Feb 24, 2014 | Uncategorized
Getting Rid of Pests by Eliminating their Needs
Bugs are no different than humans in that we’re all in search of 3 basic needs: water, food, and shelter. It’s important when trying to obtain a pest-free home that we are eliminating pest’s basic needs. Limiting their access to these items will be a big step in prevention AND maintenance.
So what steps do you take to eliminate these sources?
Trim vegetation away from structure
How to Eliminate Pest’s Water Sources From Your Home:
- Check under cabinets and sinks for leaks
- Caulk around pipes
- Eliminate any areas in the yard where water pools
- Clean out gutters of debris so water can drain properly
- Don’t leave your pet’s water bowls sitting out
- Remove debris in the yard that gathers water
- Remove standing water from bird baths
How to Eliminate Pest’s Food Sources From Your Home:
- Clean up any food spills immediately
- Don’t leave your pet’s food sitting out
- Keep food (pet food included) in tightly sealed containers
- Take out trash on a regular basis
- Place trash in an outside garbage can with a tightly sealed lid
How to Eliminate Pest’s Access to Shelter From Your Home:
- Be cautious of what you bring in (old furniture, produce, boxes, all can contain bugs that you could potentially bring into your home)
- Caulk and/or seal any cracks or crevices located around windows, doors, pipes, vents, etc.
- Use low sodium vapor lighting on the outside of your home
- Point security lights away from your home
- Trim back vegetation at least 1 foot away from your home
- Remove clutter and debris from the interior and exterior of the home
- Keep doors and windows shut
- If you need to have doors or windows open use screens
If pests have already found their way into your home it’s best to call a professional exterminator. A pest professional can properly inspect your property, identify the pest, identify the sources, effectively treat the home for the targeted pest, and work with you to develop a customized action plan to maintain and prevent further issues from occurring. If you’re in need of a professional pest control company call Northwest Exterminating!
Feb 19, 2014 | Uncategorized
Can the cold temperatures damage your lawn?
Winter weather can take a toll on your lawn. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and freezing rain (all of which we have experienced A LOT of recently) can damage lawns. When these weather conditions sit on grass for extended periods of time it can damage, even kill, warmer season grasses. Root damage is also a concern.
When ice forms on cooler season grasses it can make the blade brittle and easy to break. It’s best to limit activity on cooler season grasses when there has been long periods of ice on the ground.
As spring approaches and your lawn starts to green you may notice blotchy areas due to winter kill. This is often in areas that took longer to thaw out due to lack of sunlight or a larger collection in one area of the lawn.
The best way to help restore your lawn after winter damages is to learn from past experiences because history tends to repeat itself. If you had an area that collected more snow because it was in a low lying area then make sure to level out the area so you won’t have the same problem next time it happens. Also, a healthy lawn is much more resilient. Keeping a healthy lawn year around can improve it’s durability during the winter months.
To keep that lawn healthy all year, call Northwest for expert care!
Feb 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
It’s always nice to know that your blog is useful to other people. So we were thrilled to learn that our blog was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Pest Control & Bug Blogs” by Organic Pest Control, Inc. Organic Pest Control, Inc. is a 24/7 pest control company in New York.
Our blog was chosen because it was among the entomology and pest control industry blogs that were valuable, fresh, and frequently updated.
Thank you to all of our readers and check out some of the other winners.
Thanks again, Organic Pest Control, Inc.
Feb 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
It’s always nice to know that your blog is useful to other people. So we were thrilled to learn that our blog was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Pest Control & Bug Blogs” by Organic Pest Control, Inc. Organic Pest Control, Inc. is a 24/7 pest control company in New York.
Our blog was chosen because it was among the entomology and pest control industry blogs that were valuable, fresh, and frequently updated.
Thank you to all of our readers and check out some of the other winners.
Thanks again, Organic Pest Control, Inc.
Feb 6, 2014 | Uncategorized
If you’re traveling somewhere for Spring Break be prepared for mosquitoes.
Northwest Exterminating cautions travelers about mosquito-borne diseases
Many people are looking forward to escaping the winter chill by jet setting to a warmer destination during Spring Break, but they may find themselves with a biting problem – mosquitoes. Northwest Exterminating encourages Spring Break travelers, especially those visiting a tropical location, to take precautions to protect themselves from these blood-sucking pests.
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can inflict more then just painful bites. Travelers are at an added risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Malaria and Dengue Fever.
Anyone traveling to the Caribbean should also be aware of Chikungunya virus, an infection spread by Asian tiger mosquitoes that was recently reported in St. Martin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is characterized by fever, rash, fatigue, vomiting and intense muscle and joint pain that can last for weeks in serious cases.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggests the following tips to avoid mosquito bites while basking in the sun:
- Minimize outside activity, particularly at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you must spend time outdoors during peak mosquito times, use an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
- Avoid wearing dark colors and floral prints, loose-fitting garments, open-toe shoes and sweet-smelling perfumes or colognes.
- If bitten by a mosquito, clean the area thoroughly, avoid scratching, and apply anti-itch cream.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you experience additional symptoms such as high fever, head and body aches, confusion or weakness.
For more information, visit our mosquito page.
Feb 4, 2014 | Uncategorized
Northwest Exterminating Wins 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award
We’re excited to announce that we have once again received the Angie’s List Super Service Award! The Super Service Award is awarded to the top 5% of companies in their category based on Angie’s List ratings and reviews!!
Awards like these mean a lot to us because they are based on what our customers have to say. We strive each and every day to go above and beyond each customer’s expectations. We love to hear what our customers have to say about us.
Thank you to all of our customers who leave reviews on our website, our Facebook page, Angie’s List, Yelp, and all other review sites. Your feedback is much appreciated and very valuable to always moving forward to be a better company!!
Jan 31, 2014 | Uncategorized
It’s cold and rainy, then it’s warm and sunny, cold and rainy, warm and sunny…and this is January!! The weather for the past couple of months has been a bit unpredictable. A couple of weeks ago we had temperatures in the 70′s…in December!! The very next day it was in the 30′s. All this crazy weather makes it difficult to dress when heading out the door and it makes it difficult on our homes trying to keep the temperature regulated.
One of the things that can help in regulating the temperature in your home is to install TAP Insulation in your attic. Properly insulating your attic can save on your energy bills and keep your home at a comfortable temperature year round. When a home is poorly insulated, your HVAC system has to work harder to heat and cool your home. This increases the amount of energy and the cost of your energy bills.
Insulation is measured using “r-value” or the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. Builders are required to put in insulation with a minimum r-value of 30 but the Department of Energy suggests having an r-value of 49 for optimal savings on energy and money. When TAP Insulation is installed, it can be added to your current insulation to add to it’s r-value.
Benefits of TAP Insulation:
- Immediate Return on Investment
- Year-Round Comfort
- Permanent Pest Protection
- Fire Safety
- Green Solution
Jan 31, 2014 | Uncategorized
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), 45 % of rodent infestations occur in fall and winter. This is one of the reasons that many of our recent blogs have been about colder weather bringing rodents and wildlife into homes (Tips on Keeping Rodents Away After Removal).
Jan 31, 2014 | Uncategorized
Last week we saw cold weather and snow blanket much of the country. In cold conditions homeowners aren’t the only ones seeking shelter indoors. Northwest Exterminating warns that rodents and wildlife are also looking for a warm place, like our homes, to escape the winter chill. Unfortunately, these small pests can cause more than just a headache for homeowners if they gain entrance inside.
Rodents can contaminate food sources and serve as vectors of many diseases, such as salmonella and the potentially fatal Hantavirus. Moreover, mice and rats can cause serious structural damage by chewing through insulation, walls, wood, and electrical wiring.
It’s much easier to prevent an infestation than to get rid of pests after they’ve found a cozy retreat inside the home. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips to keep homes rodent-free this winter:
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both.
- Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the basement foundation and windows.
- Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
- Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
- Inspect items such as boxes, grocery bags and other packages brought into the home.
Northwest Exterminating advises homeowners to also be on the lookout for signs of an infestation. If you find rodent feces or hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or attic, contact a licensed pest professional, like Northwest Exterminating, to inspect your home for rodents.
