Jan 21, 2013 | Uncategorized
Ever wonder how gardens stayed plush and green without modern pest control techniques? Before exterminating companies existed, many planters relied on a method of organic pest control known as companion planting. Companion planting involves placing plants in your garden that have qualities that deter pests that surround and protect your other plants. For instance, planting certain herbs in your vegetable garden can attract beneficial insects while simultaneously repelling harmful ones.
One pest that likes to frequent gardens is the aphid, otherwise known as plant lice. These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant, taking all the nutrients to keep the plant healthy and living. Sometimes as they are feeding, aphids transmit plant viruses to plants such as potatoes and citrus plants, which can kill the plants. Planting chives, coriander or nasturtium around your plants will discourage infestations by these plants.
Nasturtium
Certain plants can keep larger pests out of your garden. For instance, planting lavender not only deter ticks, but also moths and mice. Mice also do not like the smell of daffodils, which can be used as a colorful boarder for an herb garden. Additionally, rabbits do not like the smell of onions, which can be planted alongside peas, beans, lettuce and cabbage. Lastly, sprinkling cayenne pepper on your plants can act as a deterrent for raccoons.
If companion planting still does not do the job of minimizing pest invasions, Northwest Exterminating offers pest control services that not only takes care of pest, but also does it in a green, environmentally friendly way! Northwest offers many services that will protect your plants, home and office environment. We offer more than pest elimination, but also healthier living and working environments. Check out our website for more info at www.callnorthwest.com
Melissa Brown
[email protected]
Sources:
http://gardening.about.com/od/naturalorganiccontrol/a/Companion_2.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphid
http://www.naturalnews.com/035853_companion_planting_garden_vegetables.html
Jan 16, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. What is Green Pest Control?
Green Pest Control is a way of eliminating pests while having the lowest environmental impact possible. There are many “green” options to traditional pest control methods that use harmful chemicals. Our Green Pest Control, NorPest Green, is a program that uses the most up to date technology and products for getting rid of pests.
Times have changed and people are concerned about the health of their homes, children, and pets…and we couldn’t agree more. As stated above, NorPest Green gets rid of pests while maintaining the lowest environmental impact possible. The active ingredients in our products are derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements from the Earth…no harsh chemicals and is still just as effective as traditional pest control methods.
We also use the 5 step IPM process (integrated pest management) which is “an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.”
For more information on NorPest Green and our other Northwest Exterminating Green services to control insects in your home visit our website at callnorthwest.com
Jan 14, 2013 | Uncategorized
We would like to give a great big CONGRATULATIONS to our Alpharetta, Buford, Smyrna, and Newnan service centers that each received the 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award!!
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According to Angie’s List “The Super Service Award is given to companies that have achieved and maintained a superior service record on Angie’s List. Approximately 5% of companies on Angie’s List meet the minimum eligibility requirements to be considered. Eligibility requirements include maintaining an “A” rating overall…”
We are so proud of these teams and their hard work and dedication to Northwest Exterminating and our customers. We would also like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to go online and leave us a review regarding your experiences with Northwest. We are always striving to not only be the best in pest and termite control but the best in customer service as well.
Thanks again!
Jan 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
We’ve been chosen to be BC Rewards’ January Featured Supplier of the month on AtlantaRealEstateForum.com
Northwest Exterminating founder L.A. Phillips in front of the old pump truck
Northwest Exterminating is BC Rewards’ January Featured Supplier
Northwest Exterminating is a family owned and operated exterminating company that was founded on the values of honesty, integrity and excellence. At present, these values still remain the core of Northwest Exterminating as they have grown from a family of two to a family of more than 300 team members and 18 service centers throughout Georgia and Tennessee that also service Alabama and South Carolina.
Green is more than just a word to them, it’s their mission. Creating healthier living and working environments for their customers is their first priority.
Check out the rest of the article HERE.
Jan 9, 2013 | Uncategorized
Unwanted House Guests in Your Attic This Winter?
They may look cute and furry but squirrels can cause major damage if they take up residency in your home. One of the first clues that people experience is the sound of scratching, clawing, gnawing, or scurrying in their attic or walls. If you think you may have unwanted visitors in your home, call Northwest Exterminating.
Habits
- Natural habitat is wooded areas
- Often make home in attics or garages for warmth, shelter, food, and a place to build their nests
Different Species
Threats
- Urine and droppings can contaminate insulation and other areas of the attic
- Can damage contents of attic including wood, insulation, wires, and storage boxes
- Can cause damage to power lines outside of the home
- Invade bird feeder
Prevention
- Locate and seal off any entry points 1/4″ or larger to prevent squirrels and other rodents from entering your home.
- Caulk any openings or crevices.
- To keep squirrels from using utility wires as a way to your attic, slit a 2-foot section of 2-inch PVC pipe lengthwise and slip it over the wire.This makes squirrels unable to maintain their footing when the pipe rotates.
- Cut back tree limbs that are close to your structure.
- Squirrel removal is not recommended for amateurs. Call the professionals at Northwest Exterminating.
Other Pests to Look For
Jan 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
With our commitment to healthier living and working environments, we at Northwest understand the importance of good pest management for personal health. Living in a hygienic environment and minimizing exposure to unwanted pests can literally save lives. For instance, the lives of twenty-five million Europeans during the Late Middle Ages were claimed by fleas that had spread the bubonic plague. They managed this feat by using another pest as a host – rats! Modern improvements on hygiene, sanitation and pest management have dramatically reduced the impact of this disease.
Another more common disease brought on by insects is Lyme disease. This disease is carried by the deer tick in the form of a bacterium called Borrelia bugdorferi. If a deer tick bites you, the bacterium enters the bloodstream and will lead to skin rash and in extreme cases, paralysis. When caught early, antibiotics can eliminate the bacteria before it causes furthermore harm.
Mosquitoes in particular can carry a host of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, pogosta disease, and West Nile virus. They carry similar traits in that when infected, a person will experience a fever indicating that more serious effects are on the way such as meningitis or arthritis. All these diseases can lead to death if not caught or treated properly. For some of these diseases, the best form of prevention is pest management. Northwest Exterminating provides solutions to reduce the presence of mosquitoes in and around your home or work environment.
If you come in contact with a pest and feel you may have been exposed to any disease, be sure to immediately seek medical attention. Many of these diseases, as well as others such as malaria or rabies can be treated when caught early.
Melissa Brown
[email protected]
Sources:
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmnh/buginfo/diseases.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_diseases_caused_by_insects
Jan 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
Below are 5 key tips to preventing cockroaches from moving into your home:
- Reduce the clutter in your home – By eliminating clutter you eliminate feeding and hiding spots for roaches and other pests. It also allows you to see pests easier with clutter out of the way.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices in the Kitchen and Bathroom – Roaches hide out in cracks and crevices so by sealing them off, it prevents them from having a place to stay.
- Eliminate Moisture – Eliminating moisture takes away roaches and other pests water sources. Fix leaky faucets and standing areas of water.
- Clean Messes – Wipe up spills and messes immediately.
- Empty Trash – Remove trash from house on a regular basis and place in a tightly sealed garbage can outside of the home.
If you have a cockroach infestation in your home, call a professional exterminating company to get rid of the cockroaches as soon as possible.
Jan 2, 2013 | Uncategorized
The German cockroach is the most common cockroach found in structures. They can invade your home at anytime of the year and once they do, they can increase in population very quickly. A cockroach can produce 30-48 eggs at a time and those eggs can go on to reproduce in 30-45 days.
At first, German cockroaches will find food, water, and warmth in the home which is usually found in the kitchen and bathroom. But once an infestation occurs they can be found anywhere in the structure and can be difficult to get under control.
Cockroaches can bring about many health and safety concerns. When they invade your home they leave fecal matter and other debris on food and food preparation surfaces. Roaches are also known to cause allergies in children. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports “one-in-five children in the United States have severe sensitivities to cockroach allergens, which increase the severity of asthma symptoms.”
If you have a roach infestation call a professional pest control company immediately. The quicker you can get the infestation under control, the better for the health of your home and your peace of mind. Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of roaches in your home or business.
Dec 31, 2012 | Uncategorized
HAPPY NEW YEAR…well, almost!! It’s New Years Eve!! It’s a time for reflection over the past year as well as excitement for the year to come. We had some major highlights in 2012. Below are just a few:
- The Grand Opening of our East Cobb service center
- Participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah, GA
- 2012 Relay for Life of Walton County
- Kelly Combs was awarded the MSAR Affiliate Member of the Year
- Launched Green Elite
- Green Elite Spirit Contest
- Awarded #23 in PCT’s Top 100 Pest Control Companies
- Joined Pinterest
- Randy Wilhite was a guest on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
- Participated in Adopt-A-School
- Photo and commercial shoots
- Raised over $7,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
- Acquired Jody Millard Pest Control in Chattanooga, TN
- Company wide Halloween costume contest
- Another successful year for our Health Expo
- Celebrated Steve’s 60th Birthday
- Toys for Tots
- Had an Ugly Sweater Christmas
- Participated in many Chillin & Grillin events, trade shows, expos, and other fun things in our communities
From L to R: St. Patrick’s Day parade, East Cobb Grand Opening, Steve’s 60th Birthday, Steve’s Green Elite costume, Halloween costume contest
We couldn’t possible list off all of the wonderful events and accomplishments that we had in 2012. One thing we do know is that we couldn’t have done it without our loyal customers and the amazing Northwest Exterminating Team.
Here’s to a Happy Healthy New Year to you and yours…and another great year for Northwest Exterminating.
For pictures of the events above and many others visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CallNorthwest
