Rodent Control

Rodents are mammals that are distinguished by a single pair of constantly growing teeth known as incisors in both their upper and lower jaws. These incisors are kept short by the constant gnawing that the animal does on wood, food, predators and unfortunately in and around homes. About 40% of mammals are classified as rodents, compromising the majority of these species. Common rodents include mice, rats, squirrels, porcupines, beavers, guinea pigs and even hamsters.  Contrary to popular belief bats, moles, and weasels, despite common associations, do not belong to the rodent family.

Many rodents have had an adverse effect on humankind. For instance, rodents cost billions of dollars in lost crops each year and some carry diseases such as bubonic plague, typhus and hantavirus. The best way to prevent human exposure to rodent disease is rodent control. This includes eliminating food sources such as open garbage bags, sealing entries to the home and trapping rodents in and around the home.

Northwest Exterminating’s Wildlife Team specializes in the exclusion, removal, and control of wildlife nuisances. A Wildlife Services Representative will inspect your business or property for evidence of wildlife and will determine the points of entry being used by these critters to access your building. A customized plan will be developed to get the immediate nuisance under control and to seal off any known points of entry. If you have more questions, please give us a call at 1-888-466-7849.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodent

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/mammal/rodentia/rodentia.html

http://www.cdc.gov/rodents/

https://www.callnorthwest.com/commercial-services/commercial-wildlife-control/

Melissa Brown
[email protected]

Not All Bugs Are Bad

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

More Information on the Stink Bug

We talked on Wednesday about the return of the stink bug. We had so many questions that we thought we would continue our conversation about these pesky pests.

Stink bug

You may have noticed these six legged creatures in and around your home lately. The brown marmorated stink bug, also simply known as the stink bug, originated in parts of Asia. It first showed up in the American mainland in parts of Pennsylvania. At some point, these insects migrated to all parts of the Southeast and have a penchant for fruits, vegetables and other plants.

Stink bugs get their names from a defense mechanism located under their bodies that is triggered when threatened by predators such as birds or lizards. Nevertheless, simply handling the bug, injuring it or attempting to move it can trigger it to release an odor.

Damage done by a stink bug to an apple

As the seasons change, these bugs tend to seek out people’s homes as overwintering shelter from September to the first half of October in order to go into a state of hibernation.  Adults can live anywhere from several months to a year. Typically, these bugs enter the home through cracks under or behind baseboards, around window and door trim, and around exhaust fans or lights in ceilings. Sealing these openings will prevent the insects from entering.

If you find that you are having trouble keeping these bugs at bay, call Northwest and our experienced technicians will provide you with a service that protects your homes, lawns and gardens. For the best – Call Northwest!

Melissa Brown
[email protected]

The Return of the Stink Bug

The stink bug made it’s presence well-known this past Spring when we saw a large invasion of the pest.  Well it seems that they are back.

Stink bugs feed on leaves, flowers, fruit, crops, and even other pests, such as caterpillars.  They can damage plants and crops but luckily besides the foul odor they emit when they are crushed or threatened, they do not cause harm to humans.

 

 

Prevent stink bugs from making a comeback in your home:

  • Seal cracks around the structure of your home.
  • Replace damaged screens on door and windows.
  • Vacuum up stink bugs found in your house (DO NOT step on them.  They will emit a horrible odor.)  Tightly seal and throw away the vacuum bag outside of your structure, immediately.  It is important to dispose of the bag immediately.  Stink bugs tend to die or bust in the bags causing a horrendous smell that could be difficult to get out of your vacuum.
  • Call your pest control companyProfessionals can help you identify where these pests are coming from and what is attracting them.  They will also be able to help develop a customized plan that would get rid of any stink bugs and prevent them from coming back.

Palmetto Bugs

American CockroachAmerican Cockroaches, or the Palmetto Bug, have been making appearances in homes all over the South recently.  Reddish brown in color with a yellow marking, palmetto bugs can grow to be 1.5 to even 2 inches in length.  These roaches have wings but are not good flyers.

Cockroaches are found in residences and commercial buildings…anywhere that has food and water sources.  Homes, restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, food processing plants, and even hospitals are common places that cockroaches can be found.  Kitchens, food storage areas, and basements are the usual areas roaches are found in because of food and water.  They can be found in dark, moist places like basements, drains, tubs, and sewers looking for water.

Keep roaches from invading your structure by:

  • Sealing off entry points.
  • Caulking around pipes and drains.
  • Keep kitchen and food preparation areas clean, especially at night.
  • Use a disinfectant on counter tops.
  • Wash, dry, and put away dishes.
  • Tightly seal food.
  • Tightly seal and remove garbage.

Roaches can be difficult to control once they have infested your home. Call the professionals for a quick and efficient way to get roaches out of your home.

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