Mar 2, 2012 | Company News, Going Green, Pest Control, Termite Control
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.
To schedule a Continuing Education class for Realtors in your office, contact Northwest’s Real Estate Team.
Feb 3, 2012 | Community/Events, Going Green
It’s the biggest day of the year for football fans…the SUPER BOWL!!! What better way to cheer on your team than throwing a Super Bowl party? Regardless of what team you’re cheering for you can still make sure to GO GREEN for the big game!
Check out these tips from Northwest Exterminating to make your Super Bowl party an environmentally friendly party!
- Bite sized or finger foods eliminate the need for plastic ware.
- If plastic ware is used, make sure it, along with any other recyclable goods, are put in separate containers to be recycled.
- Using real dishes may take a little more clean-up than disposable items but it will save you money and keep disposable items out of landfills.
- Buy in bulk. Items bought in bulk use less material than items bought individually.
- Have options for trash and recyclables. Clearly label these for your guests.
These are just a few Green tips on how to keep your Super Bowl party a GREEN party!!
So who are you rooting for this Sunday?
Jan 18, 2012 | Going Green, Pest Control
Northwest Exterminating uses an Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, approach to our pest control program, NorPest Green. IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive way of treating pests using a common sense approach. Using non-chemicals is the primary means of treating pests in an IPM program which coincides with Northwest’s goal of creating healthier living and working environments.
The common sense approach that IPM is based on consists of many different elements such as habitat modification that reduces or eliminates sources of food, water, shelter, entryways for pests, and maintaining healthy lawns. Preventative measures like thorough and frequent cleaning of food storage areas, caulking cracks, daily trash removal, properly spreading mulch, and proper landscaping techniques all play an important role in reducing pest problems.
Pest Prevention Tips:
● Caulk any cracks or gaps in the structure to block pests from coming into your structure
● Use door sweeps and screens on windows and doors
● Grade away from the structure to prevent water from pooling which can lead to mold
● Landscape using indigenous vegetation that is naturally pest resistant
● Avoid indoor plantings that foster mold growth and can serve as attractants for pests
● Keep vegetation away from the structure to reduce mold and pests’ access into the structure
For help in these, or other areas around your structure, please contact Northwest Exterminating.
Jerry Hatch
Technical Director
BCE CEHT CP-FS
LEED Green Associate
Nov 21, 2011 | Going Green, Pest Control
Cockroaches are enough to make your skin crawl but did you know they can make your skin itch too? When you think of the causes of allergies, you generally think of plants, pollen, dust, or animals…you don’t think about roaches. However, roaches can trigger allergies and asthma. Studies have shown that people with cockroach allergies develop acute asthma attacks. These attacks occur after inhaling cockroach allergens and can last for hours.
Cockroach allergies are a concern for people who live in inner cities, the South, or people of low socioeconomic status. However, this does not mean that it doesn’t affect people outside of those realms. Asthma is the most common chronic disease found in children. Experts believe that the reason for the increase among children is that they play indoors more than years past and are at increased exposure.
People who suffer from allergies have very sensitive immune systems that react when they inhale, swallow, or touch a certain substance. These substances are the allergens. Cockroach allergens are believed to come from feces, saliva, and the bodies of cockroaches. People with chronic bronchial asthma are most likely to be allergic to cockroaches. People who suffer from chronic stuffy nose, skin rash, constant sinus infection, repeat ear infection, and asthma are also likely to have cockroach allergies.
Asthma symptoms aren’t just a problem in certain seasons but can affect year round. This can make it difficult to determine that a cockroach allergy is the cause of the asthma. Symptoms of cockroach allergies can vary but may include itchy skin, scratchy throat or itchy eyes and nose. Allergy symptoms can become stronger, including severe, persistent asthma in some cases.
Roaches are often carried into homes through groceries, furniture, and luggage. Once they are in your home, they are very difficult to get out. Once a roach is seen, there is a chance that there could be at least 800 roaches hidden throughout your home. The first step is to get rid of cockroaches. Call a professional pest control company that knows how to get rid of cockroaches.
If you or someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies make sure that they use an eco-friendly pest control instead of chemical agents that can be irritating to allergy sufferers. NorPest Green by Northwest Exterminating is an eco-friendly pest control solution that is effective, non-invasive and kind to your natural environment.
Sep 30, 2011 | Company News, Going Green
Northwest Exterminating recently teamed up with WSB-TV in their Going Green Georgia campaign. Going Green Georgia is a commitment to our community to educate Georgia on all things Green. In this segment, you will see how Northwest Exterminating features Green Services that keep your home healthy while also being environmentally friendly. This video highlights our NorPest Green Pest Control, Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System, and TAP Insulation. For more information on any of these services visit us online or call 888.466.7849.
If video does not automatically load, click HERE.
Jul 20, 2011 | Going Green, Pest Control
Northwest Exterminating is Green Pro Certified
Northwest Exterminating was recently named a Nisus GPM (Green Pest Management) All-Star in the June 2011 edition of PCT Magazine (Pest ControlTechnology). Nisus defines GPM as “an integrated, multi-step approach that combines prevention and monitoring techniques with a prudent approach to pesticides, rendering a responsible – yet highly effective – solution.” Northwest Exterminating has been recognized because of our Green pest control solution, NorPest Green. NorPest Green is an eco-friendly pest control system that is effective, non-invasive and kind to your natural environment.
Check out the latest issue of PCT Magazine or visit us ONLINE for more information on NorPest Green and our other Green options.
Jul 15, 2011 | Company News, Going Green, Pest Control, Termite Control
We recently discussed the difference between termite damage and termite activity.
If you do not have a current termite control company and are shopping around there are a few things that you should be looking for:
How long has the company been in business? If you are receiving quotes from 2-3 companies and one is considerably lower in price, be careful. You don’t necessarily want the cheapest because it could mean they are on the downfall and you’d be stuck with the same scenario even after spending several hundred dollars. Ever see a “going out of business sale” sign? There’s a reason everything is marked down 70% or more. They’re no longer worried about the effectiveness of their product. They just want to get rid of it to make a little money before they close.
Do they have different options in termite protection/pest protection, such as “green” services? Some people could care less about “going green” when it comes to bugs and termites. However, it is important to think about what “green” means. Green pest products are made up of botanical plant particles and minerals. Natural earth derived products are an important aspect of the exterminating industry. For years, pest companies have poured, pumped and sprayed millions of gallons of chemicals into the ground worried about keeping bugs away from homes, children and pets. Why are we concerned about keeping bugs away but have no problem with letting our families and pets be around harmful chemicals? Most companies have a form of “green” control but ask them what their products are made from and to give you a list of products they use. More importantly, ask if they keep their traditional and green products and equipment separate from each other so that there is no cross-contamination. Finally, for those few who still don’t care about the environment, I still urge you to go with a green solution. Most companies with a green solution still have access to traditional products but the goal is to only treat those as needed. Use green products around your home on a regular basis and if the need calls for it, traditional products can be used in a much smaller area upon request.
Go with a company that can provide several services. If you have ants in your kitchen, termites in your garage and mosquitoes in your backyard you don’t want to have to call three different companies. That’s three different appointments that you have to take time out of your schedule for, three different bills and three different agreements. Wouldn’t it be much easier to make one phone call and set up one appointment with one company? It’s much easier to remember who to call when anything comes up in the future and know they make you a high priority because they would stand to lose a lot more if they were to disappoint you.
Austin Milligan
Alpharetta Service Center Manager
Northwest Exterminating
[email protected]
Jul 11, 2011 | Going Green, Wildlife
It seems that every year we have more yellow jacket nests that are not ground nests but are up under siding or behind brick, etc. In the past most of us would dust, foam it or use something else along those lines. Adam Vannest, Northwest Exterminating’s Monroe Service Center Manager, has recently been using a new approach that has been very successful in eliminating those hard to reach/access nests. Not only is this a new approach, but it is also a green option to control yellow jackets. If nothing else, it’s one heck of a show.
Next time you have a yellow jacket nest in a wall void or behind siding use a rat glue tray to block the entry for a second just long enough to snag one yellow jacket. Then, leave the glue board as close as possible to the entry point. As each yellow jacket gets stuck he stings the glue board and sends off the pheromone for reinforcements. As each yellow jacket comes and gets stuck and stings, it multiples the scent. Leave the trays for a little while until you see no more activity. The remaining larvae will die, and the nest will dry out.
This treatment is not only highly effective but entertaining as well! We guarantee a good show!
- A recent photograph showing yellow jackets stuck to glue boards
Caution: Wear protective clothing or bee suit when placing glue boards. For maximum safety, call the experts at Northwest Exterminating to control yellow jackets.
Jul 6, 2011 | Going Green, Mosquito
It’s 2011 and the West Nile virus has made its return. Several states have confirmed cases of the virus. States include Minnesota, where a dead crow was found, Connecticut, where mosquitoes tested positive, Tennessee, where mosquitoes tested positive, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, where one person has been infected, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
The West Nile virus targets birds but is known to infect humans, dogs, squirrels, and even rabbits. The most common way of contracting West Nile is through a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird. A staggering 90% of humans that have been infected by West Nile do not show symptoms of the virus. In rare cases, victims show signs of fever, headache, vomiting, and skin rashes. 1 in 150 cases of West Nile will develop serious illness which can include permanent neurological damage and death in some cases.
Tips on avoiding West Nile:
- DO NOT touch dead birds.
- AVOID mosquitoes…call Northwest Exterminating to protect your home from mosquitoes.
- Wear protective clothing when outside, if possible.
- Wear bug repellent when outside.
- Use screens on open doors and windows.
- Get rid of any standing water that may attract mosquitoes.
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.