Jun 29, 2022 | Florida Pest Control, Going Green, Pest Control
South Florida Pest Control
There are several methods that homeowners might choose to reduce and eliminate pests, including traditional pest control and green pest control. Whichever method you choose for your Florida home or property, it’s important to know the difference between each.
Traditional Pest Control
Traditional pest control can provide similar benefits as green pest control, but instead of utilizing natural elements, it tends to have synthetic chemicals to eliminate and control pests. While the chemicals are used sparingly, there is enough used to target a pest issue.
Green Pest Control
Green Pest Control is a great alternative to traditional pest control, utilizing more natural ingredients within their pest control efforts, such as flowers and plants, rather than harsh chemicals. Green pest control focuses on eliminating household pests while maintaining the lowest environmental impact possible.
Pests can bring health risks to your family and harm the structural integrity of your home. Whether you choose green or traditional pest control, it’s the right choice for your home and family. If you’re interested in either of these options, contact your local pest control company in South Florida for more details and a free pest control estimate!
Jul 23, 2021 | Going Green, Mosquito
Mosquito season peaks in the summer months when the heat, humidity, and summer rain showers combine to create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Besides those itchy red welts mosquito bites leave behind, they are also known to be vectors for serious diseases like Zika virus and West Nile virus. While traditional mosquito control programs are quite effective at eliminating mosquitoes, there are also green mosquito control options available, as well.
Green mosquito control is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional treatments that utilize plants, flowers and other natural ingredients to provide products that are safe for you, your family, and your pets. Green mosquito products are only applied where they are needed rather than over the entire yard so other beneficial pests aren’t eliminated along with the mosquitoes.
The first step in a green mosquito treatment system is an inspection of your entire yard to identify both nesting sites and resting places that mosquitoes are using. Once these areas have been identified, targeted applications of both larvicide and adulticide are used to help control all populations of mosquitoes. Once this is done, source reduction and elimination is performed by removing any areas of standing water on your property that can be used as a breeding ground. One benefit to mosquito treatments is a service guarantee that ensures a technician will come out between treatments for any issues that arise.
In addition to a scheduled mosquito treatment, homeowners can also take steps to prevent mosquitoes around their homes.
- Mow your lawn regularly.
- Cut away tall weeds around your property.
- Remove any containers with standing water.
- Make sure your property drains properly to avoid flooding and standing water.
If you have a problem with mosquitoes or any other pests, contact your local pest control company for a free analysis.
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Jul 13, 2021 | Going Green, Mosquito
Mosquitoes thrive off heat and humidity! With summer officially here, mosquito season is in full swing, making your chances of getting bit by one of these pests very high. Mosquitoes are small and annoying and their bites can pose a serious health threat to both humans and animals. Every homeowner wants to protect their family and pets from these pests and what better way to do so with a green alternative via the In2Care Mosquito Trap!
How In2Care Works
In2Care is a perfect solution to help prevent and eliminate mosquitoes throughout your home and property. This trap is unique as it lures in mosquitoes with a special green treatment inside the trap. Once mosquitoes enter the trap, the treatment transfers to the mosquito’s legs, where it is then spread to other breeding sites, like standing water or flower saucers. The spread of the treatment eliminates adult mosquitoes but also prevents the larva mosquitoes from developing further.
The In2Care Benefits
This trap is perfect for every residential home looking for a new, alternative green mosquito control method. Instead of spraying product around your yard, the trap is placed in a shaded, vegetated area where mosquitoes are likely to breed. The green treatment used to eliminate mosquitoes does not target beneficial pests and remains environmentally and pet friendly. In2Care provides your property:
- A no spray, discrete system.
- Elimination of all mosquito life stages – from larva to adult.
- Strategic placement around the home so the trap is always working.
Instead of constantly battling mosquitoes this summer, consider a new way in In2Care to rid mosquitoes and take back your yard!
If you’re interested in the In2Care System or would like more information, call 866-480-0947.
Mar 12, 2021 | Going Green, Mosquito
Mosquito season is right around the corner! Heat and humidity during these months combine to provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes to thrive. The season usually starts in the spring and peaks over the summer. Besides leaving behind itchy, red welts, these nuisance pests are dangerous to humans by vectoring serious diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. Fortunately, there are several green pest control options you can utilize as an eco-friendly alternative to control mosquitoes. Here are 3 steps you can take for green mosquito control.
Identify Nesting and Resting Sites
The first step to controlling mosquitoes is identifying and eliminating what attracts them in the first place. Mosquitoes will come around in search of two things: nesting sites and resting sites.
Where do mosquitoes breed? Every species of mosquito lays its eggs in water. While the type of water source may vary between species, it only takes a minute amount of water for mosquitoes to hatch and develop. Get rid of any potential breeding sites by:
- Cleaning up debris around your home. Moisture can accumulate under piles of leaves, boards, mulch, rocks, and other outdoor items.
- Walking around your yard and identify any items that can hold water – pots, cans, bird baths, lids, toys, and planters. Empty them or store them upside down when not in use.
- Inspecting your gutters for clogs and keep them cleaned out. Watch out for sagging gutters or low spots where the water can accumulate.
- Repairing any poor drainage sites in your yard as these can lead to standing water. Consider leveling your yard or installing a french drain.
Once mature, adult mosquitoes will often rest in shady areas that are protected from the wind. Some common resting sites include trees, shrubs, potted plants, patios, and front entryways.
Protect Yourself From Bites
Any time you can protect yourself from mosquito bites you should. Prevent mosquito bites by:
- Blowing them away. Any breeze above 1 mph will make it difficult for mosquitoes to fly. If you have to spend time outdoors, consider using fans, whether battery powered, plug in or ceiling. Try to keep the air flow from the fans pointed at the lower half of your body as mosquitoes tend to fly closer to the ground to avoid said wind.
- Avoiding peak mosquito hours. Mosquitoes tend to feed at dawn and dusk as the wind typically dissipates around these times. Try to stay indoors during these times, especially during the warmer months.
- Applying insect repellent before going outdoors. When applying repellent, spray it onto your hands and rub it onto your skin rather than spraying it directly onto the skin. Repellents with DEET block the mosquitoes’ CO2 receptors, making them especially effective.
- If you are opposed to DEET, there are other natural mosquito repellents you can use instead.
- Picaridin is CDC approved and the most broadly used repellent outside the United States.
- IR 3535 is CDC approved and also repels deer ticks.
- 2-undecanone is CDC approved and is found naturally in cloves.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus is CDC approved and has been proven in studies to repel as well as DEET.
- Avon Skin so Soft was shown in a 2015 study to repel mosquitoes for up to 2 hours.
- Permethrin fabric spray can be used on clothes, shoes, tents, and netting.
- Essential oils containing eucalyptus, rosemary, cloves, basil, and peppermint have also been shown to repel mosquitoes and are even used in many commercial products.
- Covering up when outdoors. Wear tightly woven, light colored clothing. The synthetic fibers in athletic wear are especially good at repelling mosquitoes. Dark colors stand out to mosquitoes, while lighter colors are less attractive.
- Considering the use of plants that repel mosquitoes around your home such as citronella, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, and basil.
Applying Green Mosquito Treatments
Yards and climates vary across the region so the effectiveness and longevity of mosquito treatments will vary from home to home. Regardless of where you live or what kind of home you have, a green mosquito control program can be effective at helping control mosquito populations. Green mosquito control utilizes eco-friendly products that are just as effective as traditional products.
A complete green reduction program includes monthly mosquito treatments during mosquito season. Green treatments use products that are derived from flowers and botanicals and area only applied to the areas where they are needed instead of over the entire yard. They are effective at reducing both adult and larvae populations.
The green mosquito reduction program includes an inspection to identify resting and nesting sites; larvacide and adulticides to target all aspects of the population; source reduction and elimination by removing any areas of standing water; and a service guarantee where they will come back between treatments if needed, usually at no cost.
If you have a problem with mosquitoes or any other pests, contact a professional pest control company who can provide you with a thorough inspection and the most up to date traditional pest control and green treatment options available for you.
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Dec 17, 2019 | Going Green, Insulation
With the holidays looming near, you may be looking for areas where you can cut back on costs to give you that extra holiday cushion. We have a few tips you can consider that can not only help you go green but also put some extra cash back in your pocket!
- While the use of the AC has gone down, the use of heat to warm your home has increased. If you have rooms that are rarely used this time of year, close and seal off vents in these areas. This will re-direct air flow to the areas in your home used most.
- Attic insulation is essential in cutting down on air and heat escaping from your home. Attic insulation that includes pest control can not only help you save 20-38% on your energy bills but can also protect your home from overwintering pests.
- Crawl space enclosure can alleviate the workload of your HVAC unit. In addition to acting as another method of pest control, your utility bills can potentially decrease up to 18% and humidity levels throughout your home can decrease, reducing the chances of mold and wood rot.
Properly insulating your home can help energy efficiency throughout, helping you save money in the long run, not just the holiday season. Let Northwest help you go green and save green! Call and schedule your free inspection today!
Jun 3, 2019 | CrawlSpace, Going Green, Insulation
This unseasonably hot weather has catapulted us straight into summer. If you have found yourself making multiple trips back and forth to your thermostat, it may be time to look into improvements around your home that not only stop the multiple trips but also save you money in the end.
Problem #1
With the sun beating down on the roof of your home with little to no cloud cover, your attic will easily see high temperatures during the summer. Without proper insulation, the heat will absorb through the hard materials that make up your home, leading to unbearable temperatures inside.
Solution
Proper attic insulation will create air pockets which slow the heat attempting to flow through your home. This will help uneven temperatures between the rooms in your home and lessen the need to consistently visit your thermostat.
Problem #2
High heat and humidity have caused your home to become muggy and intolerable. The humidity and moisture can also become a welcoming environment for mold, fungi, and pests.
Solution
Investing in the encapsulation of your crawl space could not only save you money on your energy bills, but also prevent a headache in the long run. Termites thrive in areas of high moisture, putting your home at risk for structural damage. Not only will this method act as pest control, but it can also improve the air quality of your home and create more comfortable living conditions for you and your family.
Still on the fence? Give us a call to schedule your free inspection today, and one of our licensed professionals will answer all of your questions.
Apr 5, 2019 | Going Green, Pest Control
With the recent focus on going “green” and harmful impacts on the environment, many people are ramping up their efforts to establish eco-friendly practices in both the workplace and at home. Efforts to recycle, reduce energy usage, and limit carbon emissions are all common ways to make a positive impact on the environment. One area that isn’t often thought of in the “green” movement is pest control. Green pest control is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pest control that is commonly used in areas that house the young, the elderly, the immunocompromised, and pets. But what is the difference between the two?
Traditional pest control provides most of the same benefits as green pest control but utilizes synthetic chemicals to eliminate and control pest populations. These chemicals are used sparingly, however, with just enough used to target the specific pest issue.
Green pest control, on the other hand, eliminates common household pests with the lowest environmental impact possible. This is achieved with ingredients derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements rather than harsh chemicals. Green pest control has proven to be just as beneficial as traditional pest control methods. Green pest control uses preventative measures combined with purposeful application of natural products.
Green pest control also utilizes a 5 step Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process which is an “effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common sense practices.” The 5 steps of an IPM program include Plan, Inspection, Pest Identification, Ongoing Perimeter Protection, and Continuous Communication.
NorPest Green is Northwest’s quarterly pest control program performed by only the highest-trained professionals, using high-quality, non-toxic products derived from botanicals. We customize a plan based on your needs, so you can be sure your home is healthy and your family and pets are protected. NorPest Green also comes with a service guarantee meaning we come back in between regular scheduled pest control visits, if needed, at no additional cost to you.
Pests are a nuisance and can be detrimental to both your home and your health. Regardless of whether you choose a traditional pest control service or a green pest control service, protecting your family is of the utmost importance. Contact a professional pest control company like Northwest for a free pest control estimate.
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Jan 18, 2019 | Going Green, Pest Control
Green pest control provides an eco-conscious option to traditional pest control and is especially beneficial in homes and businesses that house the young, the elderly, pets, and those with compromised immune systems or allergies. But are they really effective?
The answer is yes. Green pest control typically utilizes botanical and/or earth-based pesticides and a targeted approach when applying them, focusing on eliminating and controlling pest populations through both preventative measures and purposeful product application, based on your specific pest issues.
One important component of any green pest control program is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM doesn’t just focus on eliminating pest populations but also on identifying and getting rid of the environmental factors that are allowing the pests to procreate and thrive, as well as preventative measures to prevent re-entry. IPM can actually cut back significantly on the amount of pesticides used in treatments (by more than 90%!).
Once green pest control companies identify the problem pests and decide that action is required, there are several methods that are used to eliminate them:
- Introduction of natural enemies to reduce or eliminate the population
- Installing barriers to entry (such as screens)
- Employing mechanical control techniques (like traps)
- Using pesticides as a last resort (carefully applied to be as safe as possible)
Once you make the decision to invest in a green pest control program, contact an exterminator near you, and they will provide you with the following:
- A customized plan: A customized pest control program using only the most innovative and advanced pest control products and equipment available
- No harsh chemicals: Pest control products whose active ingredients are derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements from the earth
- Service guarantee: Follow up visits in between regularly scheduled pest control services, if needed, at no additional cost to you
- Integrated pest management: Plan, inspection, pest identification, ongoing perimeter protection, and continuous communication from your exterminator
- Highly trained technicians: Exterminators who are experts in green pest control methods
- Whole home pest protection: Pest protection that is environmentally friendly both inside your home and outside, that covers common household pests such as ants, spiders, roaches, mice, centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, and earwigs
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Nov 9, 2018 | Going Green
Whether you’re trying to decrease your carbon footprint or just put some extra cash in your pocket each year, cutting energy costs in the winter months is one way to get there. Heating and cooling costs make up a significant percentage of your annual utility bills. By making adjustments in your home, you can reduce the amount of money you spend on energy. Check out these 9 energy saving tips for winter:
1. Adjust The Thermostat
According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% each year on your heating bills by lowering your thermostat by 10-15 degrees for 8 hours a day. For those who work outside the home, the best way to do this is to lower your thermostat when you leave for work in the morning and then bump it back up when you return home in the evening. For those who are home during the day, lower the thermostat when you go to sleep and use flannel sheets and a warm comforter to help combat the chill. If this is too much to remember, consider investing in a programmable thermostat so it will automatically adjust the temperature when you set it to.
2. Heat What You Use
If you have rooms that you rarely use such as guest bedrooms or rooms you use for storage, close off and seal the vents that go to these areas. This will help make your home more energy efficient and will direct airflow to the rooms you use the most. You can use space heaters to warm these areas when you need to use them.
3. Use A Humidifier
The air in your home can become very dry, especially in the winter when the heat is run more frequently. Moist air feels warmer than dry air and also holds heat better. By using a humidifier, you can make your home feel warmer and more comfortable, especially during the times you set your thermostat lower. The humidifier can also help prevent nosebleeds and dry eyes that are common when we run the heat during the winter. You can also increase the humidity in your home by bringing in house plants.
4. Use The Sun
One of the cheapest ways to heat your home in the winter is to use the sun for free heat. Open curtains and blinds on your south facing windows during the winter months to bring heat into your home. Close the curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to help keep the heat inside after dark.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great resource to use to get better airflow in your home. By running your fans clockwise in the winter, heat is trapped in your rooms keeping them warmer. Keep fans on a low setting to gently push warm air down into the room.
6. Insulate
We lose a significant amount of money each year by heat and air escaping from our homes due to insufficient insulation. Consider installing TAP (thermal acoustical pest control) insulation to keep this from happening to you. TAP is an energy star rated insulation made from 87% recycled newsprint and treated with a natural pesticide. This not only protects your home from pests but also keeps your HVAC unit running efficiently and can save you 20-38% on your energy bills.
7. Seal Leaks
Seal around your utility pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and the unfinished spaces behind your cabinets and closets. Caulk and add weatherstripping around doors and windows. This will help keep air from escaping out of the house and help reduce your energy bills.
8. Bundle Up
Instead of cranking up the heat, put on warm clothes like sweaters and fuzzy socks. Keep throw blankets on your couches and use area rugs to keep your floors warmer.
9. Use LEDs
Whether it’s in your home or outside when you decorate for the holidays, using LED lights consumes up to 75% less energy and they can last up to 25% longer than traditional incandescent lights. They also emit less heat than traditional lightbulbs, making them a much safer alternative.
