Dec 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
Normally, an invitation from a friend to go out to lunch will be met with enthusiastic acceptance. However, if your friend tells you that bugs are on the menu, you’ll probably take a rain check. Here in the U.S. most people go great lengths to avoid creepy crawlers in the kitchen, but other countries around the world have a different view.
In some countries, dishes featuring insects are delicacies, so these meals are a rare and unusual treat, much like escargot and caviar. Grasshoppers are the favorite insect to eat, being included in the diets of some people from Latin America, Japan, Africa and the Middle East. Other insect treats include wasp larvae, silk moth pupae, and termites. Some brave students over at Princeton University decided to give it a try, though they described their silkworm treat as “surprisingly bland.”
One researcher states “insects have been a delicacy… not only because of their delicious flavor, but also because they provide a more complete protein… and are concentrated sources of calcium, magnesium, potassium and many other nutrients.” So not only do some people think they taste good, but some insects are also good for you – better than soy, meat, and fish! In addition, insect farming is ecologically less damaging than raising animals for human consumption. At Northwest Exterminating, we have a different type of recipe when it comes to insects. Our goal is also to reduce our impact on the environment while protecting your home from unwanted pests.
Sources:
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/2795548-insects-are-worldwide-delicacies
http://blogs.princeton.edu/paw/2010/11/bugging_out_stu.html
Melissa Brown
[email protected]
Oct 17, 2012 | Pest Control
The fear of insects is normal. For some, the fear can be so severe that it can be diagnosed as entomophobia, a fear or aversion to insects. This fear can confine people to their homes without the ability to enjoy the great outdoors and interfere with the quality of life. Experts say that 1-2% of adults in the US has some degree of entomophobia.
But not all bugs are to be feared. We speak a lot about the harm and damage that pests can do to your health and home but we also want to point out that not all insects are bad. The preying mantis is pest control in itself. Preying mantis’ are predators that catch and feed on other insects. Although termites can do thousands of dollars of damage to a structure they are beneficial for the eco-system. Termites help break down decaying trees. Termites can break down wood on a massive scale and prevent trees from piling up and killing the forest. Ladybugs are another natural pest control. Ladybugs eat other insects that do not have a too hard shell.
Although some bugs can be beneficial it is still very important to protect your home. Continue your pest control service to keep bugs in their natural environment instead of your home.
Check out our blog 5 Bugs to Love
Aug 13, 2012 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
Ants are one of the pests that can be an issue year around. Although controlling ants can be difficult…it is possible.
Size is a big advantage to the small ants. Because they are so small, they can enter a structure through even the tiniest of entryways. When ants enter your home, they are looking for food and water. Sweets and greasy foods are amongst some of their favorite foods. To lead other ants to food, they leave behind a pheromone that allows the other ants to follow to the source of food.
Ants are social insects, meaning they live in large colonies. You can find 300,000-500,000 ants in a single colony. Ants can uproot and move their whole colony rather quickly. Worker ants can live up to 7 years while queens can live up to 15 years.
Although size and quantity are on the side of ants, there are ways to keep ants out of your home:
- Eliminate standing water. This will help keep away ants, as well as other pests such as mosquitoes and termites.
- Keep foliage away from the structure. Ants and other pests can use branches, leaves, etc as a way to enter your home.
- Seal your home. Cracks and crevices around your home are used as entrances to your home by pests.
- DIY methods. Although some DIY methods can be helpful in getting rid of ants, you are not getting to the real source of the problem. A professional pest control company can inspect your home and help you come up with a customized plan to get rid of and control future ants from coming in your home.
Call Northwest Exterminating at 888.466.7849 if you are having ant problems in your home or business. Visit us online to find out more information about ants and how to control them.
Jun 1, 2012 | Termite Control
A Columbus family recently had some unwelcome guests in the form of Formosan termites. Out of over 2,000 species of termites, Formosan termites or “Super Termites” are the most aggressive. They are native to Asia and often make their way into the US through shipped wood. Formosan termites gather in large colonies and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to a home. Once a home is infested with Formosan termites, they can be difficult to control. That is why termite prevention is key!
In this particular case, a family member noticed “flying insects” and called Northwest Exterminating to identify the pests as Formosan termites. Northwest President, Steve Phillips, personally went out with the team to inspect the home. The termites were found swarming in several areas of the home. We installed a termite baiting system, The Sentricon System with Always Active, an effective and environmentally friendly option to eliminate and prevent termites. Always Active offers continuous property protection from the termite colony – not just the individual termite.
We strongly suggested that this customer’s neighbors have their homes inspected for termites as well. If a neighbor has termites, or some other pest or rodent infestation, they can easily make their way over to your home. That is why termite protection is so important…prevention is key! Preventing termites from ever getting into your home will ensure that you don’t get a termite infestation. Call us or visit us online for a FREE termite inspection
Watch Steve Phillips and some of the Northwest Exterminating team on Columbus’ WRBL News 3.
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Apr 23, 2012 | Termite Control
If you think that you work hard, think again, you have nothing on THE TERMITE! Termites are working hard, 24/7, to find food. Unfortunately for us, their food is the very wood that we use to build homes. Your home is your biggest asset and you shouldn’t compromise the structural integrity of your home by allowing termites to feed and cause damage. Termites cause up to $5 billion in damage each year and their damage is typically not covered under homeowners’ insurance. This can be an expensive out-of-pocket cost.
Termites show up around your home in early March and hang around until June. A lot of termite damage can be done in this time. It is best to have a professional exterminating company provide you with termite control that will get rid of termites that are in your home and prevent new termites from coming in. Northwest Exterminating is one of the few termite control companies that offer warranties along with our termite treatments. Retreatment & Repair warranties or a Lifetime Termite Warranty are both offered by Northwest Exterminating. Our highly trained representatives will conduct a FREE termite inspection on your home and create a customized treatment plan that is best suited for the needs of you and your home.
Termite damage
Keep an eye out for signs that termites may be invading your home. Look for rotting wood, mud tunnels, or shed wings on both the inside and outside of your home, paying close attention to doors and windowsills. Ensure that there is no water gathering near the foundation of your home. Not only will it serve as an invite to termites but other pests such as silverfish, mosquitoes, and many others. Inspect all raw lumber or firewood before you bring it into your home for signs of termites.
For a FREE inspection of your home visit our website or call us at 888.466.7849. Make sure that your home is protected from termites.
