Sep 28, 2018 | Mosquito, Pest Control
Summer is drawing to a close and, even though the temperatures are cooling off, they haven’t reached the cold level yet. The time is drawing near for the last battle of the year – us versus mosquitoes! That’s right – just because we’ve moved into fall doesn’t mean the end of mosquito season – especially in the south. Mosquitoes are cold-blooded insects and won’t disappear until temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees. In fact, mosquitoes can even still breed in standing water, especially with the extra rain this time of year brings.
So what can you do to not only prepare yourself for this last battle but keep them at bay until the winter months? Make sure to include mosquito prevention in your fall home and yard preparations. Follow these tips to win the battle with mosquitoes!
- Remove any standing water from flower pots, bird baths, tires, tarps, and any other containers in and around your yard that can hold stagnant water.
- Remove piles of leaves and debris from your yard as these can give mosquitoes a place to hide out and possibly breed.
- Clean your gutters and fix leaky pipes. If cleaning gutters isn’t your thing, consider installing gutter guards to eliminate the hassle of cleaning them year after year.
- Continue to wear protective clothing and repellent when you are outdoors, especially in the early morning and at dusk.
- Make sure screens on doors and windows are in good repair without holes or tears, especially as we use our air conditioners less and enjoy the cooler temperatures outdoors.
- Contact a professional pest control company to help you eliminate mosquitoes from your home and property and help you with an ongoing prevention and treatment plan.
Jul 19, 2018 | Community News, Mosquito
We’ve reached the point in summer where random showers appear out of nowhere and end just as quickly as they start. The showers can sometimes occur back to back and the sun does not have time to dry up the puddles or standing water, leaving behind the perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes. Not only are mosquitoes one of the more annoying pests, they also carry disease, endangering you and your family. West Nile and Zika are the most well-known diseases that can be spread through mosquito bites. However, in recent news, another disease has surfaced in the media, the Keystone Virus.
- What is the Keystone Virus? This is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. The first human case documented was in 2016 in North Central Florida. However, the virus was first discovered in Keystone, FL in 1964.
- Should my family and I be worried about the Keystone virus? The virus is not a cause for panic or concern like Zika. Humans infected by the Keystone virus, may exhibit a mild fever and rash, and in very rare cases it may cause encephalitis. However, it is very unlikely to exhibit any symptoms.
- What kind of mosquito spreads the Keystone virus? The virus is primarily transmitted by the floodwater mosquito. This mosquito is common throughout the southeastern U.S and is most active during dusk. Unlike, the Asian Tiger Mosquito, this mosquito does not breed in containers but prefers woodlands and swampy flooded areas.
- I think I was bitten by a mosquito and I do not feel well. What should I do? Contact your doctor or a medical professional.
Our products and mosquito reduction program have proven to help control this mosquito, but there are steps you can take in mosquito prevention as well!
- Keep gutters clear of debris and consider installing gutter guards.
- Eliminate any areas of standing water. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, check that the water is draining properly.
- Peak mosquito activity is during dusk and dawn. Minimize outdoor activity during these periods. If this is unavoidable, make sure to use insect repellent, preferably one with DEET.
- Call a pest control professional if you suspect a problem with mosquitoes.
Jul 11, 2018 | Pest Control
Summer is a busy season for most of us. Whether it’s traveling for summer vacation, planning barbecues, or just spending more time outdoors we tend to be a lot more active in these warmer months. The same is true for pests! Ants, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and lots of other pests are much more prevalent in the summertime. To enjoy summer to the fullest, it might be necessary to call in a pest control professional to eliminate these pesky pests. Here are a few options in the Roswell, GA area:
- ATA Family Pest Solutions – Offers a full range of pest control, mosquito, termite, rodent, and wildlife services with no contracts and a 100% guarantee.
- North Fulton Pest Solutions – A full service pest control company offering both commercial and residential services, as well as energy efficiency solutions for your home.
- Zone Home Solutions – A hometown pest control and heating and air specialist that is family owned and operated since 1996.
- Pure Defense Pest Solutions – A family owned company in operation since 2011 offering a full range of services and eco-friendly products.
Choosing a pest control company is a personal choice. Many factors go into determining the best fit for you and your family including personal experience, Google, Yelp and Facebook reviews, personal recommendations, and past experiences to name a few. Make sure you make the best choice by doing your research before choosing a company.
As always, we hope you will consider calling Northwest Exterminating for any of your pest problems if you’re in the Marietta or surrounding area, as we have locations to service most parts of Georgia. However, our biggest goal is for you to find the right pest solution for you. Feel free to check out more on our website to identify your pests and to determine what pest solutions are out there for your home, or get started by calling (888) 466-7849 or filling out the Free Estimate form below.
May 25, 2018 | LeafProof, Mosquito, Pest Control
One of the perks of summer is spending more time doing what we enjoy outdoors – barbecues, picnics, gardening anyone? But, you know that all of these fun activities come with another risk – pests! Nothing ruins a picnic faster than ants or mosquitoes. What can you do to make sure you can still enjoy all the fun times outside this summer? Check out these 9 ways to protect your outdoor fun from pests.
- Remove standing water. Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Walk around your yard and fill in any areas where water is prone to pooling. Use pumps in ponds and fountains. Empty out any containers that contain standing water like wading pools, flower pots, buckets, toys, wading pools, and more. Check gutters and rain spouts for clogs and clear them. Consider using gutter guards to help prevent clogs. Check around AC units for leaks.
- Clear out clutter and debris. There are lots of items around your yard that can hold rainwater like toys, tires, and even half empty bags. Make sure these are empty and cleared away or, if you can’t get rid of them, turn them over so they can’t collect water. Piles of leaves, fallen branches, and rotting fruit can attract pests to your yard by providing them with food and shelter. Make sure these are cleared out of your yard.
- Landscape your yard. Tall grass and weeds can harbor ticks, fleas, and ant hills. Mow your lawn regularly in spring and summer so pests have less places to hide. Overgrown shrubbery and tree branches that are in contact with the side of your home can provide a clear pathway for roaches and other pests. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed with at least 1 foot between the branches and the walls of your home.
- Store firewood properly. Firewood provides food and shelter for many different pests, especially termites. Make sure firewood is dry before storing it. Keep firewood stacked above the ground and use a rack or a platform if possible. This way ants and termites can’t easily access the wood. Make sure firewood is stored at least 5 feet away from any structures like houses or sheds. If possible, store firewood with a cover or roof over it.
- Use screens. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Make sure doors and windows have screens on them. Check screens regularly for holes and tears and repair or replace them as needed. Check around doors and windows for gaps and replace weatherstripping as needed.
- Inspect your outdoor equipment. Regularly check the chains of swing sets and the corners of outdoor furniture for spiders and egg sacks and remove them immediately. Check under your porch, in your eaves, or near your grill for wasp nests and remove them immediately. Keep outside toys outside and inside toys inside. If you have to bring outside toys items inside make sure to wipe them down beforehand.
- Cover your food. Keep all food and beverages in sealed covers and containers. Keep food covered at all times. Keep garbage containers sealed. Bring utensils and dishware indoors shortly after the meal. Clean trash, spills, and crumbs immediately from tables and other surfaces. Rinse all beverage bottles and cans and dispose of them in tightly closed garbage containers. Use clear plastic cups for drinks since aluminum cans and plastic bottles provide hiding places for stinging insects.
- Use insect repellent. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. If you must be outdoors during this time, use insect repellent that contains DEET. Use repellent on both exposed skin and on your clothes. Wear long sleeves and pants to avoid bites. Use citronella candles around decks and patios.
- Call a professional. If you suspect you have a pest problem, call a professional pest control company who can provide you with a thorough evaluation and a comprehensive treatment and prevention program for pests.
May 17, 2018 | Mosquito
Summer has arrived and with it comes warmer weather and more outdoor time. While we want to enjoy picnics and parties outside, mosquitoes will often make us the life of their party, feasting on us as unsuspecting victims. Mosquitoes are annoying as they buzz around us and can be a major nuisance if they get inside your home. They can also be dangerous, transmitting serious diseases like West Nile virus and Zika. What can you do to make your summer more enjoyable sans mosquitoes? Check out these 6 tips to prevent mosquitoes this summer.
- Protect Yourself. The CDC advises that you use mosquito repellents that are registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency. They also recommend using products that contain DEET. Use these repellents sparingly on your skin and make sure to wash up when you come inside. Mosquitoes are attracted to clothing that is dark in color or that has floral prints. Try to avoid wearing these colors during peak mosquito times. Also try to avoid wearing sweet-smelling colognes and perfumes. If you have to be outdoors, try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Spray your clothes with mosquito repellent.
- Protect Your Home. Take steps to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible, especially during peak season. Make sure doors and windows have screens and that the screens are in good repair. Replace screens that are beyond repair.
- Dry It Out. Mosquitoes only need 1/2″ of water to breed. Eliminate any areas of standing water around your home, including flower pots, birdbaths, and wading pools. Turn over any vessels that can hold standing water such as tarps. Make sure gutters are clear to avoid pooling water. Consider installing gutter guards to help keep drains clear.
- Mind Their Schedule. Peak activity time for mosquitoes is between dusk and dawn, and especially in early mornings and early evenings. Try to avoid outdoor activity as much as possible during this time. If you must be outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants and make sure to use mosquito repellent.
- Avoid Triggers. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. People with increased metabolic rates, larger people, and pregnant women are especially attractive to mosquitoes because they expel more carbon dioxide. You also expel larger amounts of carbon dioxide when you exercise. Try to avoid outdoor activity, especially exercise, during peak mosquito times. If you must be outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants and use mosquito repellents.
- Call The Pros. If you have a problem with mosquitoes, call a professional pest control company who can provide you with a thorough evaluation and provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan.
