May 28, 2014 | Pest Control
Eliminating Pests to Prevent Allergies and Asthma This Spring
Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America designates May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, an ideal time to educate the public about triggers, prevention and treatment measures for asthma and allergic diseases. In recognition of this important observation, we want to remind people that a few simple pest prevention measures can go a long way in combating allergies and asthma this spring.
Common household pests, such as cockroaches and stinging insects, can pose a significant threat to asthma and allergy sufferers. Cockroach droppings, saliva, shed skins and other body parts contain allergen proteins known to cause allergy flare-ups and increase asthma symptoms, especially in children. In addition, stinging insects send more than 500,000 people to the emergency room each year due to serious reactions from the pest’s venom.
Many people blame their sneezing and runny noses during the spring season on pollen and grass, however, household pests are often culprits as well. It’s important for people to make an effort to keep the home free of potential triggers, and the first step is practicing good sanitation.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against common indoor allergens caused by pests:
- Exclude pests by sealing cracks and gaps on the outside of the home. Pay special attention to utility pipe entry points.
- Vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
- Keep food sealed and stored properly, and clean kitchen floors and counters daily.
- Dispose of garbage regularly and store in sealed containers.
- If allergic to stinging insects, learn how to use an epinephrine kit and carry it with you at all times.
- Should you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction following a stinging insect encounter, such as tongue and throat swelling, wheezing, dizziness, or shortness of breath, call 911.
- If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to safely remove the threat.
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Source: NPMA
Mar 19, 2014 | Uncategorized
Glimpses of spring have filled the air here and there. Even though temperatures are unpredictable right now, it is the perfect time to plan for your garden. Ideal conditions, like temperatures and planting zones, vary depending on your location. The state of Georgia has 5 different plant hardiness zones or geographical areas in which specific plant life is capable of growing based on climate (source).
So what are some simple steps you can do right now to Plan for Your Garden?
- Clean and perform maintenance on lawn equipment.
- Check irrigation system. Make sure that your system is working properly and that water is reaching the desired areas.
- Get your soil tested. Testing can help you to know what is crucial to your soil for the results your desire. Test Your Soil
- Make a plan. Don’t just go buy plants on a whim. Instead, do your research on what plants grow best where/when. Map out what you want to do. This will save you time and money.
- Build raised beds for spring vegetables.
- Prune shrubs and bushes. Pruning stimulates growth so make sure to cut 1-2 feet lower than your desired end of season height.
- Fertilize trees and shrubs.
- Overseed fescue lawns.
Don’t have time for spring planning for your garden? Northwest Lawn Care offers FREE lawn care analysis, aeration and overseeding, and tree and shrub services. Save time and money and let the experts handle your lawn care year round!
Mar 14, 2014 | Uncategorized
Head Into Spring With These Helpful Wildlife Prevention Tips
The South (and a greater portion of the country) is making its way out of a treacherous winter. During the recent cold months its likely that pests or wildlife may have taken shelter in your home. Since Spring is approaching it’s a good time to get in the habit of checking around your property for areas that could have been used or could be used as entry points for wildlife.
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Wildlife and pests come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are relatively harmless while others can cause potential health threats. Illnesses can be contracted by breathing in contaminated air with spores that develop from fungus grown in animals’ fecal matter. The elderly, children, or those with compromised immune systems can be at high risk for contracting these illnesses.
If you hear scratching or scurrying in your walls, don’t ignore it or try to solve the problem on your own, call a professional wildlife removal team. Guessing or attempting to get rid of the animal on your own could result in costly damage and even danger. When hiring a trusted wildlife removal company, like Northwest Exterminating, the first order of business is to inspect the property and assess the situation. They can identify the issue based on where you’re hearing noises, openings, droppings, gnaw marks, or nests. Once the pest is identified a customized plan can be established.
As we say here over and over again, the key is PREVENTION. Some wildlife are bound and determined to get into your home regardless of the steps you take, however, there are ways you can deter them.
Wildlife Prevention Tips:
- Bring pet food and water indoors and keep in a tightly sealed container.
- Trim trees back from the roofline.
- Although they are fun to watch and enjoy, bird feeders should be removed. They can attract squirrels and other animals to your home.
- Clean out gutters.
- Keep outdoor trash in a tightly sealed container.
- Caulk & seal entrances around the home.
- Hire a trusted and knowledgeable wildlife expert to remove wildlife from your home.
Feb 25, 2014 | Uncategorized
This past weekend was a great preview of the warm Spring weather that is coming. The sun was shining, birds chirping, and we could comfortably be outside without multiple layers of clothing. It seems that we have almost (I repeat, almost) escaped the harsh winter that we’ve been experiencing.
After our spring preview, its made many people think about their lawn and how they can enjoy it in the upcoming months. After the treacherous winter weather, it may need a little more TLC than usual. Northwest Lawn Care would like to help you get your lawn back into tip-top GREEN shape!
Our FREE lawn care analysis is an in-depth inspection of your lawn that will help us develop a comprehensive plan that is unique to the needs of your lawn. Call us today or visit us online to schedule your analysis to have your lawn healthy and green for the spring.
Mar 22, 2013 | Uncategorized
Wednesday marked the first day of Spring. For many of us that means one thing…Spring Cleaning! We often think about all the things to do indoors but what about outdoors? It’s time to spring clean your lawn as well.
Here are some Spring Cleaning Tips for your Lawn:
- Clean up lawn debris – Remove trash, animal debris, dead grass, leaves, pine cones, sticks, etc from your lawn. Debris removal will not only make your lawn look better but it also eliminates hiding and feeding areas for pests and rodents.
- Rake Leaves – If you have piles of leaves left over from fall or some stragglers that have come down more recently, rake those up and dispose of them. Raking up leaves and removing debris will eliminate hiding spots for occasional invaders like millipedes, ants, and other pests.
- Check leftover firewood – Check under any leftover firewood for signs of pests that often hide between and underneath wood. Make sure that wood piles are located as far away from your home as possible. The last thing you want is termites next to your structure.
- Remove standing water – Standing water is a breeding ground for pests, especially mosquitoes. Dump water from bird baths or install drains that will aid in water flowing from your yard rather than gathering.
- Trim Bushes – By trimming your bushes you are not only making your lawn look aesthetically pleasing but you’re also reducing the risk of pests near the structure of your home.
- Apply pre-emergent – Now is the perfect time to prevent weeds from popping up in your lawn. Call a lawn care professional for the most effective products and treatment options for your lawn.
There’s no better time than now to trust Northwest’s Lawn Care experts to prepare your lawn to be healthy and green for the upcoming months so you can enjoy the outdoors!
