Little Black Ants

This time of year, customers start to report sightings of little black ants inside their homes. The foraging ants are very small, and follow edges foraging for sweet and greasy food sources. Try to use baits that the ants will consume leading to colony elimination. Treating foraging trails is rarely successful. A good IPM technique is to clean up foraging trails by wiping trails with a light vinegar cleaning solution or plain warm water.

-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
http://www.greenhow.com/. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.

Angie's List Super Service Award

Thanks to our customers, GreenHow was awarded a Super Service Award for 2009 in the pest and termite control categories from Angie's List. Less than 5% of the companies on Angie's List are awarded with the Super Service Award. It is exciting to recieve recognition for great lawn care, pest control and termite control service.
-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.

Rejuvenation Pruning

The late winter and early spring time is a good time to look over and evaluate our landscape ornamental plants. Often there are plants which could use pruning to clean out diseased or damaged branches. When the foliage is off the plant and inactive, the quality and arrangement of branches is more visible.
Shrubs and ornamental trees need periodic pruning to promote healthy new growth, and to control the size, shape, and spacing of them. Some branching patterns can actually hinder future plant vigor by creating physical growth barriers or by creating areas of shade which may bring decline of parts of the plant. Any of these things could have a negative effect on the ornamental quality and aesthetic appeal of the landscape.
Gradual Rejuvenation pruning can clean out undesirable growth and correct problems of size and spacing in the landscape to encourage healthier new growth and vigor. See this link from the Virginia Cooperative Extension on rejuvenation pruning, and give it a try on your own. Correct pruning cuts can accomplish these goals and yield a healthier more attractive landscape to enjoy.
Call or email us if you would like a quote for rejuvenation pruning for your home or business.

-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.

Customer Portal

We are excited to announce that our customers are now able to view and self-manage key account information online. Sign in to our customer portal with your existing customer number and update your billing address, email addresses and phone numbers, as well as pay your bill online! Additionally, on our Customer Resources section of our website, you may access other important information, such as factsheets that help you prepare for a treatment, or coach you on watering schedules after a treatment.
-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.

Vermicomposting

Compost worms will eat your food scraps, and turn them into vermicompost, one of the richest soil amendments. Worms are also ideal in New England and can be stored inside, even in a kitchen below the sink, to make compost year-round or in homes with no yards.
Steps:
(1) A plastic container, sized based on what would fit under your sink, or in your pantry, or wherever you want to store this indoor composter. Starting about four inches up the side, add holes with a drill in the sides and top (air circulation is key to good compost, and no smell!).
(2) Biodegradable bedding material (think browns - newspapers, leaves, shredded top secret documents).
(3) Uncooked (or oiled or sugared) fruit and vegetable waste (greens), and coffee grounds.
(4) Worms! Try to buy them locally, from Cape Cod Worm Farm in Buzzards Bay.
For more information about indoor composting, review the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Webpage on Vermicomposting.

-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
http://www.greenhow.com/. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.

Rodents

Urban rodents, such as rats and mice, often seem more prevalent in the winter. Colder temperatures, fewer outdoor resources and other factors cause rodents to end up in our spaces. Within the 128 belt, rats are found even in nice homes in nice neighborhoods, as they will simply follow septic lines into a structure. Effective pest control depends on managing contributing factors. Minimize food and water, and clutter that acts as a harborage to reduce the chances of rodents setting up home in your home.

-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.