May 7, 2015 | Pest Control
Did you know that a millipede isn’t an insect at all?! They are arthropods that feed on dead and decaying plant matter. Millipedes overwinter in homes which means they enter when the temperatures drop and come out when the temperatures rise. This is why you see millipedes around your home in warmer months…they’ve been there; they’ve just been “resting”. Well, they’re not always “resting”, sometimes they are mating which can be a pain because they can lay up to 300 eggs at a time. This is usually when you discover a millipede infestation. In the right situation, a millipede can live 5-7 years.
The best way to keep millipedes out of your house is to stop them from getting in.
- Seal any cracks and/or crevices in the foundation, around wiring, and plumbing where millipedes, or other pests, could enter.
- Millipedes require high humidity. Use dehumidifiers to keep the air dry or use fans in rooms that done have good air flow.
- Repair any leaks. Leaky faucets or pipes can attract millipedes.
- Clean out and remove debris from gutters. Gutter build up can cause water from draining correctly.
- Keep your yard clean by removing dead plant matter. Remove piled up mulch or woodpiles that store moisture and attract millipedes.
If you have a millipede infestation, contact your local pest control company for a free pest inspection.
Sep 13, 2013 | Uncategorized
The colder months are a time when pests, rodents, and other creatures make their way into homes and businesses for food and shelter. These pests can be a nuisance and sometimes even a health concern to your home.
If you’re wondering about a specific insect or rodent that you’re seeing you can find out more information at Northwest Exterminating’s Learning Center at callnorthwest.com.
Our Learning Center serves as a helpful tool to our customers that helps them to identify pests, learn about their habitats, and learn what the best solution is to get rid of them and prevent them from returning. You can also find out how at risk your home may be for termites. And our frequently asked questions page offers answers on some of the questions that we see and hear often from other customers just like you.
If there is anything that you would like to see on our Learning Center page, please feel free to tell us by filling out our “Ask the Mouse” section located on our site.
Aug 23, 2013 | Mosquito
Northwest Exterminating representative, Courtesy of AJC
Need tips on how to keep mosquitoes away?
- Remove standing water from your yard. These areas serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Keep screens on windows and doors to keep them out of your home.
- Use an insect repellant. DEET is highly recommended. Be sure to read the label and reapply as necessary.
- Cover up. We know it’s hot but items like hats, long sleeve shirts, long pants, and shoes that cover your feet will help keep the mosquitoes from biting.
- Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so keep it light and bright to keep them away.
- Stay still. Movement produces a change in waves of light and acts as a signal to mosquitoes. Carbon dioxide is also an attractant, so the more you move, the harder you breathe and the more you attract mosquitoes.
- Plants. Certain strong smelling plants help keep mosquitoes away. Citronella, marigolds, and lemongrass are some of the plants you can use outdoors, while rosemary and basil are said to be helpful inside.
- Home remedies. There is no shortage of DIY remedies online. Some of these can be useful for short term effectiveness.
- Professional pest management. A trained pest control technician can inspect your property to identify what is attracting the mosquito infestation. The technician can then treat your property in an earth friendly and effective manner. They can also provide you with a plan to keep mosquitoes away.
These are just a few tips on keeping mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes are known carriers of diseases like West Nile virus, encephalitis, and heartworms in dogs. Make sure that you are protecting yourself and your loved ones. For more information, visit our blog or call Northwest Exterminating at 888.466.7849.
Why Do Mosquitoes Love Me So Much?
Aug 7, 2013 | Mosquito
Asian Tiger Mosquito
If you are just now being able to absorb the menace of the Gallinipper mosquito, unfortunately you won’t be able to breathe easy just yet. Evidently, tourists aren’t the only people coming to our American shores this summer. The Asian tiger mosquito is named for the black-and-white stripes on its body. You may think that spraying on some bug spray during the day time will help keep them at bay, but think again! This mosquito is different from others in that it bites all day long and pursues not only humans, but also dogs, cats, birds and other animals.
According to Livescience.com, entomology professor Dina Fonseca reports “Part of the reason it is called ‘tiger’ is also because it is very aggressive… you can try and swat it all you want, but once it’s on you, it doesn’t let go.” Another serious concern of this particular insect is that it spreads more than 20 diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever and two types of encephalitis.
Since the 1980s, the Asian tiger mosquito has reached 26 states, primarily in the eastern United States. Warm weather helps this pest get around, but its eggs are also capable of surviving cold weather. To help eliminate the potential destruction of this pest, it is important to remove standing water, wear insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants outdoors. Naturally, Northwest Exterminating is equipped with preventive solutions to give you a mosquito-free summer. If you’re interested in our services, give us a call!
Sources:
http://www.livescience.com/37715-asian-tiger-mosquitoes-chikungunya.html
Jul 24, 2013 | Uncategorized
Pests can show up in the most unexpected of places – in your bed, in your luggage and unfortunately in your food. What might have appeared to be a perfectly fresh and untouched package might actually be home to insects that infect food products. These insects are aptly named stored product pests and are usually small beetles or moths. For the most part, you will notice the adult form of these insects as they immediately begin their search for more food, typically in the area where the infestation first began.
These insects have a rather rapid life cycle lasting just four to five weeks. During this time, adult females can lay anywhere from 1000 to 1,000 eggs! If the adults themselves do not eat your food, then they serve as breeders who locate food sources for their larva. The name suggests that these pests only consume food products, but actually have a very large appetite including, but not limited, dried flower arrangements, bird seed, dog bones and even jewelry or holiday decorations!
In the Southeast, one particular stored product pest you may spot is an Indianmeal moth. Despite what their name suggests, these moths can be found in bird seed, breakfast cereals and other consumables, typically located in kitchen cupboards. However, because of their great ability of flight, adult Indianmeal moths can be found pretty much anywhere within an infested home. Indianmeal moths are also easy to spot during the larva stage, as they are almost an inch long and create webs of silk in the items they infest.
Indianmeal moth
Another well-known insect is the drugstore beetle which commonly infests dried herbs and spices as well as other dried plant and animal material. These pests can chew through paper packaging and even aluminum foil. You’ll spot these pests as they are active, great flyers that are attracted to light. However, don’t assume that one not moving is one not to worry about. These pests, like another stored product pest known as the weevil, may pretend to be disturbed when threatened.
Drugstore beetle
Preventing these infestations is difficult as many of these pests do not appear until the packaging has been opened. It’s important though to keep food in tightly sealed containers and also use older products first. If the infestation is relatively bad, pest control companies such as Northwest Exterminating can provide traps to bait these pests using pheromones that attract these insects.
Sources:
http://www.caes.uga.edu/publications/pubDetail.cfm?pk_id=7914
