As spring arrives in Atlanta, so too do various bugs and household pests, emerging from their winter dormancy to partake in the warmer weather. Atlanta’s diverse climate provides a habitat for a wide array of insects, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Understanding these bugs and knowing how to deal with them can help you enjoy the season to the fullest. Here’s a rundown of some common bugs to watch out for this spring and what to do about them:
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are perhaps the most infamous insects of spring and summer, particularly here in the South. With their torturous, itchy bites, they are a major nuisance and wildly disliked. But in addition to that, their potential to transmit life threatening diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus means its important to reduce your risks. To combat mosquitoes, it’s essential to eliminate standing water around your property, as this is where they breed. Regularly emptying containers like flower pots, bird baths, and gutters can significantly reduce their numbers. Additionally, using insect repellent and installing screens on windows and doors can help keep them at bay. Alexander’s mosquito reduction service can do wonders!
Ants
Ants become more active in the spring, seeking out food sources and establishing new colonies. Common species in Atlanta include carpenter ants and fire ants. Even the little, harmless black ants can drive a person crazy when they get in your house! To prevent ant infestations, keep food stored in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and seal any cracks or openings around doors and windows. For outdoor prevention, consider using ant baits and keeping vegetation trimmed away from the house.
Termites
Termites are a year-round concern in Atlanta, but they may become more noticeable in the spring as they swarm to establish new colonies. Signs of termite infestation include discarded wings, mud tubes along walls or foundations, and hollow-sounding wood. Regular termite inspections by professionals are essential for early detection and treatment. If you notice swarming insects, try to determine if they are termites or ants. Learn more here for help.
Bees and Wasps
Spring marks the start of bee and wasp activity, as they emerge from hibernation to forage for food and build nests. While bees are beneficial pollinators, wasps can be aggressive and pose a stinging threat. To deter bees and wasps from nesting around your home, remove potential nesting sites such as piles of debris, and seal openings in walls or eaves where they may build their nests. If you encounter a nest, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for safe removal. Get in touch here.
Ticks
With warmer temperatures, ticks become more active, posing a risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. We normally associate Lyme Disease with the northeast but cases have popped up in Georgia since the 1980s so its important to be vigilant. When spending time outdoors, particularly in wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent containing DEET, and perform thorough tick checks after returning indoors. Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat around your property.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are one spring pest that are instantly recognizable thanks to their distinct odor. These unwelcome guests can enter homes through gaps around windows, doors, and vents, making them a common sight for residents during transitional seasons. They come in large groups, feeding on fruit, soybeans and weeds, are characterized by their shield-shaped bodies and foul odor when disturbed or crushed.
Though stink bugs don’t make pleasant roommates, they are fairly harmless to humans. The only significant threat they pose is to farmers and gardeners, since they easily destroy plants and crops.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches live everywhere but they are definitely worse in warmer climates such as Atlanta. These insects don’t typically damage property, but they create health risks with their tendency to travel through sewer systems, carrying pathogens and bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. Many people are also allergic to cockroaches. They are attracted to moisture so you can prevent them by sealing cracks and holes around utility pipes, mortar, and weatherstripping. Regularly clean your countertops, take out the trash, and keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed away from your home.
In addition to these common pests, Atlanta may also experience outbreaks of other insects depending on factors such as weather conditions and ecological changes. It’s important to stay informed about local pest trends and take proactive measures to protect your home and family. If pest problems persist despite preventive efforts, get in touch now for tailored solutions to your problem. With diligence and proper management, you can enjoy the beauty of spring in Atlanta without being bugged by unwanted pests.