Oct 31, 2012 | Pest Control
As humans, we are often amazed at the ability of pests, specifically ants, to locate food. If there is food available, ants will find it. New research is now available to help us understand how ants have been so successful in our ecosystem.
A study led by Lawrence Zwiebel at Vanderbilt University found that ants have 4 to 5 times higher odor receptors than most insects. Odor receptors are unique proteins that distinguish between different odors. Ants showed more than 400 odor receptor genes (the largest of any insect species) compared to fruit flies at 61, mosquitoes at 74-158, and honeybees at 174.
New information is being released daily to help us understand the make-up of pests. The more we know and understand pests, the better we know how to control them. Call a professional ant exterminator in your area who is knowledgeable, efficient, and effective in treating ants. Call Northwest Exterminating.
Source: ANI News
Sep 26, 2012 | DIY, DIY Pest Control, Pest Control
There are over 700 species of ants in the US so it is no surprise that ants are the number 1 reported nuisance pest in the US. But according to Pestworld.org there are 6 simple steps that can help you reduce the invasion of ants in your home. Click on the links for more explanation from pestworld.org.
- Know the popular hangouts – mostly found in kitchens for food and water, ants can also be found in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, basements, inside walls, and around heating and air structures.
- Eliminate water sources – rid your property of standing water and excessive moisture. Use a dehumidifier in moist places like crawl spaces, attics, and basements. Repair leaky pipes in and around tubs and sinks.
- Eliminate food sources – cleaning up spills and crumbs, sealing foods, and taking out the trash regularly will discourage ants from coming into your kitchen looking for food.
- Don’t discount your pets – pet food and water can attract ants if left out. Clean up pet food and water and wash bowls when they are finished eating. Make sure that pet food is stored in a properly sealed container.
- Block off or eliminate access points – cut back foliage from property and seal any cracks or crevices that can be used as entrances.
- Don’t go it alone – without proper knowledge of ants your problem can grow. Calling in the pest experts will help identify your problem and create a plan to solve it.
Read the full article HERE and contact a licensed pest professional to get rid of ants in your home. Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of ants and other pests that are invading your home or business.
Source http://www.pestworld.org/news-and-views/pest-articles/articles/six-steps-to-an-ant-free-home/
Sep 17, 2012 | Pest Control
Around this time of year, cooler temperatures drive people to stay indoors. As some homeowners may know, a number of household pests such as rodents, spiders, ants, and roaches seek coziness from the weather too. Pests are more than just unwelcome houseguests – they bring the possibility of disease, food contamination and allergies too.
Below are some tips from the National Pest Management Association on pest-proofing your house for the fall. However, these tips don’t always work on some of those hard-to-get-rid -of pests, always remember you can call Northwest Exterminating for your pest management needs because creating healthier living and work environments is our business.
- Install door sweeps on the exterior of doors and repair door and window screens. Also seal cracks and holes around the perimeter of your home.
- Place screens over vents and chimney openings
- Store food in tightly sealed containers and dispose of trash regularly.
- Keep your attic, basement and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry (ask your Northwest representative about TAP attic insulation and Complete Crawlspace). Sites of moisture are breeding grounds for pests.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed and cut back from the house (ask your representative about Northwest’s services).
- If you suspect that your home has been infested, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem – for the best, Call Northwest!
Melissa Brown
[email protected]
Aug 29, 2012 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
Though having pests in your home may be a different story, books about bugs have always been favorite reads for children. Below is a list of fictional stories about bugs that your kids are sure to enjoy:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This picture book features the tale of a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly accompanied by vivid colored pictures. Children will not only learn about caterpillars, but also about numbers, healthy eating and days of the week as they chronicle his journey from newborn to cocoon.
Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg
Ever wonder what ants are up to when they invade your home? Before you call the exterminator, let this picture book give you a glimpse into the mischievous adventures of two ants. Children will learn the importance of following directions and the consequences of their choices.
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
This classic of children’s literature features a fun-filled cast of characters starting with a young orphan named James. With the help of a magic potion, James causes a peach tree to blossom an abnormally large fruit, which becomes home to an assortment of interesting insects. This perfect first chapter book will offer your children lessons of friendship, bravery and loyalty.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This American classic comes from the author of another well-known tale, Stuart Little. Told from the perspective of a pig, this novel follows the life of barn house creatures, one of which is a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte offers Wilbur much wisdom in one of the most beautiful friendships ever written.
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
This story follows a cricket from Connecticut who boards the wrong train to Times Square in New York. There he meets many interesting characters, both human and animal, that teach him many lessons, including how to play classical music.
Melissa Brown
[email protected]
Aug 13, 2012 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
Ants are one of the pests that can be an issue year around. Although controlling ants can be difficult…it is possible.
Size is a big advantage to the small ants. Because they are so small, they can enter a structure through even the tiniest of entryways. When ants enter your home, they are looking for food and water. Sweets and greasy foods are amongst some of their favorite foods. To lead other ants to food, they leave behind a pheromone that allows the other ants to follow to the source of food.
Ants are social insects, meaning they live in large colonies. You can find 300,000-500,000 ants in a single colony. Ants can uproot and move their whole colony rather quickly. Worker ants can live up to 7 years while queens can live up to 15 years.
Although size and quantity are on the side of ants, there are ways to keep ants out of your home:
- Eliminate standing water. This will help keep away ants, as well as other pests such as mosquitoes and termites.
- Keep foliage away from the structure. Ants and other pests can use branches, leaves, etc as a way to enter your home.
- Seal your home. Cracks and crevices around your home are used as entrances to your home by pests.
- DIY methods. Although some DIY methods can be helpful in getting rid of ants, you are not getting to the real source of the problem. A professional pest control company can inspect your home and help you come up with a customized plan to get rid of and control future ants from coming in your home.
Call Northwest Exterminating at 888.466.7849 if you are having ant problems in your home or business. Visit us online to find out more information about ants and how to control them.
As humans, we are often amazed at the ability of pests, specifically ants, to locate food. If there is food available, ants will find it. New research is now available to help us understand how ants have been so successful in our ecosystem.
