Jun 27, 2012 | Company News, Going Green, Mosquito, Pest Control, Termite Control
Introducing Green Elite by Northwest Exterminating
We’ve been working on something really big for our customers and we’re proud to announce that it’s finally here…GREEN ELITE!
At Northwest Exterminating, we have made a name for ourselves as the GREEN leaders in pest and termite control! So it is only fitting that our newest program allows customers to continue to GO GREEN with us! We wanted to develop a program that would benefit our customers and be an environmentally friendly solution for our environment. Many of our customers have more than one service with us. Since these services were typically on different schedules, our representatives were oftentimes making more than one trip out to a property to complete different services. Customers were also getting billed individually for each service. We knew there was a Greener way! Keeping with our “Go Green” mentality, we thought that by grouping green services like pest, termite, and mosquito, we could reduce our carbon footprint by making fewer trips to complete services, reducing fuel costs, and reducing the amount of paper that we use in our billing process…all while saving the customer money! It’s truly a WIN-WIN!
Green Elite customers get our Sentricon Termite Elimination System and NorPest Green Pest Control. Green Elite Plus customers get our Sentricon Termite Elimination System, NorPest Green Pest Control and our Green Mosquito Control services. When you are a Green Elite or Green Elite Plus customer you get the benefits of convenience billing, low monthly payments, and discounts on additional services:
We like to have fun around Northwest Exterminating! So to get our team members excited about Green Elite, we had a party!! And to spice things up a bit, we’re having a competition on which service center had the most Green Elite spirit! You can help us decide the winner by visiting our Facebook page, going to the “Green Elite Spirit” photo album and voting for the branch with the most Green Elite spirit! You are NOT going to want to miss these pictures!
Want to join the Green Elite? Click here or call us at 888.466.7849 to Group Green & Save Green!
Jun 22, 2012 | Pest Control, Termite Control
After doing a post on bug movies, we thought it was only appropriate to have a post about bug songs! We came up with some classic kid songs, some well-known mainstream songs, and even found some songs that we’ve never heard of before!
Here’s our list of Songs about Bugs:
- Itsy Bitsy Spider
- Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee
- Ants Go Marching
- Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me
- The Flight of the Bumblebee – written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
- La Cucaracha
- The Bugs Bunny Theme Song
- All My Friends Are Insects – Weezer
- Butterfly – Weezer
- Butterfly – The Verve
- Greedy Fly – Bush
- Between Angels and Insects – Papa Roach
- Termite Song – Joseph Arthur
- Dune Buggy – The Presidents of the United States
- Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
- Bugs – Pearl Jam
- Spider – They might Be Giants
- Ticks – Brad Paisley
- Fireflies – Owl City
- Ants Marching – Dave Matthews Band
While coming up with songs we also came up with some band names that were based on bugs:
- The Beatles
- Alien Ant Farm
- Papa Roach
- Adam and the Ants
- Daddylong Legs
For more “Ticky Tunes” visit Northwest Exterminating‘s Pinterest page!
What bug themed songs or bands can you think of?
Jun 15, 2012 | Pest Control
Throughout history, most humans have disliked and even had a fear of insects and spiders. Entomophobia, or insectophobia, is a common fear or aversion to insects and arthropods. Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders. Hollywood has capitalized on those common fears by exposing them in the horror film genre.
Since the horror genre hit the scene back in the 1940’s, the bug movie has been a pivotal part of the industry. The insect horror film is in an exceptionally extensive category of horror. Since the premiere of 1950’s Highly Dangerous, Hollywood has produced over 75 movies featuring killer insects or spiders. Some contain mammoth, mutant bugs that can devour humans, while others feature deadly swarms of ants, bees, or wasps. They vary from the hilariously campy to the straight -up terrifying. Here are a few:
Them! – A crew of FBI agents and entomologists battle radiation-induced gigantic ants in this black-and-white sci-fi flick from 1954.
The Fly – Jeff Goldblum’s iconic turn as the scientist-turned-fly in this remake is equal parts poignant and petrifying.
The Deadly Mantis – The star of William Alland’s sci-fi flick is a 200-foot-long praying mantis freed from its prehistoric lair by a sudden seismic shift.
Arachnophobia – South American killer spider hitches a lift to the US in a coffin and starts to breed and kill.
Not all movies about bugs tap into our fears. Here are movies that make you almost wanna like the little guys:
A Bug’s Life – A misfit ant, looking for “warriors” to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.
Spiderman – When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a nerdy, shy, and awkward high school student gains spider-like abilities that he eventually must use to fight evil as a superhero after tragedy befalls his family.
Don’t let your home turn into a horror film! Call Northwest Exterminating.
What is the creepiest movie that you have ever seen?
Cara Carver
[email protected]
Jun 13, 2012 | Pest Control
We recently discussed the importance of having an inspection prior to receiving a pest control treatment (HERE). We thought we would continue with the discussion by letting you know what you should expect during a pest control inspection from an exterminator.
What to expect during a pest control inspection:
- A highly trained pest management professional should be neatly and professionally dressed.
- The exterminator should arrive in a well marked vehicle that clearly states what pest management company they are representing.
- A thorough pest control inspection should include both inside and outside inspection of the structure. This will target common “hot spots”, or entry points, for insects, rodents, and other pests. Common entry points are bathrooms, kitchens, garages, attics, and crawlspaces.
- Along with checking for entry points, the pest control representative will check for conducive conditions that would attract pests.
- An exterminators best friend is their flash light. The flashlight helps them to locate and see insects and harborage areas around the structure. Other common tools that may be used: telescope mirror, moisture meter, and a probing tool.
- Following the inspection, the inspector will review their findings and create a customizable treatment plan that is best suited for the needs of the structure. The customized treatment plan will include how to exclude points of entry, eliminate conducive conditions, and a personalized pest control management plan for ongoing protection.
Getting rid of bugs is important to you and Northwest Exterminating. We want you to know what you should expect out of our highly trained technicians when they inspect your home or business. For more information about pest control visit us online at www.callnorthwest.com.
Northwest Exterminating offers FREE inspections. Call 888.466.7849 or visit our website for your FREE, no obligation inspection.
Jun 11, 2012 | Pest Control
Why do I need an inspection before you treat my home for pests?
The short answer is because every situation is different. A professional exterminating company will thoroughly inspect both the interior and exterior of a structure to determine the identity of a pest(s), the entry point(s), the severity of the issue, and a customized treatment plan that is suited for your home or business. The customized plan will include the type of treatment to be done by a professional exterminator as well as recommendations for the home or business owner that will prevent the insects from returning. By having a thorough inspection of your home, you can be assured that Northwest Exterminating isn’t just spraying your home without knowing the real reason why and will, in turn, reduce the chance of us having to return before your next scheduled visit.
While one treatment may eliminate current pest issues, we recommend ongoing service to prevent future pest problems. NorPest Green quarterly visits, once every three months, will ensure your home and family are protected from pests year round.
Jun 8, 2012 | Pest Control
How much do you charge for monthly pest control?
This is a question that comes in frequently so we wanted to address it. The cost of NorPest Green pest control is varied depending on the specific needs and issues of you and your home. If you aren’t having specific pest issues and want to keep it that way, the cost of preventative treatments can be given over the phone by one of our customer service representatives. Whether you are having a specific bug issue or looking for preventative measures, a highly trained Northwest Exterminating professional will conduct a FREE inspection of your home. By completing an inspection we are able to conduct a customized program that will meet the pest needs for you and your home.
NorPest Green is a program that was developed by Northwest Exterminating to get rid of bugs and insects while maintaining the lowest environmental impact as possible. The active ingredients are derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements that are friendly to the Earth and your family…pets included. We use a 5 step Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process.
Complete our FREE Inspection Form or call us at 888.466.7849 for a free, no obligation inspection of your home.
Jun 6, 2012 | Pest Control
It may be one of the most easily identifiable pests but it’s also commonly misrepresented. Granddaddylonglegs, or daddylonglegs, are often thought to be spiders but are actually harvestmen. Harvestmen get their name because that is when they are usually seen…during harvest time. There are about 150 species of daddylonglegs in North America.
When you spot a granddaddylongleg, with its long and thin legs, it is not hard to see where the “longlegs” part of their name comes from. They use their infamous legs to catch insects, spiders, and plants that they feed on. They are found around structures of homes and buildings, and tree trunks, presumably looking for food. Inside of a structure they are typically found in garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other damp areas of the home. You won’t usually find them in the common living areas.
Another common misconception about daddylonglegs is that they are poisonous or venomous…neither of which are true. They are not harmful to humans or animals, they won’t even bite.
- Keep pests out. By keeping pests out of your home granddaddylonglegs won’t venture in looking to feed on these small pests. *Maintaining your pest control service with a professional exterminating company will keep bugs out of your home.
- Vacuum. Vacuuming is the easiest way to remove any daddylonglegs that you find in your home. Vacuuming also helps to remove food sources from your carpets and furniture.
- Keep house dry. Like most insects, daddylonglegs like moisture. Fix leaky faucets and pipes, use dehumidifiers, and dry any standing water.
- Sticky Traps. Sticky traps are a great way to catch harvestmen and other insects. Place traps in areas of the home where you have seen pests. Check regularly to see if any pests have been trapped on the board.
Did you know that granddaddy long legs weren’t spiders?
Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of grand daddy long legs or other pests in your home or business.
Jun 6, 2012 | Pest Control
It may be one of the most easily identifiable pests but it’s also commonly misrepresented. Granddaddylonglegs, or daddylonglegs, are often thought to be spiders but are actually harvestmen. Harvestmen get their name because that is when they are usually seen…during harvest time. There are about 150 species of daddylonglegs in North America.
When you spot a granddaddylongleg, with its long and thin legs, it is not hard to see where the “longlegs” part of their name comes from. They use their infamous legs to catch insects, spiders, and plants that they feed on. They are found around structures of homes and buildings, and tree trunks, presumably looking for food. Inside of a structure they are typically found in garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other damp areas of the home. You won’t usually find them in the common living areas.
Another common misconception about daddylonglegs is that they are poisonous or venomous…neither of which are true. They are not harmful to humans or animals, they won’t even bite.
- Keep pests out. By keeping pests out of your home granddaddylonglegs won’t venture in looking to feed on these small pests. *Maintaining your pest control service with a professional exterminating company will keep bugs out of your home.
- Vacuum. Vacuuming is the easiest way to remove any daddylonglegs that you find in your home. Vacuuming also helps to remove food sources from your carpets and furniture.
- Keep house dry. Like most insects, daddylonglegs like moisture. Fix leaky faucets and pipes, use dehumidifiers, and dry any standing water.
- Sticky Traps. Sticky traps are a great way to catch harvestmen and other insects. Place traps in areas of the home where you have seen pests. Check regularly to see if any pests have been trapped on the board.
Did you know that granddaddy long legs weren’t spiders?
Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of grand daddy long legs or other pests in your home or business.
May 30, 2012 | Pest Control
Overwintering is a common term used on this blog to describe pests and their habits. Since it is used so often we thought we’d go into a little more detail about what overwintering means to pests and your home.
The definition of overwinter is “to pass, spend, or survive the winter: to overwinter on the Riviera.” [source]
Overwintering is a term used in several categories such as pests, birds, and plants. In our case, we are most often referring to pests and their activities that allow them to survive the cold temperatures. Insects overwinter by finding a warm place to call home, in many cases this is YOUR home. Bugs will enter structures, mulch, leaves or soil to protect themselves from the low temperatures.
Bugs look at your house as their “winter vacation home”. On occasion, they will make themselves known during the overwintering period by venturing out into the living spaces of a house. But most often, they emerge in the spring time when the temperatures begin to rise. This is a big reason why there is such an increase in visibility of pests in and around your home in the spring time. They’ve been there all along; they just may not have been very active.
Preventing these pests from getting into your home in the first place is your best defense.
- Seal or caulk all cracks and crevices around foundation, siding, doors, windows, electrical, and plumbing.
- Keep gutters cleaned out. Pests feed and make homes out of the built up debris.
- Keep a clean home. Vacuum, sweep, mop, and clean up spills that will attract pests to your home.
- Get regularly scheduled pest control. Regular scheduled pest control will prevent bugs from coming in and will make it easier to control any pest problems that arise.
Common insects that overwinter:
