pest control Archives | Northwest Exterminating

Effective Fire Ant Control For Your Yard

Apr 26, 2024 | Fire Ant

Fire ants, with their fiery stings and relentless mounds, can quickly turn your yard into a battleground. For Georgia homeowners, dealing with these aggressive pests is an ongoing challenge. However, with the right strategies and tools, you can regain control of your outdoor space and enjoy it without fear of fire ant attacks. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of fire ants, the dangers they pose, what to do if you’re bitten, and most importantly, how to effectively eliminate them from your yard.

Signs of Fire Ants

Identifying a fire ant infestation is crucial for prompt action. Look out for telltale signs such as:

Visible Mounds: Colonies construct dome-shaped mounds, typically found in sunny areas like lawns and open fields.
Aggressive Behavior: If you disturb a mound, you’ll quickly notice the workers swarming out to defend their territory. Their aggressive nature is a clear indicator of their presence.
Stings: Fire ant stings are painful and often leave behind itchy, red bumps. If you or your pets experience multiple stings while outdoors, it’s likely that these ants are nearby.

Dangers of Fire Ants

Beyond their painful stings, fire ants pose several risks:

Health Concerns: Fire ant stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, and dizziness. Those allergic to bee stings should be particularly cautious.
Damage to Property: Fire ant mounds can disrupt the aesthetics of your yard and damage landscaping equipment. Moreover, their tunneling activities can undermine the soil structure, affecting plant roots and potentially causing structural issues.

What to Do if Bitten by a Fire Ant

If you or someone else is stung by a fire ant, follow these steps:

Stay Calm: Although painful, most stings are not life-threatening. Panicking can worsen the reaction.
Wash the Area: Clean the sting site with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Apply Cold Compress: Use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
Monitor for Allergic Reactions: If the individual shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, seek immediate medical attention.

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants in Your Yard

Effective fire ant control requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some strategies to consider:

Fire Ant Baits: Utilize bait products specifically designed for fire ant control. These baits contain slow-acting toxins that are carried back to the colony, effectively eliminating the queen and other ants.
Broadcast Granular Insecticides: Apply granular insecticides across your yard to target mounds and foraging ants. Follow product instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective application.
Direct Treatment of Mounds: For visible fire ant mounds, apply insecticidal dust or liquid directly into the mound entrance. This method provides fast-acting control and reduces the risk of colony relocation.
Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of your yard to identify new fire ant activity and treat it promptly before it becomes a widespread infestation.
Landscaping Modifications: Make your yard less hospitable to fire ants by removing debris, keeping vegetation trimmed, and minimizing moisture sources.

Preventive Measures

Once you’ve eradicated fire ants from your yard, take steps to prevent future infestations:

Maintain Good Lawn Care: Healthy, well-maintained lawns are less attractive to fire ants. Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing can help deter their presence.
Create Barrier Treatments: Apply residual insecticides around the perimeter of your property to create a protective barrier against invading fire ants.
Monitor Imported Materials: Inspect any soil, plants, or landscaping materials before introducing them to your yard to avoid inadvertently introducing fire ant colonies.

In conclusion, controlling fire ants in your Georgia yard requires diligence and a combination of tactics. By identifying signs of infestation, understanding the dangers they pose, and implementing effective control measures, you can reclaim your outdoor space from these troublesome pests. For fast-acting and reliable fire ant control, trust the expertise of a professional pest control company near you to safeguard your home and family.

5 Reasons Rats Are Entering Your Florida Home

Apr 25, 2024 | Florida Pest Control

Rats are practically year-round creatures in Florida, seeking your home for a warm place to nest and find a food source. Once these rodents find their way inside your home, they will reproduce quickly, making it difficult to remove them. Here is what attracts rats to your home and easy prevention tips to avoid a future infestation!

What Attracts Rats To Your Home

Dirty & Cluttered Home

Rats are attracted to homes that are both dirty and cluttered. These wildlife creatures look for leftover food crumbs and spills for their food source. Likewise, rats tend to utilize piles of old newspapers or cardboard boxes to create a nest and hide out.

Easy Access Inside

Rats can enter homes through a gap or hole the size of a quarter! If any openings are found, they’ll use it to their advantage to make their way inside your home. You can often find these openings around your foundation, doors, and windows.

Cluttered Yard

Your yard is the first line of defense for avoiding rodents but there could be factors attracting them right onto your property. Leaf piles and deep mulch are the perfect materials for rats nesting sites. Likewise, dirty outdoor grills and open garbage cans can be an invitation for rats to scavenge and find a food source.

Available Water Source

Rats need water to survive and will look for any source available in and around your home. If there is a constant supply of water dripping from your pipes, that’s enough for rats to move into your home. Common areas where rats find water include leaky bathroom faucets, pipes in your basement, hose faucets, and even HVAC systems.

Access to Food

One of the biggest rat attractions is any available food source. Leftover crumbs, drink spills, and open food containers in your pantry will all attract rats into your home. Rats are not picky eaters and are attracted to all kinds of food, including meats, vegetables, fruit, and more.

Preventing Rats from Your Florida Home

Having a rat infestation can be alarming, not only because of the damage they can cause but also the diseases they can spread. One of the best ways to keep rats from entering your property is to place the preventative measures to deter them in the first place. Consider these tips and tricks to avoid rats:

Empty your garbage on a regular basis and always use a tight-fitting lid or lock it.
After each meal, make sure to clean up food crumbs and drink spills. Don’t forget to wipe your countertops and stovetops of food too.
Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight; instead, wash, dry, and put them away.
Repair windows and doors, making sure there are no open gaps, holes, and loose or broken seals.
If you have pets, consider storing their food in plastic containers with a lid instead of the bag it comes in; always bring in your outside pet food and water bowls at night.
Check your exterior home for any cracks or gaps that rats could fit into, seal these openings as soon as possible.
Reduce all standing water on your property by fixing leaky pipes and eliminating moisture in your crawlspace through encapsulation.
Maintain your yard by keeping your grass mowed, trimming back shrubbery, and removing debris.

If you’ve noticed rodent activity at your property or would like to start rodent control now, it’s best to call a pest control company near you. These professionals can provide you with a thorough inspection, rodent identification, and a rodent treatment and removal plan based on your needs.

How to Avoid Common Stinging Pests in Florida

Apr 18, 2024 | Florida Pest Control

Florida is no stranger to dealing with stinging pests! These insects can become a real nuisance to your Bonita Springs property once they have invaded your yard and can pose a health risk to your family. Let’s review some common stinging pests in Florida and how you can avoid them on your property.

Common Stinging Pests in Florida

Hornets: Large and can be aggressive, hornets can pack a powerful sting! These pests build large paper nests in hollow trees, bushes, and attics. Hornets are attracted to light and will often fly into windows at night, infesting the inside of your home. Hornets do not hesitate to sting if they feel threatened.
Wasps: These pests will build their nests on branches, porch ceilings, eaves, and attic rafters. If wasps feel threatened, they will sting multiple times and call on reinforcements by emitting pheromones.
Yellowjackets: These stinging insects tend to nest in the ground and inside wall voids, where their colonies can number up to 4,000! Yellowjackets are territorial and will sting humans, often causing allergic reactions.
Fire Ants: These pests are small but known for their painful sting. Fire ants will build large mounds in lawns, gardens, and even HVAC systems! If a fire ant stings you, it can be painful and often result in a raised welt.

Preventing Stinging Pests

Stinging pests are most active during summer and early fall, so it’s crucial to start placing preventative measures throughout your property to avoid their infestation! Check our tips and tricks on avoiding stinging insects:

Keep your garbage cans covered with a tightly sealed lid.
Thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home for any openings or gaps in your screens, doors, and windows; fix any openings as soon as possible.
At night, keep your doors and windows shut and turn your outside lights off.
Sweet smelling perfumes or cologne can attract stinging pests, so it’s best to avoid wearing them when you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time.
When eating food outside, make sure to place it in sealed containers and clean up any trash, spills, and crumbs after you have eaten.

If you happen to be stung by a stinging insect, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately. Likewise, if you’ve seen an influx of stinging pests on your property, it’s best to contact a pest control company near you. Removing nests can be extremely dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals who will safely remove the nest and provide you with recommendations on preventing these common stinging pests in the future.

10 Backyard Mosquito Control Tips

Apr 12, 2024 | Mosquito

In the balmy summers of Georgia, spending time outdoors is practically a way of life. From backyard barbecues to lazy afternoons by the pool, outdoor living is cherished. However, there’s one persistent buzzkill that can put a damper on these activities: mosquitoes. These pesky insects not only cause itchy bites but also pose significant health hazards to humans and pets alike. Fortunately, with the right mosquito control strategies, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy mosquito-free moments all season long.

Understanding Mosquito Behavior in Georgia

Mosquitoes are most active during the warmer months, typically from April to October, aligning with Georgia’s long mosquito season. These blood-sucking pests thrive in the state’s humid subtropical climate, making it a haven for mosquito populations. Understanding their behavior is crucial for effective backyard mosquito control.

Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk when temperatures are cooler, but they can also be active throughout the day, especially in shaded areas. Female mosquitoes require blood meals to develop eggs, so they are constantly seeking hosts to feed on. Unfortunately, humans and pets often become their preferred targets.

Hazards Posed by Mosquitoes

Beyond the nuisance of itchy bites, mosquitoes pose significant health risks to humans and pets. In Georgia, they can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika virus. Additionally, heartworm, a potentially fatal disease, can affect dogs and cats when they are bitten by infected mosquitoes.

Mosquito Control Tips

To safeguard your family and pets, it’s essential to implement effective mosquito control measures in your backyard. Here are ten tips to help you take charge of mosquito prevention and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest:

1. Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, making it crucial to eliminate any sources of standing water in your backyard. Regularly check for and empty containers such as flower pots, bird baths, clogged gutters, and discarded tires where water can accumulate.

2. Maintain Your Landscape: Keep your lawn well-trimmed and bushes and shrubs neatly pruned. Mosquitoes often rest in dense vegetation, so maintaining a tidy yard can reduce their harborage areas.

3. Install Mosquito Nets: Utilize mosquito nets or screens on windows, doors, and outdoor seating areas to create a barrier between you and these pests. This simple addition can significantly reduce mosquito entry into your living spaces.

4. Use Mosquito Dunks: For areas of standing water that cannot be eliminated, such as ponds or birdbaths, use mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI). These biological larvicides kill mosquito larvae without harming other wildlife.

5. Opt for Natural Repellents: Incorporate natural mosquito repellents such as citronella candles, essential oils (e.g., lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree), and plants like marigolds, lavender, and basil into your outdoor decor. These can help deter mosquitoes while adding a pleasant aroma to your surroundings.

6. Utilize Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers and are easily deterred by strong air currents. Positioning fans in outdoor seating areas can create a breeze that makes it difficult for mosquitoes to fly, reducing their presence.

7. Introduce Mosquito-Eating Fish: Consider adding mosquito-eating fish, such as gambusia (mosquito fish) or goldfish, to ornamental ponds or water features. These fish feed on mosquito larvae, naturally controlling their population.

8. Maintain Swimming Pools: If you have a swimming pool, ensure it is properly chlorinated and filtered to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water. Additionally, cover the pool when not in use to minimize access for egg-laying mosquitoes.

9. Wear Protective Clothing: When spending time outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin. Additionally, consider treating clothing with permethrin, an insect repellent that can deter mosquitoes.

10. Invest in Professional Mosquito Control: For comprehensive and long-lasting mosquito control, consider hiring a reputable mosquito control company. These professionals can assess your property, identify breeding sites, and implement targeted treatments to reduce mosquito populations effectively.

By implementing these backyard mosquito control tips, you can reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy a mosquito-free environment all season long. Remember that consistency is key, so make mosquito prevention a regular part of your yard maintenance routine. With a proactive approach, you can protect your family, pets, and guests from the hazards posed by mosquitoes and fully embrace the joys of outdoor living in Georgia.

Don’t let mosquitoes dictate your outdoor activities. Take charge of mosquito control today and make your backyard a haven of comfort and relaxation. For professional assistance with mosquito control in Georgia, contact a mosquito control company near you for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

How Can I Prevent Drywood Termites in Florida?

Apr 11, 2024 | Florida Termite Control

Drywood termites might seem like their counterpart, the subterranean termite, but they couldn’t be more different. Instead of surviving off moisture like subterranean termites, drywood termites seek dry wood for their food source. Once these termites find a place to create their colony, they will excavate the wood and cause significant structural damage to many Florida homes. One of the best ways you can avoid drywood termite damage is understanding their signs and the preventative measures to place on your property!

Common Signs of Drywood Termites

Drywood termites build their colonies inside wood in and around your home, surviving above the ground. While termites are difficult to spot, there are signs to indicate their activity in your home, including:

Discarded wings on windowsills and near doors
Seeing flying termites or swarmers near your home or in your neighborhood
Hollow-sounding or visible damaged wood; the wood often looks carved out
Piles of frass, or termite droppings, around the exterior or interior of your home; droppings look like coarse grains of sand

Drywood Termite Prevention Tips

In Florida, drywood termite activity is year-round, so it’s crucial to stay on top of your termite prevention. Consider the following tips to avoid a drywood termite infestation:

Regularly inspect your home for any of the above drywood termite signs. Don’t forget to look near baseboards, beams, and other wood materials throughout your home for their activity.
Seal openings around your doors, windows, and utility pipes with caulk or other sealants as soon as possible; this will help to keep termites and other household pests from entering your home.
Before bringing used furniture or firewood inside your home, make sure to inspect it first for any signs of termites.
At night, turn off your outside lights and close your curtains as termites are attracted to light.

If you notice drywood termite signs or suspect there are termites inside your Florida home, it’s best to contact a local pest control company near you. These professionals can schedule you with a routine termite inspection and termite control options.

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