Tomorrow is the official start of Spring. While our weather is still kind of iffy, we are very close to some actual warm temps. No, really, we are! Because the cold weather seems never ending I have put together a little something to help you think warm thoughts!
The bright shining sun and deep blue sky, beautiful Spring flowers and a walk on the beach – these are some of the wonderful things I am looking forward to!
Whether you’re North Side or South Side, baseball screams summer! So do cookouts and drive-in movies. When was the last time you went to a drive-in? You know there is still one near us. Check out the 49er Drive-In in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Getting some sun by the pool, the smell of coconut sunscreen all around and staying out until it gets dark to collect fireflies – that brings back many warm weather memories for me!
Rapid Pest Solutions is here as the weather warms and you begin to enjoy your Spring and Summer. Remember that as much as you like the rising temps so do the pests. Contact us for any pest concerns that come up. We’ve got the answer you’re looking for!
St. Patrick’s Day is this Tuesday. Celebrated all across the country, Chicago has it’s own St. Patrick’s traditions that people look forward to each year. The Mount Greenwood Neighborhood on the city’s South West side is #4 on the list of America’s top Irish neighborhoods with 40.7% of it’s people having Irish ancestry. Maybe that’s why the South Side Irish Parade is such a big deal. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 15th with the City of Chicago parade being held on Saturday, March 14th. One of our ultimate Chicago traditions is the dyeing of the Chicago River. For the Saturday parade the river is dyed a brilliant green color!
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations wouldn’t be complete without eating corned beef and cabbage and a little imbibing. Whether you want to drink green beer, enjoy some traditional Irish brew or sip on something a little stronger, Ireland certainly didn’t let us down in the alcohol department. Why not try a Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s or Murphy’s Stout. And if you want something more you can always reach for the Jameson or Baileys!
Go Irish!
Rapid Pest Solutions wants to keep with the St. Patrick’s theme. Take a look at some of these cool GREEN bugs!
Grasshopper Caterpillar Green Stink Bug Praying Mantis
Our warm weather is steadily increasing. The upcoming 10 day forecast shows temps that are consistently in the 50’s and even moving into the 60’s next week. Last week I was preaching about the appearance of The Occasional Invader. As the weather warms up we will need to protect our homes from these nuisance pests. But the upcoming warmer temperatures will also bring out some pests that are more than just a nuisance. These guys can mean big trouble for a homeowner. I’m talking about Termites. Do you know what to look for in a termite infestation? Can you tell the difference between termites and ants? Below I will go over the signs of a termite infestation and also how to tell the difference between a termite and an ant.
TOP 4 SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A TERMITE PROBLEM
Wild Wings – In the Spring swarmer termites (the ones that fly) go out to mate and look for a place to start a new colony. If you see these flying pests or their discarded wings around your doors or windows, that’s a sign that termites may be checking out your home.
Mud Tubes – Termites build mud tubes to provide moisture while traveling between their food source and the colony home. These tubes will most likely be seen near the homes foundation.
Wood Check – Wood damage is a major giveaway that there are termites in your home. Unfortunately termites eat from the inside out, so you will need to look for soft wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Paint Problems – Cracked and bubbling paint can signify moisture build up. If that’s the case there are one of two problems, water damage – or termites.
OK, so you’ve checked your home and believe you see a couple of the above mentioned signs. Now what? First thing first, have a licensed professional do an inspection. Rapid Pest Solutions will provide an inspection for free. If it is determined that you do indeed have termites a treatment plan will be explained.
TERMITES VERSUS ANTS
Termites and ants can look very similar, especially the swarmers. However, there are a few easy ways to tell them apart. This diagram will give you the basics on termites and ants.
Rapid Pest Solutions has experience dealing with termite infestations. This video was taken by one of our technicians during an inspection. You can check out more videos like this one on our YouTube Channel.
Contact us for your free inspection – Because Timing Is Everything!
The Occasional Invader – and no, I don’t mean the relative that comes for a weekend and ends up on your couch for a month. Spring is slowly but surely creeping closer. With the weather still cold we may not be thinking of what’s to come. But we need to be aware of the pests that will come out as the weather warms. Ants are the most common pest that we have here but there are several others that you may come across in your home this Spring. Although not harmful they are considered a nuisance.
Cartoon teen relaxing on the sofa. He is eating a snack and has a soft drink handy
STINK BUG – The Stink Bug is small and has a ‘shield’ shape. They can cause damage to fruit and vegetable crops but won’t do any damage if they get in your home. When the bug senses danger or when they are squished they produce an offensive odor which is where they get their name. Yuck.
EARWIG – The Earwig is pretty fierce looking. The males have pincers on their rear ends that look fairly dangerous. The truth is they are not harmful to humans. The Earwig eats mostly plant material and some other insects. They like dark, damp places and are most likely to be found in your basement if they are in your home.
SILVERFISH – Silverfish are not harmful to humans. They can cause some problems if they get into your home because they like to eat things like carpet, clothing, linen and silk. Silverfish are afraid of the light (unlike me, I’m afraid of the dark) and will spend most of their time in moist areas like basements, bathtubs, sinks and showers.
PILL BUG – The Pill Bug rolls itself into a ball when it senses danger. Too cute, right? These guys are harmless and may be considered a nuisance pest because they sometimes seek refuge in your home mostly around water sources.
CENTIPEDE – In my opinion the Centipede looks absolutely terrifying. Most likely found outdoors inside logs or under stones and dead wood, they will occasionally find their way into your home. They prefer dark and damp spaces so beware when in your basement.
HOUSE CRICKET – Crickets are not interested in harming you. They eat plant materials outside and may end up in your home by mistake. Have you ever heard one in your room while laying in bed? You try to pinpoint where the noise is coming from but can’t? That can be very frustrating but it is said that killing a Cricket in your home is bad luck.
Lady Bugs are good luck you know!
LADYBUG – The Ladybug sometimes gets a bad rap but they really don’t do any damage to your home. If you see them inside this Spring, they are trying to make their way outside. As a kid we believed Ladybugs were good luck and you should make a wish if one landed on you.
I almost didn’t post the picture of the Centipede. To me it is one of the creepiest looking bugs ever! Being informed is key. If you notice any of these pests in your home as the weather starts to warm, contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We can get rid of these and other occasional invaders – That relative crashed on the couch? We’ll leave that to you!
March Madness – it’s not just for the NCAA anymore! As we reach the end of February we look forward to March and a break from the less than desirable weather we have been having. Undesirable for many of us – I understand that there are some that enjoy Winter and the colder temps. March is a month full of fun, interesting and unusual events.
March Events
American Red Cross Month – 70+ years ago March became American Red Cross month with people donating funds or giving blood to support the organization.
Pi Day – March 14 or 3.14 is National Pi Day. Not the kind that is edible but the kind commemorating the mathematical constant.
Save a Spider Day – Yes, you read that correctly. March 14 is also Save a Spider Day. Who would of thought such a day would exist!
St. Patrick’s Day – The day used to celebrate St. Patrick, the most commonly recognized patron saint of Ireland. Often times used as an excuse to drink heavily, people consume green beer and feast on corned beef and cabbage.
Spring Training for the MLB – Let the exhibition games begin!
NCAA Basketball Tournament – Where the term March Madness came from.
This is just a very small sampling of the Weird Holidays in March. For a complete list, click here.
Weird March Holidays
Earmuffs Day – 3/13
International Fanny Pack Day – 3/14
Awkward Moments Day – 3/18
Kick Butts Day – 3/23
Hot Tub Day – 3/28
March is known as National Nutrition Month. While this is a legitimate observance, some of these others may seem a little silly. I’m only mentioning four of the many strange food observances of March, more of them are here.
March Food Observances
National Peanut Butter Lovers Day – 3/1
National Crabmeat Day – 3/9
National Potato Chip Day – 3/14
National Something on a Stick Day – 3/28
So, while we are waiting for the warm weather we have plenty of holidays and observances to celebrate. Rapid Pest Solutions wishes you a Happy National Sauce Month. (yes, this is a real thing)
We are coming to the end of February and in turn the beginning of Spring! One of the nice things about March is we can begin looking forward to warmer weather. After the brutal cold we have been facing recently I would be happy to see some 40 degree days! Do you have a case of Spring Fever? I know I do!
Spring Fever is defined as a feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of Spring. I would like to add that I think Spring Fever can be felt before the season even starts just because of the anticipation of what’s to come. We look forward to longer, sunnier days and spending time outdoors in the fresh air. After a long Winter mostly spent indoors the promise of warmth and sun can be intoxicating.
Personally I have some specific things that I can’t wait for. These are just a few, I love seeing the first buds on the trees, sitting on the deck enjoying the weather and wearing flip flops. What are you looking forward to most this coming Spring?
Spring is an awakening and unfortunately that includes an awakening of pests. Ants, termites, bees, wasps and more. Luckily, Rapid Pest Solutions is here to help. Warmer weather means dealing with insects and Rapid will take care of your pest problem quickly so you can go back to enjoying the season.
President’s Day is observed on the third Monday of February each year. Officially known as Washington’s Birthday, the holiday has evolved to honor all of the U.S. presidents, not just the first one. We have had 43 Presidents over the course of history. In honor of this holiday Rapid Pest Solutions is providing a few little known facts about some of our leaders.
James Madison was the shortest president at 5-4.
Martin Van Buren was the first American-born president. All his predecessors were born in England.
John Tyler had 15 children — the most of any president.
At age 17, James Polk had surgery for urinary stones. The only anesthetic used was whiskey.
Abigail Filmore, wife of Millard Filmore, had the first running-water bathtub installed in the White House.
Franklin Pierce did not use the Bible to take the oath of office, instead using a law book.
Abraham Lincoln was a licensed bartender and co-owned a saloon in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., called “Berry & Lincoln.”
Ulysses S. Grant was once pulled over for speeding in Washington, D.C. — on a horse. The fine was $20.
Alexander Graham Bell installed the first telephone in the White House during Rutherford B. Hayes’ administration. The number: 1.
William Howard Taft, who stood 5-11 and weighed as much as 340 pounds during his presidency, once got stuck in a White House bathtub and had to be pulled out by staffers.
Herbert Hoover had two pet alligators which were sometimes allowed in the White House.
Lyndon Johnson’s Oval Office chair was a vinyl helicopter seat because he liked to fly in helicopters.
Gerald Ford was once the cover model for an issue of “Cosmopolitan” magazine.
Jimmy Carter once reported seeing a UFO while governor of Georgia.
Ronald Reagan received an award from the University of California in 1940 for having the “Most Nearly Perfect Male Figure.”
Bill Clinton once got a perfect score on a “My Little Pony” quiz on National Public Radio.
George Bush, Barack Obama, George W Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter.
I consider February to be our last official month of Winter and look forward to slowly warming days and less snow as we enter and move through March. With Daylight Savings a short 3 weeks away, we can look forward to it being light out later. This always seems to improve my mood and make me think of the summer to come.
If you notice a pest problem as we enter our warmer months, contact Rapid Pest Solutions. We have a program to fit your needs. We are here to help.
February 14 has long been recognized in the United States as Valentine’s Day. This is the day when you express your feelings for a spouse, partner, friend or secret crush. It has become more and more commercialized and is now a major gift giving holiday, also known as a “Hallmark Holiday”. But the focus is love!
KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA
In the U.S. about 190 million Valentine’s cards are sent each year. That number doesn’t even include the millions of cards that are part of the celebration in schools. It is estimated that the average amount spent per person for Valentine’s Day is over $130. That’s a lot of chocolate!
If you find that you do not have a significant other to share this day with don’t feel left out. Valentine’s can be shared with your children, BFF’s or even your pets. Who wouldn’t like to hear how much they are loved by another person? Check out the 10 reasons your dog is the Best Valentine!
Of course you could always be your own Best Valentine. Treat yourself to a massage or dinner at your favorite restaurant. We all deserve to be pampered once in awhile.
Photographs can be very powerful. They can inspire, they can show heartbreak, beauty, loyalty, love and triumph. A photograph can move you to tears or make you laugh. Taking pictures of the world around us is sometimes the only way to really SEE.
Jackie Novak is a very talented local photographer. She resides in the Hammond area and was kind enough to share her story with us. Throughout the blog I am including photographs that Jackie has taken in this area. She finds the beauty that is all round us. Below is her journey into photography in her own words.
Jackie Novak and Marley Taken in her very own backyard!
“One of my favorite things to do when visiting my grandparents would be to go through their photo albums and look at pictures. Even if I had seen the album a dozen times, I’d still enjoy looking. My grandpa was a photo bug and I think it must have run in the family. It’s something my grandpa and I both loved – taking photos. I’ve always had a good eye for composition and a passion for art. I majored in art in high school and bought my first film camera when I was 22. I fell in love with it, but couldn’t really afford to go to school and learn more. After a while I couldn’t even afford to develop my film because so much had collected! Once I got my hands on a DSLR (a type of digital camera) three years ago my skills really developed. It’s a bit of an obsession for me. I started taking pictures of anything and everything. I invested in some better lenses and lighting and decided to be a photographer as a second job. Doing something I loved was exciting rather than working for minimum wage somewhere and being miserable.”
The pier in St. Joseph, Michigan Sunset in NWI
“I’ve always wanted to be a photographer but never had the confidence. So after my family and many friends told me I should go for it, I did. I made an investment in myself and my passion. I’ve sold my photos and artwork worldwide through websites such as fineartamerica.com. I also get hired locally for jobs such as family portraits, birthday parties, engagement photos and weddings. I have also been hired to take real estate photos. In my spare time I read about photography and browse photography websites trying to learn as much as I can so I can put it into practice. I have never had any formal education in photography – my knowledge is self-taught thanks to the internet and magazines.”
Marley
There are far too many beautiful, amazing and heartwarming pictures that Jackie has taken for me to ever be able to share a good cross section of them here. I strongly encourage you to further view her work. You can visit her Facebook page at Jackie Novak Photography for a good sampling. She also has many pics posted on Flickr.
NWI Hammond, IN bike trail over the Little Calumet RIver
Rapid Pest Solutions is proud to be part of such a wonderful community. If you have any pest problems or concerns, please contact us. We are here with a solution that will fit your needs.
It’s Groundhog Day – the day when we find out if we can expect an early Spring or if we must endure more Winter. This morning the famous Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. If you believe the folklore then this means 6 more weeks of snow and cold. Now, I don’t truly believe that Phil can predict our weather future but Groundhog Day does add a little fun to our chilly February.
Punxsutawney Phil
Some sportsbook’s offered ‘prop’ bets for yesterday’s Superbowl. Prop bets are bets that actually have nothing to do with the game itself. One of the bets offered was whether or not Punxsutawney Phil would see his shadow or not. I wonder what the odds were on that?
If you ever find yourself in Punxsutawney, PA on Groundhog Day there are lots of things to do. You can go see Phil’s burrow, enjoy the festivities at the Celebration Tent, and shop the many vendors that come out to Barclay Square.
The movie Groundhog Day was filmed in Illinois, most of it in Woodstock. Woodstock, Illinois has Groundhog Day Movie Town every year. You can see sites where the movie was filmed as well as the ‘Bill Murray Stepped Here’ sidewalk plaque and ‘Ned’s Corner’.
The official start of Spring is actually 7 weeks away. (3/20/15) So to me an ‘Early Spring’ would be anything prior to that. All I can really hope is that we have no substantial snowfall after February 28 because I think Spring should start on March 1st!
