Mosquito eggs are hatching early…so what does that mean for you?
Reports have talked about the early mosquito season due to the warmer temperatures that we’ve experienced early in the season. But will this impact your summer plans of being outdoors anymore than usual? The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran a story featuring Northwest Exterminating that gives a glimpse of what we have to look forward to this summer with not just mosquitoes, but ants, kudzu bugs, and other pests as well. The article includes reasons why we are seeing so many mosquitoes and tips on preventing them from invading your yard.
Although there are many DIY products and other mosquito control systems, Northwest recommends a monthly mosquito control program performed by licensed, experienced professionals. Our Green Mosquito control uses products that are derived from flowers and bacteria to ensure that our program is effective and environmentally friendly. For more information on our Green Mosquito Control or for a FREE inspection, visit us at callnorthwest.com.
There is a whole market for people who like to do it yourself. I am one of them. I enjoy the occasional weekend project around the house like painting, fixing a leaky faucet, or changing out fixtures. However, there are some do it yourself projects that are just not for me. I don’t touch wires, I don’t clean high chandeliers, and I don’t clean out gutters (thank goodness Northwest Exterminating does). Those are the tasks that I leave for the professionals.
In the recent years of the down economy, we have witnessed more people resorting to a do it yourself method of getting rid of bugs. There are certain situations where we agree that do it yourself is a good alternative to hiring an exterminator. If you spot a single bug such as a fly, yellow jacket, or ant, there is usually no need for a professional pest control company to come to your home. But if you spot a termite, a bed bug, or any other insect that can cause damage to your family or your home, it is necessary to call an exterminator.
There are certain things that need to be considered when deciding to DIY or hire a professional:
Expense
oDIY – A trip to the store and the purchase of chemicals is typically less expensive than hiring a pest control company.
oProfessional – Although the initial investment is more expensive with a professional, it may end up being the cheaper alternative.If the in store pesticides are not effective they may result in the growth of your pest control problem.Continuing to buy in store products can get expensive.Not to mention the potential damage to your home that pests can cause.
Convenience
oDIY – When doing it yourself, you can go to the store, purchase the pest control product, and apply it at your own convenience.
oProfessional – It can be a pain to find a time that is convenient for both you and your exterminator to meet at your home for a treatment.More often than not, this is at the inconvenience of the customer.However, a good exterminator will work with the homeowner to schedule the best time for them.
Knowledge
oDIY – The instructions are on the label.Not only can information be found on the label but it is very easy to go to the internet and do a research on the particular product or insect.Be sure that all instructions are followed exactly as listed on the package.
oProfessional – An experienced and knowledgeable exterminator will be able to quickly identify and treat your problem.They are also able to answer any questions that you have about prevention or other issues that you are experiencing.Their experience and expertise can keep your home and family healthier than just reading the instructions on a label.
Risk
oDIY – Chemicals of any kind can carry a risk.Applying chemicals that you are not knowledgeable about could potentially cause harm to humans, pets, or plants in the area.This is not to scare you but to remind you that we cannot stress enough the importance to read all instructions and follow all directions listed on the product label.
oProfessionals – By hiring an experienced and knowledgeable pest control company, most risk is removed from the homeowner.Be sure to read all contracts and get reviews from past customers before hiring a pest control company.
Effectiveness
oDIY – For small pest problems, store bought exterminating products can oftentimes be effective.For a bigger infestation, it can be more difficult with store bought products.Pests are adaptable creatures and can get become immune to certain chemicals after a certain amount of time.
oProfessionals – A reliable pest control company will have up to date information and products to treat your infestation.
Warranties
oDIY – Depending on the store and product, you can return a product.Check your local store return policies before purchasing.
oProfessionals – Always ask about a company’s policies before hiring them to treat your home.Will they return to your home for no charge if your issue is not solved? Do they offer warranties on their work?A good exterminating company will.
When trying to decide if you should tackle your pest control problem, consider the list above.For a small infestation, do it yourself is a good option that can be inexpensive.For larger infestations or a continuing problem, save yourself the time, hassle, and money and call a professional exterminator.As always, the key to pest control is prevention. For pest prevention tips visit this blog.
Did you know that Northwest Exterminating offers Continuing Education classes for Georgia Realtors? We offer 7 classes that earn agents 3 credit hours. Not only do we offer the CE classes but we come to you!! Our Realtor Team can come to your office or a location of your choice.
Construction and Termites – This course is a visually detailed view of the construction process, as it relates to termites, and the various termite treatment methods used in new construction. A discussion of clearance letters and Form II’s is also included.
Builder One – If you are selling new construction homes, this class is a must! This is an in-depth course for builders and agents discussing the real termite problem, comparing construction foundations and explaining the termite treatments for each. An explanation of termite warranties is also provided.
Wildlife – What is in your attic? – Critters causing commotion? This course encompasses an extensive study of the problems and the preventative solutions available to homeowners concerning a wide variety of pests including rodents, snakes and bats.
Pest Damage Identification and Control Methods – GAR Approved. Bugs, bugs, bugs! This class is specifically designed to help agents identify different types of termite damage and nonstructural threats. The differences between termites and ants and various other bugs are also discussed.
Going Green – Construction, Conservation and Pest Prevention – Is your environment important to you? This course is primarily to help Real Estate Agents and Appraisers understand the importance of our ever changing environment and how the Real Estate community can impact our conservation efforts.
Staying Ahead of the Competition – Don’t be caught off guard by the FHA/VA stumbling blocks! This class instructs the agent on Form II restrictions, GAR revisions, and the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Report. Conducive conditions for termites are also covered in this class.
What’s Bugging You? – Don’t be scared…be prepared! Topics covered in this class include ants, flies, household bugs, insects that bite or sting, spiders, bed bugs, and prevention and control methods.
For more information, go to our website for the dates of our currently scheduled classes. Check in often for class schedule updates.
Have you seen a strange pest flying or crawling around your home? Would you like to learn more about the habitats of certain insects that you are seeing? Northwest Exterminating can be your source of information on all things pest. By visiting our website and going to the Northwest Learning Center, you can Identify Your Pest, use our Termite Risk Calculator, or view Frequently Asked Questions.
Identify Your Pest – helps you identify and become knowledgeable about common household pests
As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment in the pest control industry. It is our privilege to be able to help our customers keep their homes and businesses healthy and free of pests. Along the way, we get ourselves into some pretty interesting situations. Sometimes we get a good laugh about them around the different offices and thought that we would share our stories with our readers. Technician Tales will be stories from our ladies and gentlemen out in the field or in the office who have found themselves in some very interesting predicaments. For your enjoyment:
Technician Tales: There’s a boa in your refrigerator
Recently our representatives went on a call for a German cockroach infestation. The area was crawling (no pun intended) in cockroaches. There were roach droppings covering the floors, walls, and naturally, surrounding the refrigerator. As a team of technicians were treating and vacuuming up the roaches, one of the technicians had pulled back the refrigerator and was treating around the area. The technician was working his way around when he all the sudden jumped back and screamed, “SNAKE!!!!!!”. Everyone hurried to see what he was yelling about. When they looked at the bottom of the refrigerator, curled up at the bottom was a 4 foot long boa constrictor!!!! Our technicians went to find someone at the location to let them know what they had found only to be met with the response “We’ve been looking for him”!!
Now THAT was a technician tale that we just had to share.
The annual Northwest Exterminating Awards Celebration is held to recognize those employees who have gone above and beyond. The recipients of these awards are team members who show a true “Customers for Life” attitude. We are so pleased with our Northwest Exterminating family and we’d like to say a special congratulations to the winners of the 2011 Northwest Exterminating Awards!
2011 L.A. and Emma Lene Phillips Awards The LA and Emma Lene Phillips awards are the most prestigious awards given each year to persons that have character and strive to be successful in all areas inside and outside of the workplace. The awards go to individuals who are not only difference makers but also moral and upstanding individuals who are determined and strive to better themselves and those around them.
L.A. Phillips Award – Jimmy Cook
Emma Lene Phillips – Linda Fleming
2011 Team Members of the Year
Alpharetta – Ross Adams
Buford – Patrick Cash
Canton – Bryan Haines
Carrollton – Bruce Nellis
Columbus – Linda Goodson
Commercial Pest – Eric Bussey
Dallas – Brian Butler
Lawn Care – Corey Fuller
LaGrange – Joe Lamb
Lanier – Courtney Brooks
Lawrenceville – Deborah Givens
Monroe – Brannon Sockwell
Newnan – Patti Kinlein
Savannah – Barry Teubert
Smyrna – Aldaberto Guerrero
Stockbridge – Bonnie Morgan
Wildlife – Wes Curtis
Corporate – Casey Poe
Additional Awards
Customer for Life Team Member of the Year – Sandy Oakley
Customer for Life Team of the Year – Monroe
Service Center of the Year – Alpharetta
Sales Service Representative of the Year – Bryan Haines
Administrative Salesperson of the Year – Tina Prevatt
Service Center Administrative Salesperson of the Year – Eric Ramirez
Salesperson of the Year – John Carlson
Residential Salesperson of the Year – Jonathan Bolser
Northwest Exterminating is extremely proud to announce that THREE of our service centers received the Angie’s List 2011 Super Service Award. The Super Service Award is given to only 5% of the companies on Angie’s List. These companies have exemplified superior service throughout the year.
We are so proud that our customers think so much of us that they go online to give reviews about the service they are receiving.
Join us on Tuesday, January 10th for the GRAND OPENING of our East Cobb service center.
Northwest Exterminating would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves to the residents and businesses in the East Cobb community. We invite you to tour our new facilities and join us for lunch, door prizes, and a ribbon cutting. Our East Cobb service center will provide all of the same excellent services that you experience with our other service centers. So come out and meet us!!!
GRAND OPENING Tuesday, January 10th 11:00am – 1:00pm 670 Powers Ferry Road Marietta, GA 30067 678.810.0026
Northwest Exterminating is so glad to welcome 2012!! 2011 was one for the record books at Northwest! Here are just a FEW of the big things that happened in 2011:
Participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk
And much, much more
2011 will be hard to top but we’re up for the challenge. We’re looking forward to all this New Year has to offer!! Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!!
