Aug 23, 2013 | Mosquito
Northwest Exterminating representative, Courtesy of AJC
Need tips on how to keep mosquitoes away?
- Remove standing water from your yard. These areas serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Keep screens on windows and doors to keep them out of your home.
- Use an insect repellant. DEET is highly recommended. Be sure to read the label and reapply as necessary.
- Cover up. We know it’s hot but items like hats, long sleeve shirts, long pants, and shoes that cover your feet will help keep the mosquitoes from biting.
- Wear light colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors so keep it light and bright to keep them away.
- Stay still. Movement produces a change in waves of light and acts as a signal to mosquitoes. Carbon dioxide is also an attractant, so the more you move, the harder you breathe and the more you attract mosquitoes.
- Plants. Certain strong smelling plants help keep mosquitoes away. Citronella, marigolds, and lemongrass are some of the plants you can use outdoors, while rosemary and basil are said to be helpful inside.
- Home remedies. There is no shortage of DIY remedies online. Some of these can be useful for short term effectiveness.
- Professional pest management. A trained pest control technician can inspect your property to identify what is attracting the mosquito infestation. The technician can then treat your property in an earth friendly and effective manner. They can also provide you with a plan to keep mosquitoes away.
These are just a few tips on keeping mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes are known carriers of diseases like West Nile virus, encephalitis, and heartworms in dogs. Make sure that you are protecting yourself and your loved ones. For more information, visit our blog or call Northwest Exterminating at 888.466.7849.
Why Do Mosquitoes Love Me So Much?
Jul 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…MOSQUITO?!?!
Source
Yes, that is right mosquito season is here! And although we all enjoyed the mild winter, we may not be able to say the same this summer. Mild winters usually mean an influx in pest pressure for Pest Management Professionals and their customers…including mosquitoes.
There are currently 63 different species of mosquitoes found in GA. Approximately$125,000,000 is spent annually in Georgia in an effort to reduce and treat the effects of disease and nuisance caused by mosquitoes. That’s a lot of money to control one insect. But is there a cost to protect the public’s health? Because the mosquito has become a big threat!
Worldwide malaria remains the most important human disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria counts for almost 2 million deaths each year and is estimated that there are over 400 million cases in the world. In Georgia, we see about 50 to 60 cases of Malaria a year. Although Malaria affects the most humans worldwide there are two other diseases that we see more frequently in Georgia.
The West Nile virus was first found in the states in 1999. In 2002, the virus spread over most of the United States and caused over 4,000 cases and 277 deaths. The virus is transmitted from the mosquito to a host bird, where the virus grows and then is transmitted to an incidental host (humans) by another mosquito. To date, there is no antivirus for those affected with the disease.
Another common disease doesn’t affect humans directly but it does affect the family dog. Dog heartworms are a serious problem and are spread by mosquitoes. Infection rates in some states have been reported to be as high as 80% in dogs over 2.5 years old, and almost 100% in dogs over 5 years old that are left un-vaccinated. There is approximately $60,000,000 being spent on heartworm prevention in Georgia each year and it cost nearly $1,000 to treat a case of heartworms. Bottom-line…make sure you treat your dog for heartworms BEFORE it’s an issue.
So what can we do? Mosquito prevention at Northwest Exterminating is a five step program following the basic principles of an Integrated Mosquito Management program:
- Education
- Surveillance
- Source Reduction
- Larviciding
- Adulticiding
It is important as homeowner’s that we do our part. Here are some simple steps to help reduce mosquitoes around your home:
- Reduce water collection sites
- Clean gutters regularly
- Remove yard clutter
For more tips like these and to help reduce the amount of mosquitoes around your home call Northwest Exterminating. Our goal is to create a healthier environment around your home so you can enjoy your yard!
Adam Vannest
Director of Pest Services
Northwest Exterminating
[email protected]
Jul 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…MOSQUITO?!?!
Source
Yes, that is right mosquito season is here! And although we all enjoyed the mild winter, we may not be able to say the same this summer. Mild winters usually mean an influx in pest pressure for Pest Management Professionals and their customers…including mosquitoes.
There are currently 63 different species of mosquitoes found in GA. Approximately$125,000,000 is spent annually in Georgia in an effort to reduce and treat the effects of disease and nuisance caused by mosquitoes. That’s a lot of money to control one insect. But is there a cost to protect the public’s health? Because the mosquito has become a big threat!
Worldwide malaria remains the most important human disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria counts for almost 2 million deaths each year and is estimated that there are over 400 million cases in the world. In Georgia, we see about 50 to 60 cases of Malaria a year. Although Malaria affects the most humans worldwide there are two other diseases that we see more frequently in Georgia.
The West Nile virus was first found in the states in 1999. In 2002, the virus spread over most of the United States and caused over 4,000 cases and 277 deaths. The virus is transmitted from the mosquito to a host bird, where the virus grows and then is transmitted to an incidental host (humans) by another mosquito. To date, there is no antivirus for those affected with the disease.
Another common disease doesn’t affect humans directly but it does affect the family dog. Dog heartworms are a serious problem and are spread by mosquitoes. Infection rates in some states have been reported to be as high as 80% in dogs over 2.5 years old, and almost 100% in dogs over 5 years old that are left un-vaccinated. There is approximately $60,000,000 being spent on heartworm prevention in Georgia each year and it cost nearly $1,000 to treat a case of heartworms. Bottom-line…make sure you treat your dog for heartworms BEFORE it’s an issue.
So what can we do? Mosquito prevention at Northwest Exterminating is a five step program following the basic principles of an Integrated Mosquito Management program:
- Education
- Surveillance
- Source Reduction
- Larviciding
- Adulticiding
It is important as homeowner’s that we do our part. Here are some simple steps to help reduce mosquitoes around your home:
- Reduce water collection sites
- Clean gutters regularly
- Remove yard clutter
For more tips like these and to help reduce the amount of mosquitoes around your home call Northwest Exterminating. Our goal is to create a healthier environment around your home so you can enjoy your yard!
Adam Vannest
Director of Pest Services
Northwest Exterminating
[email protected]
May 17, 2013 | Uncategorized
Take Back Your Yard!Don’t let mosquitoes suck the fun out of your Summer!
HABITS
- Breed in stagnant water such as ponds, marshes, drainage ditches, etc.
- Can be found in almost every type of landscape on Earth except deserts and the Arctic.
- Bite most often at dusk and dawn.
THREATS
OTHER PESTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
PREVENTION
- Eliminate areas of standing water around the home such as flower pots, bird baths, etc. Mosquitoes only need about one half inch of water to breed.
- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
- Wear long pants and sleeves when outdoors whenever possible.
- Use an insect repellant that contains DEET.
- Call Northwest Exterminating for a professional inspection and treatment plan for breeding sites.
Enjoy your yard this Spring and Summer. Call Northwest Exterminating for more information on our Green Mosquito Program!
May 8, 2013 | Uncategorized
They don’t call him Man’s Best Friend for no reason. Dogs, and cats (we can’t forget our beloved cats) are truly part of the family. We treat them and take care of them just as we would any other member of the family. That’s why it is important that we protect them from outdoor pests that can cause serious health risks to our furry friends. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are all predicted to make a heavy appearance this season as the weather warms up.
Ticks are most commonly found on our pets. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and cause tick paralysis.
Fleas can cause itchy, red bumps that cause animals to scratch. Fleas are also easily brought into the home where they can invade your living space and reproduce. Fleas can cause anemia, skin issues, and even tapeworms for our pets.
Heartworms and West Nile Virus are some of the more serious issues that come along with mosquitoes. A bite can manifest into a full heartworm in 6-7 months in a dog, and 8 months in a cat.
Keep your pets healthy by following some of these tips to controlling ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes:
- Regularly scheduled pest control service in and around your home will help keep pests away that can cause risks to your pets. (Call Northwest Exterminating for our NorPest Green Pest Control service. Our program is kid and pet friendly while keeping the bugs away. Our Green Mosquito Program also keeps mosquitoes away while using Earth friendly solutions.)
- Check your dog and cat on a regular basis. Check for excessive scratching, bumps, fleas, and ticks.
- Keep vegetation cut and trimmed.
- Bathe pets regularly.
- Remove standing water in yard where mosquitoes breed.
- Vacuum frequently.
- Ask your veterinarian about Flea and Tick prevention and heartworm prevention.
Contact Northwest Exterminating if you think you have a problem with fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes. Keep your pets healthy!
