Apr 25, 2012 | Company News, Mosquito
Mosquito eggs are hatching early…so what does that mean for you?
Reports have talked about the early mosquito season due to the warmer temperatures that we’ve experienced early in the season. But will this impact your summer plans of being outdoors anymore than usual? The Atlanta Journal Constitution ran a story featuring Northwest Exterminating that gives a glimpse of what we have to look forward to this summer with not just mosquitoes, but ants, kudzu bugs, and other pests as well. The article includes reasons why we are seeing so many mosquitoes and tips on preventing them from invading your yard.
Read The AJC article here.
Although there are many DIY products and other mosquito control systems, Northwest recommends a monthly mosquito control program performed by licensed, experienced professionals. Our Green Mosquito control uses products that are derived from flowers and bacteria to ensure that our program is effective and environmentally friendly. For more information on our Green Mosquito Control or for a FREE inspection, visit us at callnorthwest.com.
Apr 16, 2012 | Pest Control
What are the tiny red bugs crawling around my windows?
This is a common question that we get in early spring and late fall. Clover mites are found in warm, sunny places which is why you usually see them around your windows and crawling on your curtains. Clover mites are smaller than the tip of a pencil which allows them to fit into the smallest cracks and crevices around a structure. They are oval shaped with 8 legs. Their 2 front legs are longer than the rest and protrude forward which can be confused with antennae.
Clover mites can be alarming to homeowners because they gather in large numbers but there is no need for alarm. Clover mites do not bite or carry diseases, however they can cause skin irritation to some with sensitive skin. (These are not to be confused with chiggers which look similar but get into the skin and itch.) They do not damage furniture or pursue your food. Clover mite eggs lay dormant in the summer months and hatch in temperatures of 85 F or below. They are attracted to warm, sunny places which leads them to the windows in your home. Clover mites are often identified by the red stain they leave once they have been squashed. The red substance is the pigment in their color, not their blood. Grass and clovers are their main source of food.
There are simple ways to get rid of clover mites in your home. The best way is to vacuum them up. As with any vacuumed pest, make sure that you dispose of the bag immediately in an outdoor trash can. Disposing of the bag is always recommended but is especially an issue when it comes to clover mites because they are so small and can escape from the bag into your home. Another way to get rid of clover mites is to place sticky traps around your windows. As always, prevention is your best option. Clover mites feed on fertilized lawns, so if you are seeing an infestation cut back on the fertilizer. Remove grass that has direct contact to your structure. Instead, use soil, gravel, or mulch because clover mites have difficulty moving on bare, loose terrains. Make sure all window screens are tight fitting. Seal any cracks around the outside of the structure and use weather stripping on entrance areas.
If you are having a consistent problem with clover mites or other pests, it’s best to call Northwest Exterminating. We will ensure that your issue is identified and a customized plan is created for treatment of clover mites.
Are these small red bugs showing up in your home?
Mar 28, 2012 | Pest Control
It is Spring Break time here in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. It’s a time that parents and kids both look forward to. A lot of people will be going out of town this spring break and staying in hotels. I’m sure you’ve seen media reports of bed bug outbreaks across the US. Hotels are being hit pretty hard with bed bug infestations and it is something that travelers need to be aware of. The truth is that you are more than likely not going to experience bed bugs in your hotel room or home but it is always best to be educated and aware!
Many wonder why the number of outbreaks has risen in recent years, it is suspected that increase in travel, less effective household pesticides, resistance to pesticides and lack of awareness are among the main reasons. The key to avoiding bed bugs is early detection. Make sure you are checking mattresses and other upholstery items when traveling. Know that bed bugs are not a sign of a sanitation issue with the hotel; they are often brought in by other guests.
Bed Bugs on a mattress cover
What to Look For:
- Brown or chestnut in color
- Size of a pencil eraser
- Eggs are several millimeters and clear to whitish in appearance
- Droppings and dead skin of bed bugs
How to Search Hotel Rooms for Bed Bugs:
- Simply call the hotel. They may not always be forthcoming in their answer but it’s worth a shot. A lot of hotels will be honest and tell you if they have or haven’t had experiences with bed bugs.
- Check The Bedbug Registry. This free data base is a place where bed bug sightings are reported.
- Pack clothes and shoes in air tight bags in your suitcase. Keep your items packed away in Ziploc bags inside of your suitcase to protect them from bed bugs.
- Inspect the bed. Pull back the sheets and check the mattress, concentrating heavily on the mattress seams, for droppings or skin that has been shed. Also check the headboard, footboard, sheets, comforter, and pillows for signs of bed bugs.
- Use the luggage rack. Do not put your luggage on the bed or on the floor. Hotels usually provide a luggage rack, if not; place the luggage on a tile floor where it is easier to see bed bugs moving if they are present.
- Bites on body. Bed bug bites are not dangerous but do cause allergic reaction. Bed bugs often bite in a straight line on the body. You can tell the difference between mosquito and other common pest bites and bed bug bites by the area on your body you have been bitten. Mosquitoes mainly bite on the arms, legs or other body parts that are left uncovered. Bed bug bites can be found throughout the body.
The thought of bed bugs and their bites are unnerving to say the least. However, you may find comfort in knowing that bed bug bites are not dangerous because they do not carry human diseases. All of that being said, you want to be sure that you do not carry these pests home with you from vacation. Bed bugs are not only difficult to treat but can be an expensive treatment.
Tips for returning home:
- Keep luggage in the garage or outside until you can unload your suitcase fully.
- Wash and dry everything on the hot cycle immediately. The hot temperatures will kill any bed bugs that may have made the trip with you.
- Vacuum out suitcase once emptied.
- Take precautionary measures with your own furniture. Get a bed bug proof mattress case for your mattress and add traps on the legs of your bed.
- Inspect frequently.
At the end of the day, we want you to have the best time on your spring break or other vacation. We just want to make sure that you are not bringing home anything that wasn’t supposed to come home with you. As we said earlier, the key is to be educated and aware.
If you have more questions on bed bugs or think that your home may have bed bugs, call Northwest Exterminating. We have a dedicated team of experts that specialize in bed bug treatment.
Other Additional Links:
https://www.callnorthwest.com/pest-control/bed-bug-control/
Dorm Rooms and Bed Bugs
https://www.callnorthwest.com/learning-center/identify-your-pest/bed-bugs/
NPMA Releases Bed Bug Best Management Practices for Pest Professionals
