Even though we had that random taste of winter at the end of last month, spring is here with summer right around the corner. In Georgia, this time of year usually involves playing the "layers game" (Grab that jacket on the way out the door or just chance it?), admiring all the plants coming back to life, and coming to terms with all the pests that are fully out of hibernation and are ready to get their parties started.
This month, we wanted to highlight some pests you might have swarming around your backyard and offer some advice on how to kick them to the curb.
Termites
With cold weather on hiatus until fall, the ground will be staying warm which means termites will start appearing. If you go outside and see a swarm of small flying insects, it's likely subterranean termites. This variety usually swarms during the day and can be found close to your home. If you spot these swarms, the clock is ticking on taking care of them before they become a problem. Swarming termites are trying to build their colonies and grow their numbers, so if you get rid of them now, you won't be dealing with termite colonies in the near future. (If you want to learn more about the lifecycle of a termite colony, check out our informational guide here!)
Know that your termite problem is taken care of properly by enlisting Breda Pest Management's infrared and microwave technology to identify and eliminate any termite infestation that may be starting on your property.
Contact Breda Pest Management today to schedule a termite inspection appointment and if you need termite service, be sure to take advantage of our 10-year renewable warranty that includes repair coverage. For more information about our highly effective termite treatment, click here!
Ants
Fire ants won't really be showing up in Georgia homeowners' yards until summer, but there are still plenty of other ants that are possibly popping up inside and outside your home. If you've noticed a trail of tiny invaders in your home (probably in your kitchen), follow the trail back to their anthill colony. Once you've taken care of their homebase, you can eliminate the remaining ants with traps or sprays. Make sure you keep all food covered and stored properly, and keep your floors and eating surfaces clear of crumbs.
If you notice ants outside your home, sprays and granular pesticides will help rid your yard of unsightly anthills and prevent the unfortunate experience of stepping on a mound of ants while walking through your yard.
If your ant problem persists after trying these pest control methods, don't hesitate to reach out to the Breda team so we can bring the big guns to help clear your home and yard of these persistent pests. If you're curious about exactly what type of ant you might be dealing with, check out our guide on common ants around Atlanta.
Mosquitoes
Treating your kids or grandkids to some time in the kiddie pool is a fun way to enjoy the warmer temperatures (and wear them out for bedtime!). Just make sure you dump that pool out and stand it up to dry off. Standing water is the biggest draw for mosquitoes, and with Georgia summers notorious for mosquito attacks, make sure you aren't giving the mosquitoes an advantage! Walk around your backyard to check that it is draining well. If you have a bird bath or water fountain as part of your landscape, make sure you keep the water moving with a pump or aerator, or treat the water with a bacterial insecticide (that won't harm the birds or wildlife who might visit your water feature).
To really make sure your yard is free of these annoying pests, schedule mosquito treatments with Breda Pest Management. If you begin treatments in the spring, you should stay bite-free all summer. Want more info on keeping your yard mosquito-free this year? Click here for our guide!
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.