Sep 30, 2022 | Good Deed Team
Recently, our Miami Service Center participated in a walk/run with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This marks the third year they have participated in the walk/run, as they believe this is an opportunity to help create a hopeful future to end childhood cancer. Many of our teammates are passionate about not only supporting local organizations but also ones specific to supporting children, so having teammates come together from multiple South Florida service centers for such a great cause was incredible. This was the team’s first year participating in the walk/run as Northwest, and the Northwest team truly appreciated being able to support our SFL team even from states away. The Mouse was even able to make an appearance!
Our Miami team believes, “When you are there for the community, the community is there for you.” Being able to make memories while supporting St. Jude’s mission and joining many more who share the same vision is a big why behind this yearly commitment. The teammates enjoyed getting to make a difference while spending time together supporting St. Jude.
Teammates and their families from across the South Florida offices participated in the walk/run, with The Northwest Mouse making its appearance for the first time! This was the team’s first year supporting St. Jude as part of the Northwest Family. Co-Directors of the Good Deed Team, as well as other Northwest teammates came to support our South Florida team, and it was a great first event to be able to do together. We are so grateful for a team who makes time to give back to and support our local communities in big and small ways.
St. Jude has been a leader in the understanding and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases since 1962. With multiple historical milestones under the hospital’s belt, they have been able to provide world-class service to children who suffer from unspeakable diseases. With the help of our South Florida team, the hospital was able to move a step closer to an overall cure.
If you wish to learn more about St. Jude and how you can help end childhood cancer, visit here: www.stjude.org.
All images courtesy of Silently Loud Photography.
Sep 29, 2022 | Pest Control
The cooler weather of fall drives many pests indoors in search of warmth from the cold, shelter from the weather, and food when supplies are scarce. These overwintering pests will spend the cold season indoors, often in your home, until the weather warms back up in the spring. Some common fall pests are spiders, rodents, roaches, and stinkbugs. Don’t let these pests take over your home this fall. Keep them out with these 4 fall pest proofing tips.
1. Seal Them Out
The first step in pest-proofing your home is to seal them out. Pests can be very creative when it comes to finding ways into your home. Screen attic vents, chimney openings, mail slots, and pet doors. Seal any cracks or crevices on the exterior of your home with caulk or steel wool. Seal around any utility pipes that enter your home. Replace or repair weatherstripping on doors and windows. Repair any loose mortar around windows and foundations. Install door sweeps on your doors. Repair and replace any window screens.
2. Dry It Out
Most pests need water to survive. Many prefer a moist environment to thrive in. Eliminating sources of water will help keep pests out of your home. Keep crawlspaces, attics, and basements dry and ventilated. Consider crawlspace enclosure. Use a dehumidifier in garages and basements. Make sure you have a proper drainage system installed outside your home. Install gutters and keep them clear of debris. Consider installing gutter guards to help eliminate clogs. Make sure drainpipes are diverting water away from foundations. Repair any leaks as soon as possible. Get rid of any standing water on your property.
3. Clean It Up
Pests will also be drawn to any areas of your home where they can find food. Eliminating these food sources will go a long way towards pest-proofing your home. Keep kitchen counters and appliances clean. Store food in airtight containers. Empty your trash regularly and use trashcans with lids. Clean up after each meal, making sure to not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Seep, mop, and vacuum regularly. Don’t leave pet food or water out overnight.
4. Don’t Forget Outside
Some pests will lurk outside your home and use every opportunity they can to hitchhike their way inside. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and inspect it carefully before bringing it indoors. Keep shrubbery trimmed and grass mowed. Don’t let any limbs or branches touch the exterior of your home. Inspect any storage boxes, decorations, etc. before bringing them inside.
If you have a problem with pests during any season of the year, contact your local pest control company for a thorough evaluation.
You May Also Be Interested In:
3 Types of Cockroaches & How to Prevent Them
Why Am I Seeing Oriental Cockroaches?
Fall Termite Control – Is it Necessary?
Wildlife to Look Out for This Fall
The Importance of Mosquito Treatments
Sep 27, 2022 | Pest Control
It’s never ideal to encounter cockroaches in your home. If you do, it’s best to know what types of cockroaches you’re dealing with to help determine the best way to eliminate them. Failing to remove these pests can lead to unpleasant outcomes, like allergies, that can potentially increase your chances of getting asthma.
We have broken down the three most common cockroaches found in the south and how to keep them away; let’s check it out!
American Cockroach
This large out-of-the-house infesting roach can get up to 1.5 inches in length. These roaches develop wings towards the end of their life cycle, with males having some longer than their bodies. You can usually identify them by the yellow band located behind their head.
The American cockroach can typically be found where food is abundant. They also prefer drains that aren’t used as often. In the wild, they prefer dark or damp wood piles.
German Cockroach
One of the most common species found worldwide, the German cockroach is generally light to dark brown and has two stripes near the back of its head. This species does have wings. They prefer dark, moist places. Since they don’t do well in the cold, they thrive in the southern climate.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
This species first entered the U.S. in 1903 and is now found nationwide. The brown-banded cockroach got its name from the two light brown bands that appear across its wings. They prefer warmer, drier, and higher locations in a room and can be found mostly in cabinets and behind picture frames. This species will typically hide its egg cases in or underneath furniture.
Prevention Tips
- Focus on the Kitchen: Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately and take out the trash regularly.
- Declutter: Remove old newspapers, utilize plastic containers over cardboard, and make sure clothing isn’t piled on the floor.
- Limit Moisture: Roaches need water to survive. Be sure to fix dripping faucets and leaky pipes. If you have a basement, employ a dehumidifier to take care of any moisture. Also, consider getting your crawlspace enclosed to ensure no moisture is found.
While prevention can help keep cockroaches away, sometimes it’s best to get a professional involved. A local pest control company will be able to inspect your home and provide you with the best treatment and prevention plan going forward.
Sep 27, 2022 | Good Deed Team
After completing a customer’s service, Northwest’s local Canton Service Center team came together to further support the longtime, elderly customer with much needed yardwork. Several of the Canton, GA Service Professionals came to the customer’s home to help and clear up some potential landscaping that could create pest concerns.
Our teammates were able to trim trees back from the customer’s gutters to help prevent pests from making their way inside. While working outside of the home, they discovered a hornet’s nest and were able to safely remove it, free of charge. The smallest things can make a huge difference, and the team enjoyed taking the time to help in this small way.
Discovering these golden opportunities to shine beyond pest control continues to be important to our team. Our customers make up our community! Being able to create extraordinary experiences and make a difference for our community is why we do what we do. We’re thankful for our Canton Service Center teammates who continue to care for their customers, communities, and each other.
Sep 27, 2022 | Good Deed Team
Hollydale Elementary in Marietta, GA, participates in monthly donation collections with MUST Ministries to provide help to the wonderful families that benefit from this charity. MUST Ministries has been providing basic needs, such as housing, food, toiletries, and more to families located in the Cobb and Cherokee County areas. They rely heavily on local donations and our Northwest team was able to assist Hollydale with this month’s MUST Ministries donation collection.
Our Northwest team collected toilet paper, feminine products, laundry detergent, shampoo & conditioner, soap, and razors! Positively impacting the community is something our team is always striving for. We can continue to be brand leaders for Northwest and hopefully leave an everlasting impression on our local communities.
If you would like to learn more about MUST Ministries and how you can get involved, visit here: https://www.mustministries.org/.
