Hollywood Invasion

Throughout history, most humans have disliked and even had a fear of insects and spiders. Entomophobia, or insectophobia, is a common fear or aversion to insects and arthropods. Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders. Hollywood has capitalized on those common fears by exposing them in the horror film genre.

Since the horror genre hit the scene back in the 1940’s, the bug movie has been a pivotal part of the industry. The insect horror film is in an exceptionally extensive category of horror. Since the premiere of 1950’s Highly Dangerous, Hollywood has produced over 75 movies featuring killer insects or spiders. Some contain mammoth, mutant bugs that can devour humans, while others feature deadly swarms of ants, bees, or wasps. They vary from the hilariously campy to the straight -up terrifying.  Here are a few:

Them! – A crew of FBI agents and entomologists battle radiation-induced gigantic ants in this black-and-white sci-fi flick from 1954.

The Fly – Jeff Goldblum’s iconic turn as the scientist-turned-fly in this remake is equal parts poignant and petrifying.

The Deadly Mantis – The star of William Alland’s sci-fi flick is a 200-foot-long praying mantis freed from its prehistoric lair by a sudden seismic shift.

Arachnophobia – South American killer spider hitches a lift to the US in a coffin and starts to breed and kill.

Not all movies about bugs tap into our fears.  Here are movies that make you almost wanna like the little guys:

A Bug’s Life – A misfit ant, looking for “warriors” to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.

Spiderman – When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a nerdy, shy, and awkward high school student gains spider-like abilities that he eventually must use to fight evil as a superhero after tragedy befalls his family.

 

Don’t let your home turn into a horror film! Call Northwest Exterminating.

What is the creepiest movie that you have ever seen?

Cara Carver
[email protected]

Granddaddy Long Legs Aren't Spiders

granddaddylonglegs or harvestman on a leafIt may be one of the most easily identifiable pests but it’s also commonly misrepresented.  Granddaddylonglegs, or daddylonglegs, are often thought to be spiders but are actually harvestmen.  Harvestmen get their name because that is when they are usually seen…during harvest time.  There are about 150 species of daddylonglegs in North America.
When you spot a granddaddylongleg, with its long and thin legs, it is not hard to see where the “longlegs” part of their name comes from.  They use their infamous legs to catch insects, spiders, and plants that they feed on.  They are found around structures of homes and buildings, and tree trunks, presumably looking for food.  Inside of a structure they are typically found in garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other damp areas of the home.  You won’t usually find them in the common living areas.
Another common misconception about daddylonglegs is that they are poisonous or venomous…neither of which are true.  They are not harmful to humans or animals, they won’t even bite.

How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs

  • Keep pests out.  By keeping pests out of your home granddaddylonglegs won’t venture in looking to feed on these small pests.  *Maintaining your pest control service with a professional exterminating company will keep bugs out of your home.
  • Vacuum.  Vacuuming is the easiest way to remove any daddylonglegs that you find in your home.  Vacuuming also helps to remove food sources from your carpets and furniture.
  • Keep house dry.  Like most insects, daddylonglegs like moisture.  Fix leaky faucets and pipes, use dehumidifiers, and dry any standing water.
  • Sticky Traps.  Sticky traps are a great way to catch harvestmen and other insects.  Place traps in areas of the home where you have seen pests.  Check regularly to see if any pests have been trapped on the board.

Did you know that granddaddy long legs weren’t spiders?
Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of grand daddy long legs or other pests in your home or business.
 

Granddaddy Long Legs Aren’t Spiders

granddaddylonglegs or harvestman on a leafIt may be one of the most easily identifiable pests but it’s also commonly misrepresented.  Granddaddylonglegs, or daddylonglegs, are often thought to be spiders but are actually harvestmen.  Harvestmen get their name because that is when they are usually seen…during harvest time.  There are about 150 species of daddylonglegs in North America.

When you spot a granddaddylongleg, with its long and thin legs, it is not hard to see where the “longlegs” part of their name comes from.  They use their infamous legs to catch insects, spiders, and plants that they feed on.  They are found around structures of homes and buildings, and tree trunks, presumably looking for food.  Inside of a structure they are typically found in garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other damp areas of the home.  You won’t usually find them in the common living areas.

Another common misconception about daddylonglegs is that they are poisonous or venomous…neither of which are true.  They are not harmful to humans or animals, they won’t even bite.

How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs

  • Keep pests out.  By keeping pests out of your home granddaddylonglegs won’t venture in looking to feed on these small pests.  *Maintaining your pest control service with a professional exterminating company will keep bugs out of your home.
  • Vacuum.  Vacuuming is the easiest way to remove any daddylonglegs that you find in your home.  Vacuuming also helps to remove food sources from your carpets and furniture.
  • Keep house dry.  Like most insects, daddylonglegs like moisture.  Fix leaky faucets and pipes, use dehumidifiers, and dry any standing water.
  • Sticky Traps.  Sticky traps are a great way to catch harvestmen and other insects.  Place traps in areas of the home where you have seen pests.  Check regularly to see if any pests have been trapped on the board.

Did you know that granddaddy long legs weren’t spiders?

Call Northwest Exterminating to get rid of grand daddy long legs or other pests in your home or business.

 

Calling All Realtors!

Did you know that Northwest Exterminating offers Continuing Education classes for Georgia Realtors?  We offer 7 classes that earn agents 3 credit hours.  Not only do we offer the CE classes but we come to you!!  Our Realtor Team can come to your office or a location of your choice.

Construction and Termites – This course is a visually detailed view of the construction process, as it relates to termites, and the various termite treatment methods used in new construction. A discussion of clearance letters and Form II’s is also included.

Builder One – If you are selling new construction homes, this class is a must! This is an in-depth course for builders and agents discussing the real termite problem, comparing construction foundations and explaining the termite treatments for each. An explanation of termite warranties is also provided.

Wildlife – What is in your attic? – Critters causing commotion? This course encompasses an extensive study of the problems and the preventative solutions available to homeowners concerning a wide variety of pests including rodents, snakes and bats.

Pest Damage Identification and Control Methods – GAR Approved.  Bugs, bugs, bugs! This class is specifically designed to help agents identify different types of termite damage and nonstructural threats. The differences between termites and ants and various other bugs are also discussed.

Going Green – Construction, Conservation and Pest Prevention – Is your environment important to you? This course is primarily to help Real Estate Agents and Appraisers understand the importance of our ever changing environment and how the Real Estate community can impact our conservation efforts.

Staying Ahead of the Competition – Don’t be caught off guard by the FHA/VA stumbling blocks! This class instructs the agent on Form II restrictions, GAR revisions, and the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Report. Conducive conditions for termites are also covered in this class.

What’s Bugging You? – Don’t be scared…be prepared! Topics covered in this class include ants, flies, household bugs, insects that bite or sting, spiders, bed bugs, and prevention and control methods.

For more information, go to our website for the dates of our currently scheduled classes.  Check in often for class schedule updates.

To schedule a Continuing Education class for Realtors in your office, contact Northwest’s Real Estate Team.

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