Wasn't it just spring? In typical Georgia weather fashion, summer has quickly returned and with it comes a few pests that you need to keep an eye out for this month. Two of the three pests we discuss in this blog probably won't be a surprise to you, but we're pretty sure you didn't know that squirrels would be a potential problem this month, did you?
Keep reading to learn why fire ants, mosquitoes, and gray squirrels are pests to watch out for as we kick off yet another Georgia summer!
Fire Ants
You've probably started to spot some mounds of dirt popping up in your yard. While it might feel like fire ants are appearing out of nowhere, those mounds actually took months to build, which means thousands of those stinging pests have been busy right under your feet. Kind of makes your skin crawl a little, huh?
With picnic season upon us, you'd probably love to rid your lawn of fire ant mounds before your guests arrive. And we understand that we might not be the fastest solution, if you discover fire ants not long before your get together. There are many products available at your local hardware stores and they fall into one of these four categories:
Sprays: Liquid chemicals are sprayed (along areas where ants are likely to trail or forage), killing any ants that come into contact. Particularly useful for individual nests and perimeter treatments.
Baits: Small food sources filled with insecticide that can be placed around the perimeter of the home. Once ants find the bait, they recognize it as food, take it back to the nest, and spread the insecticide throughout the entire colony. While slower-acting than sprays, baits are much more effective at eliminating entire colonies. Baits come in three main "flavors": sugar-based, protein-based, and fat-based. Depending on where each individual colony is in their progression, they may choose one over the other.
Dusts: Dry formulation of contact insecticide. Generally used in gardens or in wall crevices where liquid treatment could cause property damage.
Foams: Foam formulation of contact insecticide. Like dusts, foams are generally used in wall crevices where its ability to expand can reach surfaces that other methods can't.
To read how we recommend treating your fire ant problem with these product options, check out our guide.
If you have an ant problem, schedule ant pest control with Breda Pest Management.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes will be out in full force now that summer is nigh. Even if you've removed all standing water or potential nesting spots from your yard, you may still step outside and immediately turn into an all-you-can-eat buffet. Not only is this an annoying pest control issue to deal with, it's also potentially damaging to your health. Did you know that mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous animal alive? They earned that title by being such great carriers of all kinds of serious and sometimes deadly diseases.
If you feel like you've done all you can do to prevent mosquitoes from setting up their summer camp in your yard, schedule mosquito treatments with Breda Pest Management. We recommend starting preventative mosquito treatments in the spring, but you can still find some relief by scheduling treatments now. Want more info on keeping your yard mosquito-free this year? Click here for our guide!
Gray Squirrels
You might be wondering why squirrels are included in this month's Pest Watch...and that's a valid question! While most squirrels reproduce in late winter, they will often go for round two in June. What this means for you, a Georgia homeowner in June, is that you need to be keeping an eye out for nests around your home. Before you go thinking about how fun it would be to stumble across a nest of cute, furry squirrel babies, remember that squirrels are gnawers and will chew on pretty much anything that looks good to them, including your home's wiring, insulation, and walls. Squirrel feces can also play host to a wide variety of diseases and pathogens, which isn't exactly something you want sitting around in your attic, crawlspace, or basement.
If you suspect you're harboring a squirrel family, call us today to set up an appointment with one of our wildlife pest technicians. Our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, so your squirrels will be evicted in no time. If you're curious about pests and want to know how to keep gray squirrels out of your Georgia home, click here to read our guide on how to defend your home against squirrels!
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The Breda Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
