Feb 14, 2012 | Pest Control
Valentine’s Day is a day of LOVE! Bugs aren’t something that we usually “love” but in the spirit of the holiday, here are 5 bugs to love!
- Ladybugs are not only one of the cuter bugs out there but they are beneficial because they eat large quantities of aphids, mites and other arthropods that feed on various plants in your yard or garden. Imported more than 100 years ago to defend orchards and orange groves, ladybugs can eat up to 5,000 pests in their lifetime.
- Earthworms are nature’s most efficient composters. These scavengers create the kind of well-aerated, humus-rich soil gardeners call “black gold.”
- The love bug is also known as the honeymoon fly, kissing bug, or double-headed bug. The adult is a small, flying insect common to the southeastern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast. During and after mating, adult pairs remain coupled, even in flight, for up to several days.
- The praying mantis is named for the “praying” position that it often assumes. This insect will eat just about any living thing it can fit in its mouth, helpful or not. It is known to consume mosquitoes, nocturnal moths, bees, beetles, small lizards, even frogs—as well as fellow praying mantises.
- Bumblebees collect nectar and the pollen that will make tomato plants and apple trees produce more fruit. The female bumblebee can sting but they much prefer to stick to gentler business.
Jan 27, 2012 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
The southern part of the United States is home to more than 100 ant species. Georgia is among the states that has a particularly tough time with ants due to the many species that dwell in our region. Our diverse climate aids in the relocation of many invasive ant species because we have both tropical and temperate northern climates available.
When you call your exterminator to get rid of ants, you want to know that they are really researching the issue and not just spraying. Northwest takes a IPM approach to managing pest programs. The first step is identifying the issue, in the case, ants.
Steps to identifying ants:
- Analyze the coloration of the ant. For example: house ants range in colors from yellow to black; black ants are dark brown to black; thief ants are yellow to light brown; pharaoh ants are light yellow to a reddish brown with black markings on the abdomen; and carpenter ants are red or black.
- Look at the size of the ant body. Many ants we commonly see range in size from 1/16″ to 1/2″ or larger. Many species will have several different sizes within the nest.
- Take notice to where the ants build their nest. In damaged wood, in oil, in a wall void, etc.
- Examine the type of food the ant eats. Most house ants are attracted to sweet foods left behind in trash, on counters, etc.
- Analyze the ants’ behavior. Some house ants, such as Argentine and carpenter ants, are more aggressive than others. Do the ants travel in a line or are they more separate in their trails?
Are you having a problem with ants? If so, call Northwest Exterminating today or go online to fill out your FREE inspection form.
Jan 25, 2012 | Pest Control
This sounds like the kind of stuff that sci-fi movies are made out of. Researchers have been working to outfit insects with tiny electronic sensors in hopes of creating insects that can be used in applications ranging from search and rescue to espionage, reports John Roach for MSNBC.
Batteries alone installed on insects’ backs fail to deliver proper long-term power to support reconnaissance and first-response missions, Huffington Post reports. So researchers at the University of Michigan are developing techniques to harness the movement, body heat and the insects’ body chemistry.
The technique, basically a fuel cell, works by introducing a series of enzymes to break down complex molecules that the
cockroach produces when it eats, and oxidizing the resulting sugars to release electrons; these are then run through the fuel cell to create electricity.
This means that power can be produced without the insect needing to be in motion, and researchers are optimistic about the applications for such a technology.
Jan 23, 2012 | Pest Control
The Weird and Wonderful World of Pests
- Based on various sampling, the total number of insect species is between 15 and 30 million.
- Some female cockroaches are devoted mothers, carrying their offspring in little pouches like kangaroos. One species even nourishes her young in the uterus with a milk rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
- Out of the 4000 known species of cockroaches only 20 types are classified as pests.
- Mother Dung Beetles tenderly care for their young by cleaning away toxic molds and fungi off the dung balls where her larva lives and feasts.
- The exoskeleton of a scorpion, made of chitin, reflects back ultraviolet rays and will glow pink or green under the moonlight or a black light. Fossilized scorpions still glow under ultraviolet after 300 million years.
If you have a question, Ask Our Mouse!! Or call us at 888.466.7849
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
Jan 17, 2012 | Pest Control
Moths are like the ugly step-sister of the butterfly. With over 160,000 species of moths, you are probably most familiar with the Indian Meal Moth or the Clothes Moth. The clothes moth effects only clothing and is a completely different pest topic than what we will be discussing today. Today, we’re going to talk about the Indian Meal Moth which is one of the most common food pests found in homes.
Moths are attracted to light for reasons unknown. They are known to hover around lights right outside of your home and can easily slip in when a door or window is opened. Moths are often found dead on window sills or along baseboards under windows because they are attracted to the light coming through the window. Adult moths have a very short lifespan which can be a good and bad thing. Good, because they don’t stick around for long, bad because that’s a lot of clean up.
So why does your home have moths? Not only are they coming into your home because they’re attracted to the light but they are also entering because your home provides food and shelter, a place to lay and hide their eggs, and a safe place from predators. You may find moths in your cabinets or pantry where you store grains, cereal, or flour. If there are pet foods or arts in crafts made out of food, these can also attract moths. Be assured that it is fairly simple to prevent and get rid of Indian Meal Moths that may be in your home.
- Throw out any old or moth contaminated foods
- Make sure all food, cereal, flour, and grains especially, are tightly sealed
- Place mothballs in areas that moths are found
- Cedar is a good preventative because moths do not like the smell
- Use LED lights on the outside of your home…bugs are less attracted to them than they are to other bulbs
If you need assistance with treating Indian Meal Moths, or any pest, call Northwest Exterminating at 888.466.7849 or visit us online.
Dec 30, 2011 | Pest Control, Wildlife
This year, while packing up your holiday decorations, take some time to do a little pest control. We all know that bugs like to hide in places like attics, basements and other storage areas, so take this opportunity to do some exterminating. Before taking your boxes to their storage area, take a good look around. Below are some tips on what to look for before you store away your holiday decorations:
- Look for any openings that rodents or wildlife could use as an entrance. If you find openings, make sure to have them tightly sealed.
- Look for pest carcasses or droppings. Pests are attracted to other pests so be sure that you vacuum up any debris that is found.
- Standing water can be used as a water source for rodents and pests. Be sure to remove any standing water and have the source of the water repaired.
- Take note of any odd odors. Foul odors can be a tell-tale sign of pests or other intruders.
- Check any wood, wires, insulation or other items stored for gnawing or scratch marks.
- Inspect your boxes. Check your storage boxes for the above signs of pests.
If you see any of these signs while putting away decorations, be sure to contact your exterminator. By being proactive, you can save yourself the hassle of a future infestation. Remember, cleanliness is key to keeping bugs and other pests out of your home.
When do you put your decorations away?
Dec 23, 2011 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
The Earth is full of interesting, magnificent creatures. One of those interesting creatures is the camponotus cylindricus… an ant that can explode itself.
The camponotus cylindricus, or exploding ant as we like to call it, uses their talent as an act of self-defense. When the ant nest is threatened by an intruder, the ant will grab hold of the intruder’s face with its teeth. They will then bend their bodies so violently that their outside burst and a layer of chemicals explode…making an attempt to kill both the intruder and themselves.
The chemical is stored in sacks that run along the ant’s body. It acts as an irritant to external organs and dries into a glue-like substance that attaches the ant to the body of its attacker. Many times this causes the intruder go blind and stops it from making it’s way to the nest. Either way…the intruder loses the battle.
Now talk about chemical warfare.
Dec 22, 2011 | Pest Control
When we put out the call on Facebook and Twitter for topics that people wanted to read about on our blog we got a request for scorpions. Scorpions are one of those pests that can send chills through your body at just the thought of them. There are currently 1,200 known species of scorpions in the world.
Typically, if you get stung by a scorpion you get a similar reaction as you would if you were to be stung by a bee. Pain, itching, tingling, swelling, skin turning blue/black at the site of the sting are all signs of a scorpion sting and usually subside within 24 hours. Many people hurt themselves more trying to get away from a scorpion than they would if they had gotten stung. However, some people may develop an allergic reaction to a scorpion sting that can be life-threatening.
When a person gets stung by one of the more dangerous scorpion species, venom is injected into the body that can cause respiratory paralysis and other complications, usually between 2-20 hours of the sting. Thankfully, there is anti-venom that can be administered within 2 hours of the sting.
*Note – If there is no swelling or discoloration around the site of the sting, get to a Doctor immediately.
Scorpions are nocturnal feeders that feed mostly on insects and spiders. During the day, they go into hiding which helps to conserve their water (if water is available, they can survive for months without food). Scorpions are fond of cool temperatures and water so attics, crawl spaces, and even sinks are ideal places to find them. But beware; once the sun comes up they will go into hiding in just about anything.
Ways to control scorpions:
Do you have a funny story about hurting yourself while trying to get away from a scorpion or another pest?
