Jun 16, 2014 | Pest Control
Northwest Exterminating offers tick bite prevention advice for the summer season
As people venture outside to enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather we want to encourage increased public awareness of ticks and their numerous health risks.
Certain species of ticks are capable of transmitting serious diseases to humans when they bite, including Lyme disease, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. We encourage people to take steps to protect themselves and their pets from tick bites when outdoors this summer and decrease the chances of contracting one of these tick-borne illnesses.
Below are some tips from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit organization committed to the protection of public health, food and property from household pests.
Most effective ways to prevent a tick encounter, and tick bite, include:
- Landscape your yard. Keep grass cut low and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris. Ticks are found in high grass, and yards with shrubbery.
- Protect your skin. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes when outdoors, especially in wooded areas or tall grasses. Choose light colored clothing that makes it easier to spot ticks and other insects.
- Use an effective bug repellant. Always apply an insect repellant containing at least 20% DEET to protect against ticks when spending time outdoors, and reapply as directed on the label.
- Regularly check for ticks. Most ticks require 24-48 hours of feeding before they can successfully transmit infections, so it’s crucial to perform a thorough tick check immediately after spending time outdoors. Be sure to check all areas of the body, including the hair.
- Don’t forget about pets. Check pets frequently for ticks, especially after the animal has been outside. Consult with a veterinarian about prevention and treatment options available to pets and wash pet bedding and toys frequently.
- Brush up on proper removal techniques. (Read our post “How to Remove a Tick“) Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick, using a slow, steady pulling motion. Wash hands and the bite site thoroughly with soap and water, and flush the tick down a toilet or wrap it in tissue before disposing in a closed receptacle.
- Contact a professional pest professional. Anyone suspecting a tick bite or experiencing symptoms, including a skin rash, joint pain or fever, should seek prompt medical attention. If ticks are a problem on your property, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and implement a treatment plan to reduce tick populations.
For more information on ticks, please visit https://www.callnorthwest.com/learning-center/identify-your-pest/ticks/.
Source: NPMA
Jul 25, 2012 | Pest Control, Wildlife
A wasp sting can potentially be very dangerous to those in your home, including yourself, your children, and even your pets. If allergic, a sting can cause severe complications, and even death. Even for those that aren’t allergic, a wasp sting is painful and can cause itchiness and infection at the site of the sting.
Needless to say, if there is a wasp nest around your home it is very important that you get rid of it. Since nests are usually home to a colony of wasps they can be dangerous to try to remove by yourself. We suggest calling a professional exterminating company, like Northwest Exterminating, to remove the wasp for you, especially if you have an allergy to stings.
You can purchase a can of wasp remover at your local hardware store. For best results and safety, read and follow all directions on the label. Most labels will tell you that nighttime is the best time to treat because the wasps will either be inside the nest or on the nest. Make sure that you have an “exit” plan for when the wasps come out of their nest. You don’t want to have to run through their swarm to get back inside your home. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and pants, gloves, hat, safety goggles, and mask) spray directly into the nest. Once you have sprayed for the amount of time suggested on the can, leave the area immediately. Most products will advise you to wait a specified amount of time before visiting the area of the nest. Once activity around the nest has seized, knock down the nest and dispose of the nest in a covered trash can outside of the home.
We strongly recommend that you contact Northwest Exterminating, or your professional exterminating company, to remove a wasp nest if you:
- Feel uncomfortable to do it yourself
- If the nest is large or there is a large amount of wasps around the nest
- If you or anyone in your home is allergic to stings
Where is the strangest place you’ve seen a wasp nest around your home?
Apr 9, 2012 | Pest Control
You’ve heard the news about the large numbers of ticks that have decided to come out earlier in the season than usual. But if you are like me you thought “Well that sure stinks that it’s happening to other people but I’m sure it won’t happen to me”. WRONG!! Actually, the day Dr. Goo’s Corner: Ticks was posted I came home and found a tick on my beloved boxer! It’s a good thing I had read that blog post because I knew I had to get that tick off of my dog immediately.
It’s important that ticks are removed quickly and correctly. To be sure that you know how to properly remove a tick from yourself or your dog, we’ve provided instructions.
How to properly remove a tick:
- Don’t panic
- Using tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
- Slowly pull the tick upward with a steady, gentle, and even pressure. Do not twist or yank the tick; this can cause the mouth of the tick to remain in the skin. If this happens, try removing the mouth with the tweezers. If the mouth doesn’t come out do not keep trying, this can cause an irritation of the skin. Let the skin rest and try again later. If it still does not come out, see a doctor or veterinarian for advice on having it removed or waiting for it to come out on its own.
- Once the tick has been removed, thoroughly clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- If any strange symptoms, such as rash or fever, occur in the following weeks, notify a doctor or veterinarian.
- If you think that you may have a tick problem in or around your home call a professional exterminating company to inspect your property.
Picture courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ticks in Atlanta and surrounding areas are on the rise this season because of our warm winter. Trust Northwest to protect your home, family, and pets from ticks.
Have you experienced ticks this season?
