Jul 9, 2014 | Termite Control, Uncategorized
How to Maintain the Value of Your Home with Termite Control
Your home is probably the biggest investment that you will make in your lifetime. Not only is it a monetary investment but it’s a place where you want to feel safe, comfortable, and at peace when you are there. So what does termite control have to do with the value of your home?
Termites work 24/7 to find food. Unfortunately for us, and our homes, their choice of food is wood…as in the wood that is used to build our houses. So here we have these creatures that are eating wood around the clock…they are bound to cause damage.
Termite damage can be severe. Each year, termites cause over $2 billion of damage to homes in the US. In most cases, termite damage is not covered under homeowner’s insurance. So with all of that being said, it’s easy to see why termite protection is important to maintain the value of your home.
Preventing Termite Damage To Your Home:
- Be proactive. Don’t wait until the damage is done. Prevent termite infestations before they have a chance to cause damage.
- Have a reputable exterminating professional perform a termite inspection on your home. This will help to determine if you have active termites or termite damage already. They can also educate you on things you can do to deter termites away from your home.
- Save time and money by working with your pest control professional to treat your home with the termite treatments that are right for your property and situation.
By maintaining the quality of your structure you are maintaining the value of your investment, your home.
May 23, 2014 | Uncategorized
What Are 10 Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites?
Here in the South, mosquitoes and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. In North America there is an estimated 170 different species of mosquito. Sometimes it feels like 169 of those species live right here in the south. Aside from being a nuisance, mosquitoes can be a threat to our health. West Nile virus is a disease that is carried by mosquitoes and has become a concern in the US in recent years.
So how do you keep those pesky mosquitoes away? Below are 10 ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites:
- Wear long clothes – We know it’s the summer and it’s hot but if possible, wear long sleeves and pants when you’re going to be outdoors.
- Eliminate areas of standing water – Empty areas where water collects such as flower pots and bird baths. Properly landscape areas of the yard where water pools.
- Use insect repellant containing DEET – Follow the instructions on insect repellants that contain DEET.
- Ensure windows and doors are screened – If you have windows and/or doors open make sure they are properly screened to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Avoid the outdoors between dusk and dawn – Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. Avoid going outside during those times.
- Try not to work up a sweat – Mosquitoes are attracted to the lactic acid in sweat.
- Don’t move – Mosquitoes are attracted to movement, so be still!!
- Wear light colored clothes – Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so wear lighter colors to avoid their bites.
- Don’t drink beer – Mosquitoes are beer lovers and will likely bite you if you are drinking one.
- Keep body temperature low – Stay cool. The higher your body temperature, the more attracted mosquitoes are to you.
Mosquito treatments can also be a great way to prevent mosquitoes. Northwest Exterminating offers a GREEN mosquito program that targets both mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes.
May 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
Are you looking for pest control in the Smyrna, GA area?
If you’re in Atlanta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Decatur, Mableton, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Scottsdale, Shady Dale, or Smyrna then you are serviced by our Smyrna service center.
Our Smyrna service center offers Green pest control, Green termite control, wildlife control, Green mosquito control, bed bug control, ant control, lawn care, TAP Insulation, and Complete CrawlSpace.
Meet the Manager
Peter Schmidt
Pete is the best of the best and has been with Northwest for over 19 years. He exemplifies the “Customers for Life” attitude that we strive for at Northwest Exterminating.
May 14, 2014 | Uncategorized
Shoo “Bottle” Fly, Don’t Bother Me
The bottle fly is a common household fly. They are known for their metallic blue or green color and look like they are wearing aviator sunglasses. Some may enjoy their appearance but you won’t enjoy them if they’re in your home.
Bottle flies breed amongst unsanitary and filthy conditions. Like many other flies, they can spread diseases on the surfaces they land on including your food, kitchen counters, animal waste, and garbage. They are usually the first ones on the scene of a dead animal. Bottle flies lay their eggs in the carcass and the maggots will develop by eating the carcass. They develop from egg to adult in less than 3 weeks.
What if I find bottle flies in my home?
Finding bottle flies in your home is a good indication that you have either a dead animal located somewhere in your home or a sanitation issue. Either problem should be addressed immediately. Calling a pest control professional will allow them to identify the source of the problem and help to eliminate the original problem, as well as, the bottle flies.
May 5, 2014 | Uncategorized
Could your gardening ideas effect your termite treatment?
Spring time is an ideal time to get out in the yard, work in your garden, dig in the dirt…all those enjoyable things we like to do in the warm weather. These are great ways to improve the aesthetics of your property and also enjoy the sunshine. Hold the shovel! Wait one second before you start digging in the dirt!
Digging around the foundation of your home could disturb your termite barrier system. Minor disturbances are nothing to worry about but a major disruption can put the effectiveness of the treatment in jeopardy…causing concern for your home.
What to consider before digging around your foundation?
Mulch is a great way to spruce up your yard. Mulch provides protection, warmth, and moisture to plants but can also provide those same things to termites. Not to mention that mulch is wood! TERMITES LOVE WOOD! Other pests, such as, roaches and earwigs also find comfort in mulch.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use mulch around your home.
Don’t be discouraged. You can still use mulch around your home. Just make sure when using mulch that it is kept 1-2 feet away from the structure. Any wood that is in contact with soil and your foundation is considered a major risk for termites.
If you’re concerned about disturbing your termite treatment or suspect you may have termites, give us a call!
Apr 30, 2014 | Uncategorized
PREVENT ANTS FROM MARCHING ONE-BY-ONE INTO HOMES THIS SPRING
Northwest Exterminating shares five simple steps to prevent ants this spring
As weather conditions improve, ants will soon begin to enter homes in search of food and water. Northwest Exterminating encourages homeowners to take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of seeing these nuisance pests in your garage or crawling across the kitchen counter in the coming weeks.
Ants often infest kitchens and bathrooms, but homeowners may also encounter them in cooler spaces like basements, garages and around air conditioning units. The key to preventing ants from finding a way inside is to eliminate harborage sites around the property.
Experts from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommend the following five simple steps that homeowners can do today to thwart an ant infestation.
- Block off access points. Take time to inspect the outside of your home for cracks and crevices, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter. Seal any small holes or gaps with a silicone-based caulk. Keep tree branches and other shrubbery well trimmed and away from the structure.
- Eliminate sources of water in and around the home. Indoors, routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture and repair any leaky pipes. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp basements, crawl spaces or attics. Outside, ensure that downspouts and gutters are functioning properly so that water flows away from the home’s foundation.
- Keep a clean kitchen. Wipe down counter tops and sweep floors to remove crumbs and residue from spills. Store food in sealed containers, and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Also, make sure to dispose of garbage regularly.
- Don’t forget about the pets. After mealtime, keep pet bowls clean and wipe up any spilled food or water around them promptly. Store dry pet food in a sealed plastic container rather than the paper bags they often come in, which can be easily accessed by ants, rodents and other pests.
- Work with a pest professional. Eliminating ants can be a challenge without the proper treatment. Some species of ants, like carpenter ants, can cause serious property damage while others can pose health threats. If you see ants in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment.
For more information on ants or other common household pests, please visit www.callnorthwest.com.
Source: PPMA
