Mar 15, 2012 | Pest Control
Due to the massive amount of calls that we have received lately regarding kudzu bugs, or stink bugs, we thought this earlier post would be beneficial!
In the past several weeks, our service centers have seen an emergence of kudzu bugs. Kudzu bugs, also known as lablab bugs or globular bugs, have made their way to Georgia in recent years from Asia. Thoughts are that because Atlanta has the “World’s Busiest Airport”, they could have arrived through Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Since kudzu bugs are fairly new to experts, research is still being done on this particular bug.
Kudzu bugs look like brown lady bugs and eat what other than…kudzu. But kudzu isn’t all that these bugs are feeding on. Kudzu bugs also eat soybean plants. More research is being done to find out if kudzu bugs will eat our Georgia crops as well.
The kudzu bug is an occasional invader, choosing to enter properties for the shelter and possibly needing moisture. Think of them as the same as boxelder bugs, but with an increased amount of generations and smaller so they fit in tiny cracks and crevices. They are known to eat specific plants, but can survive on others. They have 3 generations per year, so they can build up populations in great numbers, but once the population is reduced, control can be maintained.
Kudzu bugs have a notorious stench they emit when they feel threatened so it is suggested that if you come in contact with such bugs in your home or vehicle that you vacuum them up instead of squashing them. It is highly recommended that you dispose of the vacuumed bugs so they do not continue to emit their stench.
For more information, check out the University of Georgia’s kudzu video:
University of Georgia – Kudzu Bug
Northwest Exterminating offers a treatment plan specifically for kudzu bugs. Call us at 888.466.7849 for more information.
Feb 28, 2012 | Termite Control
If you are anything like me, you are loving this unseasonably warm weather that we are experiencing in Georgia. It’s been a nice preview of what is in store for us come Spring time. That being said, I’m not looking forward to the cold snap that we will inevitably experience before Spring comes around. I’m also not looking forward to an earlier termite season due to the warm temperatures.
Termites aren’t usually moving this time of year because the temperature is typically below 60 degrees. When temperatures are above 60, that is when termites start to swarm. And when they start to swarm, they start inside your home before moving outside. Unfortunately, once you find out that you have termites in your home, damage has most likely already occurred. And termites can do some serious damage, causing up to $5 billion of damage each year in the US.
Oftentimes, termites are mistaken for flying ants. If you think you see what appears to be flying ants, call your termite control company, such as Northwest Exterminating, to come inspect your home. Termites look for moisture in and around homes, so be sure that any standing water or leaking pipes are adequately taken care of. Look for mud tunnels, usually the size of a pencil, that are created on the inside or outside of the home’s foundation. Clean gutters and pull back soil and mulch from the home’s foundation where termites can find their way into the wood of a structure.
If you have questions about termites or suspect that termites may be in your home, call Northwest Exterminating today and we will be happy to come out and conduct a FREE termite inspection.
May 16, 2011 | Pest Control
Do to the massive amount of calls that we have received lately regarding kudzu bugs, or stink bugs, we thought this earlier post would be beneficial!
In the past several weeks, our service centers have seen an emergence of kudzu bugs. Kudzu bugs, also known as lablab bugs or globular bugs, have made their way to Georgia in recent years from Asia. Thoughts are that because Atlanta has the “World’s Busiest Airport”, they could have arrived through Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Since kudzu bugs are fairly new to experts, research is still being done on this particular bug.
Kudzu bugs look like brown lady bugs and eat what other than…kudzu. But kudzu isn’t all that these bugs are feeding on. Kudzu bugs also eat soybean plants. More research is being done to find out if kudzu bugs will eat our Georgia crops as well.
The kudzu bug is an occasional invader, choosing to enter properties for the shelter and possibly needing moisture. Think of them as the same as boxelder bugs, but with an increased amount of generations and smaller so they fit in tiny cracks and crevices. They are known to eat specific plants, but can survive on others. They have 3 generations per year, so they can build up populations in great numbers, but once the population is reduced, control can be maintained.
Kudzu bugs have a notorious stench they emit when they feel threatened so it is suggested that if you come in contact with such bugs in your home or vehicle that you vacuum them up instead of squashing them. It is highly recommended that you dispose of the vacuumed bugs so they do not continue to emit their stench.
For more information, check out the University of Georgia’s kudzu video:
University of Georgia – Kudzu Bug
Northwest Exterminating offers a treatment plan specifically for kudzu bugs. Call us at 888.466.7849 for more information.
