Dec 30, 2011 | Pest Control, Wildlife
This year, while packing up your holiday decorations, take some time to do a little pest control. We all know that bugs like to hide in places like attics, basements and other storage areas, so take this opportunity to do some exterminating. Before taking your boxes to their storage area, take a good look around. Below are some tips on what to look for before you store away your holiday decorations:
- Look for any openings that rodents or wildlife could use as an entrance. If you find openings, make sure to have them tightly sealed.
- Look for pest carcasses or droppings. Pests are attracted to other pests so be sure that you vacuum up any debris that is found.
- Standing water can be used as a water source for rodents and pests. Be sure to remove any standing water and have the source of the water repaired.
- Take note of any odd odors. Foul odors can be a tell-tale sign of pests or other intruders.
- Check any wood, wires, insulation or other items stored for gnawing or scratch marks.
- Inspect your boxes. Check your storage boxes for the above signs of pests.
If you see any of these signs while putting away decorations, be sure to contact your exterminator. By being proactive, you can save yourself the hassle of a future infestation. Remember, cleanliness is key to keeping bugs and other pests out of your home.
When do you put your decorations away?
Dec 29, 2011 | Community/Events
Christmas has come and gone! You spent hours, maybe even days, decorating your house. You’ve enjoyed the decorations and now it’s time for the dreaded task of taking down the decorations and getting rid of the tree. But don’t just dump your tree out…recycle it. There are many locations and events throughout Georgia that will recycle your Christmas tree. There are options to drop off, curbside pick-up, and some programs that will give you free mulch or seedlings for your recycled tree.
One of the most notable programs is Home Depot’s “Bring One for the Chipper” event which is sponsored by Keep Georgia Beautiful. On January 7, 2012, bring your tree to your local Home Depot (most Home Depot locations participate) where Boy Scouts are on hand to help you unload your tree. The mulch from your Christmas tree will be used to mulch playgrounds, government projects, and individual yards. (If you would like the mulch from your tree to use in your own home project, download this form, complete it and fax it in.) Home Depot will give you a FREE seedling in return.
Join Northwest Exterminating in our efforts to protect our environment by recycling your tree.
Tip: Call your trash company to see if they will do curb side pick-up
Do you know of other places where you can recycle your Christmas tree?
Dec 25, 2011 | Company News
Northwest Exterminating would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. The holidays are a great time to reflect and think about all of the blessings that we have in our lives. We are truly blessed by our Northwest family that includes all of our dedicated teammates and our wonderful customers.
Thank you for making the decision to choose Northwest Exterminating for your termite and pest control needs. We look forward to working together with you in 2012.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!
From Steve Phillips and the Northwest Exterminating Team
Dec 23, 2011 | Fire Ant, Pest Control
The Earth is full of interesting, magnificent creatures. One of those interesting creatures is the camponotus cylindricus… an ant that can explode itself.
The camponotus cylindricus, or exploding ant as we like to call it, uses their talent as an act of self-defense. When the ant nest is threatened by an intruder, the ant will grab hold of the intruder’s face with its teeth. They will then bend their bodies so violently that their outside burst and a layer of chemicals explode…making an attempt to kill both the intruder and themselves.
The chemical is stored in sacks that run along the ant’s body. It acts as an irritant to external organs and dries into a glue-like substance that attaches the ant to the body of its attacker. Many times this causes the intruder go blind and stops it from making it’s way to the nest. Either way…the intruder loses the battle.
Now talk about chemical warfare.
Dec 22, 2011 | Pest Control
When we put out the call on Facebook and Twitter for topics that people wanted to read about on our blog we got a request for scorpions. Scorpions are one of those pests that can send chills through your body at just the thought of them. There are currently 1,200 known species of scorpions in the world.
Typically, if you get stung by a scorpion you get a similar reaction as you would if you were to be stung by a bee. Pain, itching, tingling, swelling, skin turning blue/black at the site of the sting are all signs of a scorpion sting and usually subside within 24 hours. Many people hurt themselves more trying to get away from a scorpion than they would if they had gotten stung. However, some people may develop an allergic reaction to a scorpion sting that can be life-threatening.
When a person gets stung by one of the more dangerous scorpion species, venom is injected into the body that can cause respiratory paralysis and other complications, usually between 2-20 hours of the sting. Thankfully, there is anti-venom that can be administered within 2 hours of the sting.
*Note – If there is no swelling or discoloration around the site of the sting, get to a Doctor immediately.
Scorpions are nocturnal feeders that feed mostly on insects and spiders. During the day, they go into hiding which helps to conserve their water (if water is available, they can survive for months without food). Scorpions are fond of cool temperatures and water so attics, crawl spaces, and even sinks are ideal places to find them. But beware; once the sun comes up they will go into hiding in just about anything.
Ways to control scorpions:
Do you have a funny story about hurting yourself while trying to get away from a scorpion or another pest?
