Jul 20, 2011 | Going Green, Pest Control
Northwest Exterminating is Green Pro Certified
Northwest Exterminating was recently named a Nisus GPM (Green Pest Management) All-Star in the June 2011 edition of PCT Magazine (Pest ControlTechnology). Nisus defines GPM as “an integrated, multi-step approach that combines prevention and monitoring techniques with a prudent approach to pesticides, rendering a responsible – yet highly effective – solution.” Northwest Exterminating has been recognized because of our Green pest control solution, NorPest Green. NorPest Green is an eco-friendly pest control system that is effective, non-invasive and kind to your natural environment.
Check out the latest issue of PCT Magazine or visit us ONLINE for more information on NorPest Green and our other Green options.
Jul 18, 2011 | Pest Control
It’s no coincidence that we often get calls regarding the German cockroach. If you have ever lived in an apartment or rented a home, you have likely encountered the German cockroach. It is the most common cockroach found in homes, apartments, and restaurants. Not only will these big roaches make your skin crawl but they have also been known to spread illnesses. It’s no wonder that the Germans do not like to claim this particular cockroach – in Germany, it is called the French cockroach.
German cockroaches will live anywhere that humans have built a heated structure. These roaches are most often found in secluded areas of the kitchen behind or under appliances, in cracks and crevices, behind and under cabinets, around plumbing, and backs of drawer wells. Since the German cockroach is attracted to warm areas, it has been known to infest around appliance motors such as the refrigerator or dishwasher.
As stated before, German cockroaches have been known to spread illnesses. They spread illnesses by invading your home and leaving fecal matter and other debris around your food and in areas where food is stored or prepared. German cockroaches can enter the home through boxes that have been shipped from one place to another. They reproduce at a high rate, producing 30-48 eggs at a time and can generate 3-4 egg cases in a lifetime. A German cockroach life cycle is completed in only 30-45 days.
With such high reproduction, it can be difficult to get rid of German cockroaches because they infest so many areas, so quickly. Your best bet to eliminate German cockroaches from your home is to contact a professional pest control company, such as Northwest Exterminating. Trained exterminators know where to look for harborage sites and what products to apply to achieve fast and effective results. It is much easier to eliminate a German cockroach problem when it is newly established and small, rather than when the population has time to build.
Click HERE to schedule a FREE pest inspection.
Jul 15, 2011 | Company News, Going Green, Pest Control, Termite Control
We recently discussed the difference between termite damage and termite activity.
If you do not have a current termite control company and are shopping around there are a few things that you should be looking for:
How long has the company been in business? If you are receiving quotes from 2-3 companies and one is considerably lower in price, be careful. You don’t necessarily want the cheapest because it could mean they are on the downfall and you’d be stuck with the same scenario even after spending several hundred dollars. Ever see a “going out of business sale” sign? There’s a reason everything is marked down 70% or more. They’re no longer worried about the effectiveness of their product. They just want to get rid of it to make a little money before they close.
Do they have different options in termite protection/pest protection, such as “green” services? Some people could care less about “going green” when it comes to bugs and termites. However, it is important to think about what “green” means. Green pest products are made up of botanical plant particles and minerals. Natural earth derived products are an important aspect of the exterminating industry. For years, pest companies have poured, pumped and sprayed millions of gallons of chemicals into the ground worried about keeping bugs away from homes, children and pets. Why are we concerned about keeping bugs away but have no problem with letting our families and pets be around harmful chemicals? Most companies have a form of “green” control but ask them what their products are made from and to give you a list of products they use. More importantly, ask if they keep their traditional and green products and equipment separate from each other so that there is no cross-contamination. Finally, for those few who still don’t care about the environment, I still urge you to go with a green solution. Most companies with a green solution still have access to traditional products but the goal is to only treat those as needed. Use green products around your home on a regular basis and if the need calls for it, traditional products can be used in a much smaller area upon request.
Go with a company that can provide several services. If you have ants in your kitchen, termites in your garage and mosquitoes in your backyard you don’t want to have to call three different companies. That’s three different appointments that you have to take time out of your schedule for, three different bills and three different agreements. Wouldn’t it be much easier to make one phone call and set up one appointment with one company? It’s much easier to remember who to call when anything comes up in the future and know they make you a high priority because they would stand to lose a lot more if they were to disappoint you.
Austin Milligan
Alpharetta Service Center Manager
Northwest Exterminating
[email protected]
Jul 13, 2011 | Termite Control
It is very important for a consumer to understand that there is a huge difference between termite damage and termite activity. Year after year, I go into homes that may or may not have either of the two and regardless I can say that at the very least it “freaks people out.” Understandably so, no one wants to have termites eating away at their biggest investment. It is very important to have someone who can not only treat your home but also provide regular inspections to make sure that there is no activity present.
Termite activity always comes first! Just because the termites are there doesn’t mean they have caused any termite damage yet. Remember that they are essentially wild animals. They will choose to feed when and where they please. It is completely up to them. It is important that proper visibility for the termite inspector is allowed. There should not be large amounts of storage covering areas where visibility is impossible. Make sure that all areas, particularly exterior walls, are clear of storage. If termite activity can be found in it’s early stages then it can be resolved before the “damage is done.”
If you suspect that your home could have either termite damage or termite control, call an exterminator…call Northwest Exterminating to protect your home.
Austin Milligan
Alpharetta Service Center Manager
Northwest Exterminating
[email protected]
Jul 11, 2011 | Going Green, Wildlife
It seems that every year we have more yellow jacket nests that are not ground nests but are up under siding or behind brick, etc. In the past most of us would dust, foam it or use something else along those lines. Adam Vannest, Northwest Exterminating’s Monroe Service Center Manager, has recently been using a new approach that has been very successful in eliminating those hard to reach/access nests. Not only is this a new approach, but it is also a green option to control yellow jackets. If nothing else, it’s one heck of a show.
Next time you have a yellow jacket nest in a wall void or behind siding use a rat glue tray to block the entry for a second just long enough to snag one yellow jacket. Then, leave the glue board as close as possible to the entry point. As each yellow jacket gets stuck he stings the glue board and sends off the pheromone for reinforcements. As each yellow jacket comes and gets stuck and stings, it multiples the scent. Leave the trays for a little while until you see no more activity. The remaining larvae will die, and the nest will dry out.
This treatment is not only highly effective but entertaining as well! We guarantee a good show!
- A recent photograph showing yellow jackets stuck to glue boards
Caution: Wear protective clothing or bee suit when placing glue boards. For maximum safety, call the experts at Northwest Exterminating to control yellow jackets.
