Jun 29, 2023 | Pest Control
While most people associate summer with warmer weather and more time spent outdoors, it also marks peak season for many Georgia pests. Here are 5 of the most common summer pests in Georgia and how to prevent them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito season peaks in summer (peak months are June to September) with activity at hits highest. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. These pests transmit serious diseases to both humans and pets. They also breed in standing water found around your home. You can get rid of mosquitoes this summer by:
- Getting rid of any standing water around your home.
- Wearing mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors.
- Avoiding any outdoor activities at dawn and dusk.
Ticks
Ticks are active from late spring to early fall. These summer pests are known to transmit serious disease to humans and pets. They are commonly found wooded areas and areas with tall grass. Avoid ticks this summer by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants.
- Checking for ticks after any time spent outdoors.
- Routinely checking your pets for ticks.
- Using vet approved tick preventatives on your pets.
Spiders
Spiders are common in summer as they are often driven from their hiding places by the warmer temperatures (e.g. your attic). While spiders are beneficial to have around as they eat other common pests found in your home, they can be a nuisance. Keep spiders at bay this summer by:
- Sealing around pipes and under doors.
- Using a dehumidifier to keep moisture out.
- Decluttering your home.
- Sweeping cobwebs down as soon as they appear.
Ants
Ants emerge in the summer in search of food (particularly sweets and grease) that they take back to their colonies. This is why they are often found in kitchens. You can prevent ants by:
- Getting rid of debris around foundations.
- Keeping your kitchen clean and crumb free, especially counters and appliances.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Trimming branches back from the exterior walls and roof of your home.
Stinging Pests
Stinging pests, such as wasps, hornets, bees, and yellow jackets, are prominent in the summer months. These pests will often forage for food during the warmer weather. Avoid stinging pests by:
- Covering food and drinks when outdoors.
- Avoiding sweet or flowery smelling perfumes.
- Repairing holes in decking, siding, and screens to eliminate nesting spots.
- Maintaining routine lawn care.
Don’t let summer pests ruin your time outdoors. Contact your local pest control company today for a free evaluation.
Jun 13, 2023 | Pest Control
Summer is a season that brings with it many joys, such as longer days and warmer weather. Unfortunately, it also brings a variety of pests that can invade your home and make life unpleasant. Let’s discover some common summer pests and share tips for preventing them.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common pests found in homes during the summer months. They are attracted to sweet, sticky substances and can quickly become a nuisance if they find a food source in your home.
How to Prevent Ants:
- Keep your kitchen and dining areas clean and free of crumbs and spills.
- Seal all food containers and take out the garbage regularly.
- Locate their entry point and seal it off.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are another common summer pest that can be a serious health concern. They can carry diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes:
- Remove standing water from around your home, as this is where mosquitoes breed.
- Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
Ticks
Ticks are small, blood-sucking pests that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They are often found in wooded areas but can also be found in your yard if you have tall grass or brush.
How to Prevent Ticks:
- Continue to mow your lawn and remove any debris or leaf litter where ticks might hide.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent when spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are prevalent.
Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps are important pollinators, but they can also be a nuisance and a health concern.
How to Prevent Bees and Wasps:
To prevent bees and wasps, keep your trash cans sealed and dispose of food scraps properly. If you have a nest on your property, call a professional to remove it rather than attempting to do it yourself.
Spiders
Spiders are often found in dark, damp places like basements and crawl spaces. They can be beneficial by eating other pests, but some species can be dangerous if they bite.
How to Prevent Spiders:
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter.
- Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and doors to keep spiders from entering.
If you have a pest problem that you can’t control on your own, contact your local professional pest control company for a customized summer pest prevention plan!
Jun 6, 2023 | Pest Control
When it comes to stinging pests, there are a few common culprits that people encounter: wasps, hornets, and bees. While these insects may look similar, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the differences between them and knowing what to do if you encounter one can help you stay safe.
Wasps
Wasps are slender, black, and yellow insects with smooth bodies and narrow waists. They are social insects that live in large nests with multiple females. While they are not typically aggressive, they will defend their nests if they feel threatened. Some species of wasps, like yellow jackets, can sting multiple times and their stings can be painful and potentially dangerous for those with allergies.
Hornets
Hornets are larger than wasps and are usually black with yellow or white markings. They have a distinctive, round body shape and are known for their powerful sting. Like wasps, hornets are social insects that live in large nests. They can be aggressive if they feel their nest is being threatened, and their sting can be particularly painful.
Bees
Bees are typically plumper and fuzzier than wasps and hornets and are usually brown or black with yellow markings. Unlike wasps and hornets, bees are not naturally aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. Bees are important pollinators and play a vital role in our ecosystem.
What do I do if I encounter a stinging pest?
If you encounter a stinging insect, it’s important to stay calm and avoid swatting or provoking it. If you are near a nest, move away slowly and quietly. If you are stung, remove the stinger by scraping it with a flat object like a credit card, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
How to Prevent Stings:
- Avoid wearing perfume or bright colors
- Keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors
- Do not swat at a stinging insect as it increases the likelihood of an aggressive reaction
- Do not attempt to remove a colony or hive by yourself
If you have a severe allergic reaction to a sting, seek medical attention immediately.
By understanding their behaviors and taking precautions to avoid them, we can coexist safely. If you have a problem with a nest or infestation, it is best to call your local professional pest control company for safe removal.
Jul 5, 2022 | Pest Control
We all know how long the summer heat stays with us here in the south, allowing us to enjoy our patios for an extended period. Whether you’re relaxing with a refreshing drink, barbecuing with friends, or playing water games with the kids, our exterior spaces get a lot of use this time of year.
Unfortunately, we aren’t the only ones enjoying the outside world. The major drawback is pests. From wasps to mosquitoes to ants, they’re everywhere. Fortunately, there are ways to deter these summer pests and allow you to enjoy the summer outdoors.
Get Rid of Standing Water
A known breeding ground for female mosquitoes is standing water. Check around your home for any places that could house water. Bird baths should be changed daily, remove old flowerpots, and ensure A/C drip pans are draining properly.
Add a Patio Fan
Keep cooled off and keep mosquitoes and flies away by utilizing an outdoor fan. Neither of these pests are strong enough fliers to withstand the strong winds from fans, so it will keep them from bothering you while relaxing.
Utilizing Patio Plants
Placing certain plants around your patio to repel insects is a natural deterrent. They can also make your outdoor space cozier and more beautiful. Some known flowers that are said to keep pests away are chrysanthemums, marigolds, and rosemary.
Keep Your Yard Tidy
A clean and well-manicured lawn goes a long way in deterring summer pests. Keeping your grass short makes it more difficult for pests, including ticks, to make a home. Also, keeping tree limbs and bushes trimmed away from your home can help keep access points out of reach for pests to come inside.
These tips may help keep pests away; however, if you do suspect a major problem or infestation, it’s best to contact your local pest control company for extra help. The pest professionals can provide you with the best treatment methods to protect your property.
Jun 27, 2022 | Fire Ant
Fire ants might be small, but they are mighty. They can leave a very painful and unwanted welt on your skin if they feel threatened. Don’t let them ruin your summer fun; read more and discover how you can avoid and prevent these pests.
Luckily fire ant mounds are usually easy to spot; so if you find one on your property, it’s best to take care of it as soon as possible. These pests are known for their fierce survival methods in harsh conditions. They can also find shelter in or near HVAC units and electrical boxes, so be aware when working in these areas of your home.
If they do find shelter in electrical boxes, it’s important to remove them as soon as you can, as they can cause damage to wire and equipment.
The best ways to keep these pests out of your yard for the summer is to:
- Seal cracks and crevices to keep them out of your home
- Keep food in sealed containers in your pantry
- Clean up outdoors and maintain your lawn often
- Eliminate standing water to keep large numbers of ants away
- If you spot a mound, get treatment immediately
If you need more support, reach out to your local pest control company. These professionals will provide you with a comprehensive fire ant control and prevention plan for fire ants and other summer pests.
