Nov 30, 2011 | Wildlife
We often get calls from people wanting us to come out and remove wildlife from their homes. One of the most common nuisances that we find are raccoons. Raccoons are native to North America and have made themselves at home in rural neighborhoods. They can be found living in hollowed out trees, caves, garages and attics. They are attracted to gardens, bird feeds, fish ponds, garbage cans, pet food and even your kitchen cabinets. Raccoons are on the hunt for food and a nice warm place to live, so if you have those, they are going to try to make themselves at home.
Raccoons are easily recognized by their grayish color, black mask and ringed tail. As adults they usually weigh between 10-20 lbs and are nocturnal creatures. Raccoons are typically kind animals but will attack if they feel they are in danger. They usually live up to 5 years in the wild and have a litter of 3-6 every spring. Raccoons are known for their ability to adapt to environmental changes. They are strong, intelligent creatures who are great climbers with skilled hands. With their excellent ability to climb they will often get into your home by breaking in through the roof or attic. Also, be sure to cover your pet doors because this is oftentimes an easy entrance for wildlife such as raccoons.
When raccoons, or other wildlife for that matter, get into your home they can cause serious damage. They have been known to cause a significant amount of damage to attics, garages, property and even living areas. It is best to hire a professional wildlife removal company to get rid of raccoons. A company such as Northwest Exterminating, will ensure that the animal is removed in a humane way that is best for the animal as well as the health of your home.
Nov 28, 2011 | Wildlife
As with many pests, squirrels and other rodents are finding their way into your attic this winter to take shelter from the cold. Squirrels may be cute but we can assure you that your attic is not where you want them to make their home. Squirrels can cause a great deal of damage if they take up residency in your attic. And if they are not taken care of, they may stay until spring which just so happens to be their breeding season…and that’s a problem that you don’t want to have.
Squirrels and other rodents are a nuisance to have in your home. Squirrels will often defecate and urinate in your attic which leads to a horrible stench. Not only will it stink, but they can also damage storage and insulation. When you’re insulation is damaged, it can cause the insulation to be less effective (see TAP Insulation). Speaking of stench, you will be in for a rude awakening if a decaying squirrel is stuck in the attic. And awakenings…you will most surely be awakened by the constant noise making of their gnawing or their scurrying.
Squirrels are known to carry hitchhikers such as fleas and mites and in some cases carry diseases. This is worrisome because they can attack if they feel they are in danger. They can also cause serious damage to your home. With their constant need to chew, they will chew on sheetrock, wood, insulation and roofing which could give them a path right into your living area. Chewing on wiring could potentially be a fire hazard for your home. If they chew a hole in the roof you could have a major moisture problem on your hands. All of this on top of damaging any storage that you may have in your attic.
To keep squirrels from entering your attic, seal any holes that lead into the attic, trim back trees from your house (they are great jumpers) and limit the food sources outside of your home such as bird feeds, pet food or garbage cans. If you hear scurrying in your attic call a pest professional that specializes in the exclusion, removal and control of these nuisances.
Nov 25, 2011 | Pest Control
Put these two images together and what do you get? EARWIGS!!
The name earwig comes from an old European superstition that these insects enter the ears of sleeping people and bore into their brain. We now know this not to be true but it’s still a fun fact!
Earwigs are easily identified by their forcep-like cerci located at the end of their body. These are used as both defensive and offensive weapons. Earwigs possess wings but rarely use their flying abilities. These pests have an appalling smell when they are crushed. For protection, some species of earwig will squirt this same foul smelling liquid from scent glands located on their abdomens. It aims the liquid by revolving the abdomen which enables it to simultaneously use its cerci like pincers in defense.
Earwigs are nocturnal pests that live in moist, shady areas and typically overwinter outdoors in protective situations. They are often found under mulch, rocks or logs. They do not survive in long periods of dryness. However, earwigs travel in groups so if they find a moist area in your home, you could have quite the infestation. The European and red-legged species invade homes, sometimes by the hundreds or thousands.
Earwigs feed on plants and insects and have been known to damage cultivated plants, vegetables, flowers, fruits, shrubs and trees. Sometimes, they feed on honey from beehives.
To prevent earwigs from making their way into your home:
- Establish a low moisture zone around the perimeter of your home.
- Look for areas that are dark and moist such as the attic, basement or garage.
- Earwigs are attracted to lights and are attracted to other insects that are attracted to lights so be sure that all outside lights do not show directly on the house or are low level or yellow lights.
- Call a professional exterminating company to help control the issue
Nov 21, 2011 | Going Green, Pest Control
Cockroaches are enough to make your skin crawl but did you know they can make your skin itch too? When you think of the causes of allergies, you generally think of plants, pollen, dust, or animals…you don’t think about roaches. However, roaches can trigger allergies and asthma. Studies have shown that people with cockroach allergies develop acute asthma attacks. These attacks occur after inhaling cockroach allergens and can last for hours.
Cockroach allergies are a concern for people who live in inner cities, the South, or people of low socioeconomic status. However, this does not mean that it doesn’t affect people outside of those realms. Asthma is the most common chronic disease found in children. Experts believe that the reason for the increase among children is that they play indoors more than years past and are at increased exposure.
People who suffer from allergies have very sensitive immune systems that react when they inhale, swallow, or touch a certain substance. These substances are the allergens. Cockroach allergens are believed to come from feces, saliva, and the bodies of cockroaches. People with chronic bronchial asthma are most likely to be allergic to cockroaches. People who suffer from chronic stuffy nose, skin rash, constant sinus infection, repeat ear infection, and asthma are also likely to have cockroach allergies.
Asthma symptoms aren’t just a problem in certain seasons but can affect year round. This can make it difficult to determine that a cockroach allergy is the cause of the asthma. Symptoms of cockroach allergies can vary but may include itchy skin, scratchy throat or itchy eyes and nose. Allergy symptoms can become stronger, including severe, persistent asthma in some cases.
Roaches are often carried into homes through groceries, furniture, and luggage. Once they are in your home, they are very difficult to get out. Once a roach is seen, there is a chance that there could be at least 800 roaches hidden throughout your home. The first step is to get rid of cockroaches. Call a professional pest control company that knows how to get rid of cockroaches.
If you or someone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies make sure that they use an eco-friendly pest control instead of chemical agents that can be irritating to allergy sufferers. NorPest Green by Northwest Exterminating is an eco-friendly pest control solution that is effective, non-invasive and kind to your natural environment.
Nov 18, 2011 | Pest Control
This time of year we often find ourselves battling large numbers of insects seeking to get away from the environmental issues of cold and wet weather. We often confuse these overwintering pests with the more traditional ones we encounter, considered occasional invaders, because of their marauding nature. Occasional invaders are a catch-all group of pests that invade homes from time to time. The horde of insects coming in now are considered overwintering pests and differ in a very specific way from those of the summer months because these don’t continue with their life cycle once indoors. The typical occasional invader, such as earwigs or crickets, can continue with their life cycle and make life miserable for people. These come inside and enjoy the hospitality we provide, yet generally go into a sort of dormancy.
To reduce the occurrence of overwintering pests look to the following:
- Reduce clutter around the outside of your home; this includes both debris and vegetation.
- Make sure all areas around your home are well sealed.
- Check attic spaces for pests, especially after prolonged periods of temperatures below 40 degrees.
- Look in garages for signs of rodents. Pay close attention to areas against or alongside interior walls.
- Take up all dog or cat food and water bowls.
- Check outdoor furniture and barbecues prior to bringing them inside.
- In the event the pests make it in, simply vacuuming may be enough for small amounts of them.
