Mar 22, 2024 | Wildlife
Snakes, with their slithering presence and sometimes unnerving appearance, can be a concern for homeowners in Georgia. Whether you stumble upon one in your yard or suspect they might be lurking nearby, knowing how to handle these reptiles safely and effectively is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into common snakes found in Georgia, tips for avoiding snakebites, what to do if you encounter a snake, and strategies for keeping them away from your property. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of professional snake removal services and how they can help alleviate your snake problem swiftly and securely.
Common Snakes in Georgia
Georgia is home to a variety of snake species, some of which are harmless while others pose a potential threat. Among the most common snakes you might encounter in the state are:
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Eastern Coral Snake
- Copperhead
- Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
- Eastern Garter Snake
- Eastern Rat Snake
- Eastern King Snake
While most snakes prefer to avoid human contact, encountering them in your yard or near your home can still be disconcerting, especially if you’re unsure of their species or venomous potential.
Tips for Avoiding Snakebites
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding snakebites, particularly if you spend time outdoors or live in an area prone to snake activity. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Watch Your Step: When walking in areas where snakes may be present, such as tall grass, brush piles, or wooded areas, watch your step and avoid stepping over logs or rocks where a snake might be hiding.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots can provide an extra layer of protection against snake bites, particularly in areas with dense vegetation.
- Use Caution Around Water: Snakes, particularly water moccasins and copperheads, are often found near bodies of water. Be cautious when swimming, fishing, or hiking near lakes, ponds, or streams.
- Stay Vigilant at Dusk and Dawn: Snakes are most active during the early morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler. Exercise caution during these times, especially in areas known for snake activity.
- Keep Your Yard Tidy: Remove debris, such as piles of leaves, wood, or rocks, from your yard, as these can provide hiding spots for snakes. Trim back overgrown vegetation and mow your lawn regularly to reduce potential hiding places.
What to Do if You Encounter a Snake
If you come across a snake in the wild or in your yard, it’s essential to remain calm and take appropriate precautions. Follow these steps to safely handle the situation:
- Give the Snake Space: Back away slowly and give the snake plenty of room to retreat. Remember, snakes will typically only strike if they feel threatened or cornered.
- Do Not Attempt to Capture or Kill the Snake: Trying to capture or kill a snake can escalate the situation and increase the risk of a bite. Instead, contact a professional snake removal service to handle the situation safely.
- Keep Pets and Children Away: Ensure that pets and children are kept at a safe distance from the snake until it has been removed from the area.
- Note the Snake’s Appearance: If possible, take note of the snake’s color, size, and any distinctive markings. This information can be helpful for identifying the species and determining the appropriate course of action.
- Contact a Professional: If you’re unsure how to proceed or if the snake poses a potential threat, contact a reputable snake removal company for assistance.
Tips to Keep Snakes Away from Your Yard
Preventing snakes from entering your yard in the first place is the best way to avoid encounters and potential problems. Here are some tips to make your property less attractive to snakes:
- Eliminate Food Sources: Snakes are attracted to areas where they can find food, such as rodents, insects, and other small animals. Keep your property free of debris and garbage, and consider implementing pest control measures to reduce potential prey.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any gaps or cracks where snakes could enter, such as gaps under doors, holes in walls, or gaps around pipes and utility lines. Seal these openings with caulk or other appropriate materials to prevent snakes from gaining access.
- Install Snake Fencing: Consider installing a snake-proof fence around your property to deter snakes from entering. Snake fencing is typically made of mesh or other materials that snakes cannot climb or slither through.
- Keep Grass Short: Regularly mow your lawn and trim back vegetation to reduce hiding places for snakes and make your property less appealing to them.
- Use Natural Repellents: Certain plants, such as marigolds, lemongrass, and garlic, are believed to repel snakes. Planting these around your home and yard may help deter snakes from entering the area.
Professional Snake Removal Services
In cases where snakes have already taken up residence on your property or pose a potential threat to your safety, professional snake removal services are the safest and most effective solution. These trained professionals have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment needed to safely remove snakes from your property without causing harm to the animals or risking injury to yourself or your family.
When choosing a snake removal company, be sure to look for one that is licensed, insured, and experienced in dealing with snake-related issues. Additionally, inquire about their removal methods and whether they offer humane relocation services for captured snakes.
In conclusion, while encountering snakes in your yard or outdoor spaces can be unsettling, knowing how to handle these situations safely and effectively is essential for your safety and the well-being of the snakes themselves. By following the tips outlined in this guide and enlisting the help of professional snake removal services when needed, you can minimize the risk of snake encounters and keep your property safe and snake-free.
Remember, when it comes to snake removal, safety always comes first. Trust the experts to handle the job safely and effectively, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor spaces without the worry of unwanted reptilian visitors.
Mar 8, 2024 | Pest Control
Feb 28, 2024 | Insulation
We can often view our Tennessee attic as just a place to store our extra belongings, but if it’s not managed or taken care of properly, our home can be negatively impacted. With fluctuating climates in Tennessee, your attic insulation should be working to keep your home either cool or warm depending on the outside temperature. If you notice that you tend to change your thermostat more often than usual, this could be a sign that your attic is poorly insulated. Let’s review the benefits of insulating your attic!
Attic Insulation Benefits
Room Temperatures Are Consistent
An insulated attic can ensure you and your family’s overall comfort inside! If your attic isn’t properly insulated, you might notice that your rooms fluctuate in temperature, causing you to change the thermostat and, in return, overwork your system and cause HVAC inefficiencies.
Save on Energy Bills & HVAC Repairs
Your well-insulated attic will cool and heat your home, reducing your energy bills annually! Since your attic is insulated, your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to regulate your home’s temperatures, easily heating it during the winter and cooling it off during the summer. An insulated attic will also help extend the life of your HVAC system and avoid costly repairs, improving the performance and operation overall.
Deter Pests
Insulation can act as a barrier, seal your attic, and keep unwelcome guests like roaches, ants, and other pests from entering your home. Some insulation is also coated in boric acid and can affect pests by causing a disruption to their stomachs and affect their nervous system and in return keep them from infesting. Old insulation can also harbor nests and droppings in them, which can contain disease and cause health risks to your family, making it important to update or replace your insulation.
If you’re ready to replace your attic’s insulation, consider reaching out to a pest control company near you for a free quote!
Feb 23, 2024 | Termite Control
As spring approaches in Georgia, so does the dreaded termite swarming season. For homeowners, this annual event can be a cause for concern, as it signals the potential presence of destructive pests in and around their homes. In this guide, we’ll delve into what swarming termites are, when swarming season occurs, what termite swarms indicate, and crucial tips for termite prevention.
What are Swarming Termites?
Swarming termites are reproductive members of a termite colony. These winged insects emerge from their nests in large numbers during specific times of the year to mate and establish new colonies. Their primary goal is to find a mate and locate a suitable location to start a new colony, often in or around homes.
When is Termite Swarming Season?
In Georgia, termite swarming season typically occurs in the spring, between March and May. However, it can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity. Warm, humid conditions following rainfall trigger swarming behavior in termites, making spring the peak season for infestations.
What Do Termite Swarms Indicate?
The presence of termite swarms near or inside your home is a strong indicator of an existing termite infestation or the potential for one. Swarming termites may be found indoors near windows, doors, or light sources, as they are attracted to light. Additionally, discarded wings near windowsills or on the floor may indicate that a termite swarm has occurred.
Tips for Termite Prevention:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections conducted by a professional pest control company are essential for early detection of termite activity and prevention of infestations.
- Eliminate Moisture Sources: Termites are attracted to moisture, so it’s crucial to address any water leaks or standing water around your home. Ensure proper drainage and repair leaky pipes to reduce moisture levels.
- Keep Wood Away from the Foundation: Avoid stacking firewood or storing wood debris near your home’s foundation, as it can attract termites and provide easy access to your property.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around doors, windows, and utility pipes to prevent termites from entering your home.
- Invest in Termite Control: Consider proactive termite control measures, such as bait stations or liquid treatments, to protect your home from termite infestations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to safeguard your home from termites. Contact a pest control company near you today for a free termite control quote and protect your investment against these destructive pests.
Being aware of termite swarming season and taking proactive measures for termite prevention are vital steps for Georgia homeowners to protect their properties. By understanding the behavior of swarming termites and implementing preventive strategies, you can ensure a termite-free home for years to come.
Feb 19, 2024 | Pest Control
Anyone who resides in the southeastern region of the US knows that summertime means higher humidity and the buzzing sound of insects. But what’s making that sound? It’s most likely a cicada! These insects, with their distinctive buzzing calls and unique lifecycles, are a fascinating subject of study and observation. Let’s dive into what cicadas are, their habitat, and what they do.
What are Cicadas?
Cicadas are large insects with transparent wings, prominent eyes, and often vibrant colors. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree roots. However, they emerge as adults in periodic cycles, typically every 13 to 17 years depending on the species, to mate and lay eggs.
What is the Habitat of a Cicada?
They inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests to tropical jungles, commonly found in regions with trees and shrubs, as their nymphs rely on plant roots for substance. Cicadas are particularly prevalent in areas with well-drained soil since they remain underground for long periods of time.
The Lifecycle and Behavior of Cicadas
After spending years underground, cicadas emerge synchronously in large numbers. This mass emergence, known as a brood, is thought to be an evolutionary strategy to overwhelm predators and increase the chances of successful mating.
Once above ground, adult cicadas spend their brief adulthood reproducing. Males will produce a distinctive buzzing call to attract females, which can reach deafening levels in volume. After mating, females will lay their eggs in tree branches, where the nymphs will hatch and drop to the ground to begin their underground existence.
The Importance of Cicadas
Despite their loud buzzing call, cicadas play an important role in the ecosystem. As both nymphs and adults, they serve as a food source for birds, mammals, and even other insects. Their emergence can also enrich the soil with nutrients as the decomposing bodies of deceased cicadas return vital nutrients back to the soil. They can also contribute to the pollination of plants during their adult stage, although to a lesser extent than bees or butterflies.
Although the buzzing sound of the emerged adult cicadas can reach high levels of sound, their adult lifespan is typically short lived and ends after they successfully mate. If you find your property surrounded by cicadas, give a pest control company near you a call!
