing a moisture barrier or vapor barrier on the floor and walls of your crawlspace. This barrier helps to keep moisture out of the space, preventing mold growth and other moisture-related problems. Crawlspace encapsulation can also help to keep pests away by eliminating their sources of food and water.
CrawlSpace Seal:
CrawlSpace Seal is a solution that is applied to the wooden structures in the space, such as floor joists and beams. This solution helps to repel pests and prevent them from damaging the wooden structures. This service is safe and environmentally friendly, and it’s an effective way to protect your home from pests without using harmful chemicals.
How to Keep your Crawlspace Healthy:
- Keep the space dry: Check regularly for signs of moisture, such as dampness or standing water. If you notice any moisture buildup, address it promptly to prevent mold growth and other moisture-related problems.
- Install screens: Install screens over any vents or openings in your crawlspace to prevent pests from entering.
- Keep the area clean: Remove any debris or clutter from the space, as this can provide hiding places for pests.
- Regular inspections: Schedule regular inspections with a pest control professional to ensure the area is free of pests and other problems.
With the help of encapsulation and CrawlSpace Seal services, as well as regular maintenance and inspections, you can keep your crawlspace in good condition and protect your home from unwanted pests. Give your local pest control company a call today for a free inspection!
May 16, 2023 | Pest Control
It’s quite common to see an influx of roaches after a heavy rain. American cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches are commonly found outdoors. Heavy rain flushes them out of sewers and other hiding spots and sends them scurrying for a dry place to escape, often inside your home. Once inside, they’ll seek out dark, warm, moist hiding spots to take refuge. Cockoaches can be quite a problem when they infest your home. They contaminate any surfaces they touch and can trigger allergies and asthma. What can you do to keep these pests out of your home after a rain? Here are 10 roach prevention tips to utilize this season.
- Install screen drains in sinks and tubs.
- Keep your water traps full.
- Don’t leave any food out overnight, including pet food.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Don’t leave dishes out overnight.
- Clean out sink drains regularly.
- Take the trash out often.
- Regularly inspect pipes to clear any blockages and help prevent leaks and/or bursts.
- Keep gutters clear of debris.
- Ensure weatherstripping is used on doors and windows.
If you implement these roach prevention tips and still have a problem with roaches or any other household pests, contact your local pest control company for an evaluation.
May 11, 2023 | Florida Mosquito Control
The humid, tropical weather of South Florida is the perfect climate for mosquitoes to thrive. These pesky pests are known to be a nuisance while we enjoy outdoors and to be a health risk. As summer approaches and the weather continues to get warm, it’s important for every homeowner to understand mosquito activity, the health risks they bring, and prevention tips to keep your family safe.
Why Are Mosquitoes Invading My South Florida Property?
Mosquitoes are searching for standing water and a blood meal for survival. Standing water provides them a place to lay their eggs to allow larvae to develop, and they only need a small amount of water to do so. Likewise, these pests do feed on blood, but only female mosquitoes. Females bite and feed on humans so they can lay fertile eggs. While most mosquito species breed continuously, a female mosquito will typically search for a blood meal every two days to lay another batch of eggs.
What Are the Health Risks Mosquitoes Bring?
Besides the itchy welt, there are many people who have been bitten by mosquitoes and experienced no side effects. However, these pests are known to be the cause of diseases. They will feed off a diseased host, leading to the spread of pathogens that can infect other hosts. In the United States, they are known to spread the West Nile Virus, dengue fever, and Eastern equine encephalitis.
How Can I Prevent Mosquitoes in My Yard?
There are several ways homeowners can deter these nuisance pests away from their yards. Check out our top do-it-yourself preventative measures to place in your yard to prevent mosquitoes from invading:
- Eliminate items that can hold water, including toys, buckets, pet bowls, tarps, old tires, and hollowed logs or stumps.
- Keep your yard well landscaped by mowing your grass often and cutting back your shrubs.
- If you have wood piles in your yard, keep it at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Utilize screens on all windows and doors if you keep them open.
- Clean your gutters of leaves and debris to prevent pooling and standing water.
- Keep your pools, ponds, and bird baths clean every few days.
Implementing these preventative measures will always help to keep mosquitoes away, but sometimes it’s best to call a professional for extra support. These professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection, source reduction techniques, prevention methods, and treatment methods to eliminate both larvae and adult mosquitoes. Contact your local pest control company for a mosquito control quote.
May 11, 2023 | Company News
Each year, the National Pest Management Association celebrates women in the industry with the Impact Awards. In 2023, Northwest saw four of our teammates nominated and four of our teammates be honored with this Award.
The Impact Awards honor and celebrate exceptional women at all levels within the pest management industry, in any role, including management, technical/service, sales, or office staff. What is unique about Northwest’s four recipients is that each joined the Northwest Family from an acquisition. We are thankful for teammates like Andrea, Chrystal, Stephanie, and Mercedes for all they do to make Northwest, Northwest. Below we share more about what makes each of these four honorees extraordinary!
Andrea Arrieta, Region 12
Andrea joined the Northwest Family in 2021 and is currently the Regional Administrator for our South Florida region. Andrea personifies the Northwest Service Standards of Initiative, Open to Growth, and Embrace Change. When joining the Northwest team, she took on an interesting, dual role throughout a brand and company transition. She took on this challenge with grace, learning and shaping procedures to support her Northwest team and customers. She is patient, helpful, and understanding, consistently looking for opportunities to make processes better. Andrea completed Northwest’s Leadership Experience in 2023.
Teammates from across the region look to her for guidance and coaching. She has embraced her new role, with teammates from across the region celebrating all she has done and continues to do for others around her. She is an extraordinary addition to the Northwest Family!
Chrystal McCoy, Team Support Center
Chrystal joined the Northwest Family in 2021. She was in the pest control industry for over 20 years prior, developing a wealth of knowledge, relationships, and industry experience. Previously in an Office Manager role, Chrystal had a vast understanding of service software and office procedures that the Northwest team quickly wanted to elevate and celebrate. She embraced a new role, Operations Support Specialist, in 2022, which allowed her the unique opportunity to split her talents between operations, information technology, and accounting needs. Chrystal completed Northwest’s Leadership Experience in 2023.
Chrystal’s software understanding has been leaned on heavily throughout several brand transitions in 2022 and 2023. She embodies the Northwest Service Standards of Honor Our Teammates, Communication, Embrace Change, and Initiative. She is consistent, supportive, and a problem solver. All who know her know she is someone they can rely on. She is always looking for ways to improve herself and others around her. Chrystal makes a difference with every project she supports, and Northwest is made better with her as a teammate!
Stephanie Hill, Region 12
Stephanie joined the Northwest Family in 2021. She has previously held leadership positions within the Rollins Family of Brands and currently serves as Northwest’s Regional Director. Stephanie took on the opportunity to grow the Northwest brand with an acquisition in South Florida. With Stephanie’s PhD in Urban Entomology, she brings a firm technical understanding while also being a leader who is supportive, growth-focused, and attentive. Stephanie completed Northwest’s Leadership Experience in 2023.
Stephanie leads Northwest’s Region 12 teammates through the various procedural, operational, and brand changes with a steadfast consistency and confidence that all appreciate. She is an extraordinary example of WOW with Pride and Professionalism, Embrace Change, and Celebrate. Northwest is thankful for Stephanie’s care for others and continued leadership.
Mercedes Moreno, Region 12
Mercedes joined the Northwest Family in 2021 and is currently the Office Manager for our Miami Gardens Service Center. Mercedes has been and continues to be an integral part of MiamiGarden’s success. She consistently looks for ways to bring her team together and work toward the common goal of a successful service center. She leads by example, offering her kindness and patience to those around her and to those who need it most. She is also a 2023 Northwest Leadership Experience graduate. Her teammates are quick to recognize not only how she embraces any type of change but also how she takes the time to help those around her with it too. Mercedes is an extraordinary example and embodiment of Northwest’s Service Standards, Servant’s Heart, Open to Growth, and Embrace Change.
No matter who is asked, every teammate will agree that she is a joy to work with! Northwest is grateful for the consistent commitment and professionalism Mercedes brings to the Northwest Family.
To learn more about the National Pest Management’s Association’s Impact Award winners from across the United States, including Northwest’s four extraordinary teammates, you can read more at the NPMA’s website.
