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Fire ants are a common sight in many yards in Northeast Georgia. One of the most recognizable features of these insects is their characteristic mound, which serves as a nest and a breeding ground for the fire ant colony.

While these mounds may seem harmless, many homeowners are left wondering if these structures pose a hazard to their yards. In this article, we explore the potential dangers of fire ant mounds and the steps that homeowners can take to minimize their impact on their property. So keep reading if you’d like to know more!

 

 

How Do Fire Ant Mounds Look Like?

Fire ant mounds are used to house the colony. They typically look like piles of loose soil or dirt and have a distinctive, slightly irregular dome-like shape that may be surrounded by a ring of cleared vegetation or debris.

The mounds can range in size from a few inches up to 2 feet in diameter and height, and can extend into the ground even more than 20 feet deep. However, they rarely reach more than a few inches tall if you maintain your lawn regularly and spot them in time.

Unlike the mounds of other ant species, fire ant mounds do not have an opening or hole in the center, which could serve as an entrance and exit for them. Instead, the fire ants leave and enter the mound through their underground tunnels that are connected to the surface in many different places.

The entrances to the tunnels are often located at the base of the mound and can be identified by the presence of small piles of dirt or sand that have been pushed up from below the ground.

You will often spot multiple raised mounds of fluffy worked soil, usually a couple of days after heavy rain.

 

 

 

Where Do Fire Ants Like To Nest In The Yard?

Fire ants typically like to nest in sunny, open areas such as lawns and meadows. They also tend to prefer areas with loose, sandy soil that is easy to excavate.

In your yard, you may spot their mounds in areas around trees, along sidewalks and driveways, or near the foundation of your house.

In addition, fire ants are known to build their nests in rotting logs or stumps, so it’s important to keep your yard clear of debris that could serve as a potential nesting site for these insects.

 

 

 

What Damage Can Fire Ant Mounds Cause To Your Yard?

Fire ant mounds can cause significant damage to a lawn and yard in different ways.

Firstly, the mounds can create an unsightly appearance in the yard, making it look neglected and unattractive.

Secondly, fire ants can cause damage to your lawn by building extensive underground tunnels that can disrupt the root systems of plants and cause soil erosion. Plants and other vegetation in your garden can be destroyed as the fire ants feed on them or attack the roots. This can result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death of the plant.

In addition, these pests can damage electrical equipment if they invade electrical boxes and chew on wires. If they build their nests around the electrical equipment, this can cause short circuits and other problems.

Overall, it is important to control fire ant populations and remove their mounds as soon as possible to protect your home and yourself.

 

 

Should You Destroy Fire Ant Mounds?

There are some reasons why a homeowner should destroy fire ant mounds in their yard:

 

– Safety

Fire ants can be dangerous to humans and pets, as these ants are aggressive and their stings can cause painful welts or even allergic reactions. If you or your pets accidentally step on a fire ant mound, you could be swarmed by hundreds of ants and potentially receive multiple bites. In some cases, people may experience severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings, which can be life-threatening.

 

– Health concerns

Fire ants have been known to infest homes, especially during floods or heavy rains, and can pose a threat to human health by contaminating food supplies and spreading disease.

 

– Invasion of the species

The imported fire ants are an invasive species that can displace other, native ant populations, and disrupt the ecosystem. Most commonly in the spring or early summer, they will spread profusely after the rain on warm and sunny days.

 

For these reasons, it is important that homeowners take steps to destroy fire ant mounds in their yard to protect themselves, their property, and the environment.

 

 

What Can You Do To Prevent Fire Ant Mounds In Your Yard?

So what can you do about fire ant mounds in your yard? There are some simple steps that homeowners can take to prevent fire ants from creating mounds in their yards. Here are just a few:

 

1. Keep your yard tidy

Fire ants are attracted to cluttered and overgrown places, so it’s important to keep your yard tidy and well-maintained at all times. This includes regularly mowing your lawn and trimming any overgrown plants or bushes.

 

2. Remove potential food sources

Fire ants are attracted to sweet and greasy substances, so it’s important to keep any food waste or spilled drinks cleaned up promptly.

 

3. Use baits and insecticides

There are several types of baits that can be used to control fire ants. These baits are typically applied to the ground around the perimeter of the yard and are designed to be taken back to the colony by the ants. Also, insecticides can be used to directly treat fire ant mounds.

 

4. Regular inspections

Regularly inspecting your yard for signs of fire ants and their mounds can help you catch any infestations early and prevent them from becoming a bigger problem.

 

Fire ant mounds can pose a serious hazard to homeowners and their yards. Not only do these insects cause painful bites and stings, but they can also damage property and harm pets and wildlife.

Therefore, it is important for you to take proactive measures to prevent fire ant infestations in your yard and to seek professional help if you suspect a problem.

American Pest Control in Northeast Georgia offers effective methods of controlling fire ants in the yard. So if you need professional help, contact our experts to inquire about the treatments we offer. Let us help you keep your yard safe and enjoyable for you and your family!

 

 

Even though millipedes are occasionally confused for centipedes, most of us can recognize a millipede or a centipede. However, many of us do not know what it means when these creatures get inside.

In this article, we reveal why you keep finding millipedes in your house, so read on to learn more.

 

 

Where Do Millipedes Come From And Why Do They Come Into The House?

Millipedes are typically found outdoors where they hide in damp places in the yard, for example under leaves and stones, in flowerbeds, mulch, rotting wood, compost, and around house foundations.

If you’re finding lots of millipedes in your home, it means that the conditions outside have attracted them indoors.

Too much rain, drought, and cold temperatures can make the outdoor habitat less favorable for millipedes, which is why you will often see these bugs in the house during these conditions.

Extended drought conditions can make it too dry outside and drive millipedes indoors in search of water, while heavy rain and oversaturation of the soil around your house will make them come indoors in search of shelter.

If they find that it’s too hot outside, millipedes may sneak into your house and hide in spots that are not exposed to direct sunlight, such as under furniture. This is because they are seeking moisture and moderately warm temperatures.

Also, millipedes are outdoor pests so they may sometimes be seen inside when they wander here by mistake.

Since these pests are narrow, they can easily fit through small gaps. You will find them entering under doors with imperfect door sweeps and thresholds, but also through missing mortar joints, utility penetrations, and weep holes in exterior brick veneer.

Once they make their way indoors, millipedes tend to gravitate toward damp areas of your home like laundry rooms, bathrooms, basements, garages, crawlspaces, and under sinks.

 

 

Are Millipedes In The House Dangerous?

Garden millipedes, also known as greenhouse millipedes, are the most commonly found species that enter homes.

In essence, they do not cause damage to homes and are nothing more than a nuisance. They are blind, they don’t bite humans and don’t carry any disease. Unlike other pests, millipedes are not harmful as they won’t do any damage to your house, food, or belongings.

However, you may at times see them feeding on plants in your garden if it’s over-watered or has a large amount of plant debris and rotting material on the ground.

In your home, millipedes can also indicate a moisture problem. They consume decaying organic matter such as rotting wood particles. So if the wooden structures in your house happen to be damaged by water, millipedes will attempt to come in to feed. And while they are not as destructive as termites or carpenter ants, millipedes may signal that there are conditions in your house that are attractive to those pests.

 

 

 

How Long Does A Millipede Infestation Last?

For the most part, millipedes don’t really infest houses, and there is no set season when they could come in large numbers to invade your home. However, they go on a mass migration twice a year, during the spring and in the fall. But it is usually a very short-lived occurrence where a huge population emerges locally, and it will subside soon on its own.

Additionally, millipedes can grow numerous in gardens if the conditions are ideal for them. Millipedes actually prefer to stay outside. Your home is not a good environment for them to live and survive. They simply cannot reproduce indoors and there isn’t much in your house that they could eat, so they will not survive long if they find themselves inside. Millipedes will also die fairly quickly if they don’t get any moisture inside.

These are harmless creatures that found their way into your home and don’t really want to stay there for too long.

But they may be able to live longer if they find a source of water and food. Most likely, if you find a few millipedes in your house, it’s because of a source of moisture that needs to be investigated and taken care of.

 

 

How Do I Keep Millipedes Out Of My House?

The best way to deal with millipedes is to keep everything very dry as they don’t do very well in dry environments. For example, if you notice moisture caused by a leaky pipe or a damaged gutter, make sure to fix that urgently. These bugs need moisture to survive, so once you remove that, it will no longer attract them.

Also, millipedes in your house can become food for other pests so eliminate any insects that may potentially attract them.

 

Millipedes are sometimes in need of professional pest removal services and a pest control company can definitely help you if the problem persists in your home. If you spot a few problematic millipedes that are making their way indoors from the garden at times, pest control technicians can apply a barrier spray to keep them away.

You can reach out to our team of experts at American Pest Control in Northeast Georgia for a quick resolution to your problem. So contact us today for assistance with the control of millipedes and other common household pests. Let us help you get rid of these creepy crawlies that are creating a nuisance in your home!

 

 

Although carpenter bees are considered important pollinators of many flowering plants, they are usually considered pests due to their ability to cause potential damage to wooden structures. These insects are generally not aggressive but you should be concerned if you spot them nesting on your property as they can be destructive to your home.

What’s worse, homeowners most of the time don’t even notice a carpenter bee infestation until the damage becomes apparent. This is because these bees are masters of camouflage and can fly unnoticed under our radar for a long time. Also, they are solitary by nature, which makes it even harder to decipher that you might have a carpenter bee infestation in your home.

Keep reading to find out whether their infamous habit of boring holes into wood to create their nests can be a problem for you and your home.

 

 

What Attracts Carpenter Bees To My Home?

Carpenter bees are attracted to places that provide them easy access to suitable nesting locations and food sources, that is pollen and nectar.

Therefore, yards with plenty of flowering vegetation are particularly attractive to carpenter bees. Flowers will lure in all kinds of pollinators, including carpenter bees.

Trees and shrubs around the house, as well as wooden elements on the exterior of the house, are common nesting sites for carpenter bees. These might include decks, patios, eaves, rafters, wood siding, fascia boards, and wooden roofs.

Carpenter bees also love old wooden fences, wooden garden furniture, and piles of firewood on your property.

Keep in mind that when carpenter bees search for a suitable location to create their nests, they will first choose the wood that has not been treated or painted. Therefore, painting and treating the wood can be highly beneficial in making it more resistant to these wood-boring insects.

Another reason why carpenter bees are so destructive is that they tend to reuse old nests already created by other carpenter bees. When they do use old carpenter bee nests, they carry on tunneling and make them even larger. So if the old tunnels have not been properly sealed, your home will keep drawing these pests in.

 

 

 

 

Are Carpenter Bees Harmful To The Structure Of My House?

Carpenter bees are harmful because they drill holes in wood while they are in search of a place to nest and lay eggs. They will bore holes deep into the wood, causing damage to the exterior of houses and other wood structures, and leaving behind their sawdust and feces that can create stains on the timber. The female carpenter bees then lay their eggs inside the nest, where they stay protected as the larvae grow. The males, on the other hand, will only fly around guarding the nesting area from the outside, and cause annoyance to anyone who comes near.

In addition, when carpenter bees damage exterior steps or railings, it can lead to fall accidents for you, your family members, or visitors.

Carpenter bee nesting areas also attract woodpeckers, as one of the favorite foods for these birds is the carpenter bee larvae. They will peck around the nest opening to devour the larvae, and this damages the wood even further.

 

 

When Should I Worry About Carpenter Bees?

Without any doubt, carpenter bees are destructive pests for your house as they can bore holes into any wood that happens to be in your home. Even though they are solitary insects that nest alone, they tend to choose the same area, or even the same piece of wood, in which they drill their tunnels deeper each time. Over long periods of time, this drilling results in significant damage to the wooden structure they are nesting in. As the damage adds up over time, it leads to costly repairs.

Additionally, carpenter bees increase the number of their nests over successive years, or large numbers of these insects can be excavating tunnels over the course of years. This causes noticeable damage to the wood and potentially severe structural damage to wooden structures.

A generation of carpenter bees lasts a full year and infestations, if left untreated, may persist for several generations over many years. Taking into account that the pests repeatedly attack your home by drilling holes for nesting throughout your property, they can be a serious threat.

Therefore, to prevent this from happening, it is advised that homeowners regularly inspect the perimeter of their homes and surrounding areas for the presence of hovering bees and their nests.

It’s important to check your property thoroughly, get rid of these unwanted pests immediately, and prevent them from returning.

In the event of a carpenter bee infestation, you should reach out to a pest control specialist as soon as possible for a professional inspection. They will identify the infestation, assess conditions and nesting locations, and create a suitable treatment plan to remove the nest safely and efficiently.

 

Here at American Pest Control, we can do just that! Our highly skilled and qualified technicians will come up with a specific and effective solution to eliminate carpenter bees from your Northeast Georgia home in no time!

Just remember not to attempt to remove a carpenter bee nest by yourself as it is a dangerous task that only an expert can do properly. Give us a call today for a free quote and inspection.

 

 

Termites build large colonies in order to get through to wood at your property and cause mass destruction. These insects are known as the ‘silent destroyers’ as they are able to hide away for years, silently munching away at your home, and usually eating it to the ground.

But a termite infestation may not be a priority for most homeowners until the swarming termites show up uninvited on a beautiful, warm day in late spring or early summer and take up residence in your living room. Keep in mind that as soon as the winter is over and the humidity levels start to rise, there is an increased risk of a termite infestation in your home. One of the triggers of termite swarms is the combination of quickly rising temperatures and heavy rainfall that causes moist soil.

At that time, you should be on the lookout for termites that fly in large clusters, typically swarming towards a light source in your home.

If you see swarms of termites flying around your property, you should contact a professional termite inspector immediately as this is a warning sign that you either already have an existing termite problem or your house is at risk from a potential infestation.

You might be wondering what is the reason for termites to swarm to light, so keep reading to understand why it happens…

 

Why Do Termites Swarm To Light?

Like most flying insects, these pests are highly attracted to all sources of light whenever they are in their swarming phase. Also known as alates, the winged termites are the reproductive members of their colony that leave the existing colony to reproduce and sustain their species.

In fact, swarmers have some means of distinguishing light from the darkness. They are drawn to the light because it helps them find their way around.

Also, bright light tends to confuse their navigational system, and these insects get confused when they see it.

They are not likely to go unnoticed as you may see termites in the thousands flying around your house. Unlike other termites in the colony, swarmers will fly towards the light. Like most nocturnal insects, termites are attracted to the nearest light source, so you may spot them swarming under street lamps or near fluorescent lights. It is common to notice swarms around porch lamps, motion lights, utility lights, or light reflected from the interior. They are particularly attracted to straight lighting and will sometimes fly down through a downlight.

The swarmers are drawn to strong white light and exterior windows. You will often spot them congregating around windows or glass doors. These insects will swarm on the inside of windows in a house that has an active infestation. They do this because they want to fly outside and be in the bright sun, not the dark inside of your house. The winged termites try to shed their wings and mate to establish their nests in some dark places, such as under slabs of wooden structures that provide cover.

 

 

 

Do Termites Swarm More During The Night Or Day?

The time of day termites swarm depends on their species. Some types of termites are more likely to swarm during the day, while others come out and swarm at night. In addition, certain species of termites are prone to swarming in the late afternoon and early evening.

At night, the swarmers find higher humidity levels and various sources of light that they are attracted to.

For instance, the drywood termite species swarm in daylight after rain. Many of the subterranean termites common in the United States swarm during the day. Formosan termites, on the other hand, tend to swarm at night.

 

Does Turning Off Lights Keep Flying Termites Away?

Swarming termites might be quite distressing for you and there’s not much you can do to stop them from flying into your home. However, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the possibility.

We recommend that after sunset, you turn off as many lights as possible, especially the outdoor lighting like porch lights. They want to flock to the outside lights at every opportunity, so to keep them from being attracted to your house remember to turn off all unnecessary lights at night.

Also, make sure the windows and doors are closed after the sun goes down to prevent the insects from flying in.

This way, the swarmers will choose to blindly fly on through the night and bypass your home.

But if there are already any swarmers inside, open all doors and windows so they can fly out of the house as quickly as possible before they shed their wings.

However, don’t try to kill the termites with a can of bug spray. This is pointless and you’ll be wasting your time trying to attack them. Instead, you must get rid of them from your house as quickly as they come in.

It is also important to install screens on all windows and doors, and make sure they stay free of tears and holes in the fabric.

As flying termites are not drawn to yellow, red, and purple-colored lights, it would be useful to place some of these colored lightbulbs outside your house to chase them away.

 

In a nutshell, the experience of termites swarming to a light source can be both negative and positive. While the fact that the light source attracts termites is a bad thing, it can alert you that there is an infestation is already underway or that termites have just started colonizing your property, and it’s time for you to call in a professional for an inspection. It’s crucial to have the proper measures in place when you spot swarmers to avoid a termite infestation.

If you suspect that you have a termite infestation or that swarmers have been spotted in your neighborhood, contact our knowledgeable team at American Pest Control in Athens, GA, for a free inspection! Our experts will inspect your property and recommend a termite treatment that’s customized to your home.

 

Since dating can be stressful, there is the possibility of humor to try to reduce tensions. In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rosenfeld found that heterosexual couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through personal contacts and connections. Since 1940, traditional ways of meeting partners – through family, in church and in the neighborhood – have all been in decline, Rosenfeld said. The company has said that this app is single, progressive and specially designed for the Gen Z market.

So it’s taken that pressure off, this has to be a friendship interaction, and this has to be a romantic interaction. The platforms highlighted below are legal, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. OurTime.com is a dating site that caters to singles 50 years and older. Registration is free, and you can view profiles of singles in your area. The app is easy to use, and you can connect with local singles that interest you. Starting a conversation here is very easy because your potential matches are meant to comment on a specific piece of information on your profile.

They are oriented on varied countries and on the varied nationalities. There hookupguru the sites with the diverse prices and the diverse functionalities. You will need a premium membership to use the site’s full potential. For example, messaging people as a free member lets you only use the message feature to send site-generated icebreakers, while Standard members can only send winks and add folks to their favorites.

• Meetup.com is another popular platform, however it’s not built around dating.
• Research from Berkeley University in California suggests there is a dropoff in interest after online daters meet face-to-face.
• This may have something to do with most of its features being free.
• Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted July 5-17, 2022.
• A line of research initiated in recent years links dark personality traits to the reasons for using Tinder.

So until then, I’m delighted and would like to say thank you towards the present software for providing usa together. I got most positive and negative experiences previously, and many consumers actually shattered the emotions.

How to use dating apps like a pro

The date can be online or physical, with the latter costing the paying party any expenses incurred during the meet-up. If the date is to take place in a venue that requires an entry fee, your partner should pay for that too. As to how much you get to take home, the going rate averages $80 to $100 per date. Also, as an attractive member, you have an option to negotiate the bid if you feel the amount is too. After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email giving you access to the site. This is an adult dating website where bids are placed to win a date.

The Dangers of Dating App Meet-Ups

Reverting to characteristics of traditional sexual scripts, women may find themselves further entrenched in unwanted gender roles. Feminist Gail Dines has opined that pornography is “a cultural force that is shaping the sexual attitudes of an entire generation” and a “major form of sex ed today for boys.”

Most importantly, you get to set the budget for the entire date. What this means is that you get to keep the full-price amount. Finally, you don’t have to disclose your personal identity if you are not comfortable with a bidder. For the chance to get paid to date a millionaire or just the average Joe, you pay a subscription fee of $59.99 for 30 days.

Basically, you’re given a random profile with the option to either “like” them or “X” cross them out – sort of like Tinder’s swipe feature. Most of the members on SearchingforSingles are from the US, but you can still find users worldwide! Plus, there are also more women than men on this hookup site, if that’s what you’re after. Tinder has been called the harbinger of the hookup-fueled “dating apocalypse.” But the truth of the matter is, hooking up isn’t anything new . And as for Tinder, sure, it can be used for swiftly finding a one-night stand, but there are plenty of other apps that are better suited for that task. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles away to meet your date when you find the perfect match – as Tinder lets you only access singles near your location.

Since dating can be stressful, there is the possibility of humor to try to reduce tensions. In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rosenfeld found that heterosexual couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through personal contacts and connections. Since 1940, traditional ways of meeting partners – through family, in church and in the neighborhood – have all been in decline, Rosenfeld said. The company has said that this app is single, progressive and specially designed for the Gen Z market.

So it’s taken that pressure off, this has to be a friendship interaction, and this has to be a romantic interaction. The platforms highlighted below are legal, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. OurTime.com is a dating site that caters to singles 50 years and older. Registration is free, and you can view profiles of singles in your area. The app is easy to use, and you can connect with local singles that interest you. Starting a conversation here is very easy because your potential matches are meant to comment on a specific piece of information on your profile.

They are oriented on varied countries and on the varied nationalities. There hookupguru the sites with the diverse prices and the diverse functionalities. You will need a premium membership to use the site’s full potential. For example, messaging people as a free member lets you only use the message feature to send site-generated icebreakers, while Standard members can only send winks and add folks to their favorites.

• Meetup.com is another popular platform, however it’s not built around dating.
• Research from Berkeley University in California suggests there is a dropoff in interest after online daters meet face-to-face.
• This may have something to do with most of its features being free.
• Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted July 5-17, 2022.
• A line of research initiated in recent years links dark personality traits to the reasons for using Tinder.

So until then, I’m delighted and would like to say thank you towards the present software for providing usa together. I got most positive and negative experiences previously, and many consumers actually shattered the emotions.

How to use dating apps like a pro

The date can be online or physical, with the latter costing the paying party any expenses incurred during the meet-up. If the date is to take place in a venue that requires an entry fee, your partner should pay for that too. As to how much you get to take home, the going rate averages $80 to $100 per date. Also, as an attractive member, you have an option to negotiate the bid if you feel the amount is too. After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email giving you access to the site. This is an adult dating website where bids are placed to win a date.

The Dangers of Dating App Meet-Ups

Reverting to characteristics of traditional sexual scripts, women may find themselves further entrenched in unwanted gender roles. Feminist Gail Dines has opined that pornography is “a cultural force that is shaping the sexual attitudes of an entire generation” and a “major form of sex ed today for boys.”

Most importantly, you get to set the budget for the entire date. What this means is that you get to keep the full-price amount. Finally, you don’t have to disclose your personal identity if you are not comfortable with a bidder. For the chance to get paid to date a millionaire or just the average Joe, you pay a subscription fee of $59.99 for 30 days.

Basically, you’re given a random profile with the option to either “like” them or “X” cross them out – sort of like Tinder’s swipe feature. Most of the members on SearchingforSingles are from the US, but you can still find users worldwide! Plus, there are also more women than men on this hookup site, if that’s what you’re after. Tinder has been called the harbinger of the hookup-fueled “dating apocalypse.” But the truth of the matter is, hooking up isn’t anything new . And as for Tinder, sure, it can be used for swiftly finding a one-night stand, but there are plenty of other apps that are better suited for that task. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles away to meet your date when you find the perfect match – as Tinder lets you only access singles near your location.

 

At certain times of the year, typically during the warmer months, termite colonies produce swarmers, which are the winged adult termites that fly off to start their own colonies.

Termite swarmers can be a real nuisance, especially when swarming occurs indoors. The swarms are usually active during the day, therefore, it is simply nature’s reminder that there are termites nearby.

Termites are known to be one of the most destructive pests that infest a property. They feed on wooden elements in the house, causing significant damage to the structure. However, it is important to remember that the flying termites are not those colony members that consume the cellulose contained in the wood and wreak havoc on your home.

In fact, the culprit causing damage to your house is the worker termite. The swarmers only depend on the workers for food and eat the digested wood that they provide to them. However, there is a danger that one day the offspring of the swarmers will become the worker termites within the newly established colony. Over time, it will continue to cause destruction in the structure of your home, if left untreated.

 

Why Are Termites Swarming Outside And Inside?

The swarming termites outside or inside are most likely to come from an underground nest somewhere on the premises. If you see most of them outdoors, then the nest is probably in your yard, in a location such as under an old tree stump or wooden landscape elements. But if most of the insects are found indoors, then there is quite likely an infestation in or underneath the building.

An established termite colony produces swarmers that will leave the nest after the original colony becomes overcrowded or due to a lack of suitable food. Male and female flying termites are known as alates and they leave their existing colonies to reproduce and form a new colony elsewhere. They are ready to reproduce and expand, so swarmers on your property are a sign that the termites are currently reproducing.

The vast majority of the termite swarmers that pest control professionals find inside homes originate from outside of the house.

In addition, warm and humid weather with a lot of rain may attract termites. Also, the heat in your home can also attract flying termites if it’s too cold outside for them, which makes it a great place for them to reproduce and create a new colony.

So if you see a swarm of termites with wings indoors or in your yard, it can be an indication that there is a large colony nearby that wants to expand.

It is quite common to see either a termite swarm inside of a house structure or just a few alates that accidentally ended up inside. If the termites are swarming inside your house or you have noticed their discarded wings around doors and windows, it’s a clear sign that your home may have been already infested.

Swarmers inside a house usually gather around windowsills, glass doors, and light fixtures as their instinct is to fly toward the light. The insects are looking for a way out in order to create another colony. Nevertheless, most of the swarmers found inside your home will not survive to start a new colony outside, but it does mean that there is probably an infestation.

 

 

 

Should You Worry If You See Swarming Termites?

Typically, flying termites are most visible during their swarming season, but these pests do their damage all year round. Once the swarmers have made their way inside and you notice remnants of swarmers indoors, you should be concerned about the likelihood of an active infestation inside your home.

Also, seeing a swarm of flying termites outside your house should alert you that a current colony is thriving and an infestation is nearby. There is likely to be a significant termite activity close to the house, for example, in neighboring trees or some wooden structures.

However, spotting swarmers only outside does not necessarily indicate that there is a major active infestation inside your home, in most cases it means that these pests are present nearby. But it could be the first warning sign.

For this reason, it’s important to inspect your entire property for other tell-tale signs of an infestation if you see a swarm inside or close to your home. You need to be proactive to prevent termite damage. If you do not take care of this in time, you can quickly have a serious problem with these pests invading your home.

 

So, if you believe you may have termite activity, make sure to call our team of termite control specialists at American Pest Control in Athens, GA, and request a free inspection as soon as possible.

Our experts will inspect and verify the source of the swarm and recommend a suitable treatment plan to best target any termites found in or around your home, and keep these destructive pests away.

 

 

Rodents are not just a nuisance, they can severely affect your and your family’s health, and cause serious damage to your house. This is why prevention is critical in protecting homes from a rodent infestation.

While it can sometimes be impossible to avoid pests such as mice and rats from your home, there’s a lot you can do to make it less inviting and avoid infestations. The safest and easiest way to control a rodent infestation in your home is to prevent it from happening.

Don’t let this wildlife become a real problem! Keep reading as we cover some general rules for preventing and controlling the presence of rodents.

 

There are two main steps to rodent prevention in home – removing the attraction and stopping them from entering.

In general, a tidy and regularly cleaned house doesn’t have much appeal to pests. It is therefore crucial to maintain all areas inside and outside clean to discourage mice and rats. The most common causes of rodent infestations are due to spilled food, water sources such as leaks, sanitation issues, and access to pet food.

The best solution to deal with pests is to completely eliminate them from your premises. Even if you currently don’t have a problem, measures must be taken to ensure that rodents are not able to enter your house.

Let’s take a look at exactly how to keep rodents out of your home.

 

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  Eliminating Sources Of Food, Water, And Shelter

Rodents just like all pests are attracted to available sources of food and water, as well as places that are comfortable for them to hide and build nests. Rodents are constantly on the hunt for food, water, and shelter, so denying them those necessities will deter them from entering and setting up a camp in your house.

 

To avoid attracting rodents, you should:

– Clean your house regularly, including in hard to reach places such as under and behind furniture and equipment.

– Store food at least 6 inches off the floor and away from walls.

– Keep food preparation surfaces, floor, and garbage areas clean.

– Dispose of trash frequently, regularly, and carefully as not to create any spills. Keep trash in a plastic or metal container with a tight lid and remember to clean the garbage bin with soap and water on a regular basis.

– Clean up any spilled food immediately and keep surfaces clear of crumbs.

– Don’t live dirty dishes and cooking utensils out in the sink, wash them soon after use.

– Cover leftovers or keep them in plastic, metal, or glass containers with tight lids.

– Seal opened food packs and store all open dry foods in airtight containers, for example glass storage jars.

– Eliminate sources of water by fixing dripping taps and covering toilets.

 

 

– Do not leave pet food or water bowls out overnight and put it away right after use. Keep animal feed and seeds in a tightly sealed plastic or metal container.

 

– Outdoors, seal up potential nesting sites and food sources.

– Clean up garbage, brush, and weeds in your yard to prevent rodents from finding shelter. Keep grass and shrubs around your house well-trimmed.

– Keep compost bins at a distance of 100 ft from the house. Use a solid, undamaged plastic or metal garbage can with a securely fitted lid.

 

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  Rodent Exclusion By Blocking Entry Points

Eliminating access points for rodents will help keep them out of your house. This could include:

– Keep the doors closed as often as possible. Make sure all external doors fit their frames tightly, without leaving any gaps. If there are any badly fitting doors, attach brush strips to them.

– Check for holes or any small openings inside or outside your house.

– Fill cracks and patch any holes you find in walls, floors, ceilings, and around floor drains in the basement or laundry room. Remember that a mouse can squeeze through a tiny space the width of a pencil, which is 1/4 inch in diameter.

– Seal cracks and fix gaps on the exterior of your house, including entry points around pipes or cables, with suitable rodent resistant material such as concrete.

 

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  Proper Home Ventilation

Ventilation and dry air indoors are essential, so be sure to open windows whenever possible.

Refrain from blocking up the air vents. But if you’re concerned about mice coming in through this route, cover the vents with fine wire mesh. This will keep the pests out but still allow air to circulate.

Also, keep the attic, basement, and crawl spaces well-ventilated and dry.

 

 

Rodents are always seeking food and shelter, and your home offers the perfect environment. That’s why you need American Pest Control!

Our team in Athens, GA, is committed to providing excellent services that protect your home against rodent infestations, prevent these pests from getting into your home, and keep your home safe and healthy all year round.

Don’t wait until you have a rat or mouse problem! Call our qualified rodent control experts now for additional advice and treatment if necessary.

 

 

If you’ve noticed damage to the upper levels of your house, or have been hearing scratching sounds that come from the ceiling, or even started seeing small animal droppings in your attic, then you most likely are dealing with a common pest problem for homeowners in Georgia – roof rats.

The roof rats have become a major pest for homes in the Northeast Georgia area. Coming into our homes, the roof rats will continue to be a part of our environment while causing serious problems and lots of damage to the home, especially as we head into the winter months.

These rodents love to escape the cold weather by hiding in our homes during the winter. And in the spring, they find the attics a great place to store food. Therefore, it’s important to take all necessary steps to ensure your house is properly sealed to prevent damage to the roof and ductwork.

Read on to find out more about why and how these annoying critters keep coming into your house.

 

 

What Makes Roof Rats Come In The House?

It is definitely frightening to think that rats could be in your home, crawling right above your head. As these are wild animals that don’t belong in your home, you should know what attracts them in the first place to be able to prevent them from invading your property.

 

1. Easy access

Roof rats don’t wait to be invited into your home. If there is a crack or a hole in your house that is larger than half an inch, the rat will be able to squeeze itself through.

 

2. Warmth and shelter

Just like other wildlife, roof rats enter homes for the same reasons, namely food, water, and shelter. Rats need shelter, particularly during those winter days to avoid the worst of the cold. All rodents are warm-blooded animals, so it’s their natural instinct to start looking for some warm, cozy place to call home before the winter sets in.

 

3. Food sources

Apart from shelter, food is one of the main things that can attract rodents. As roof rats aren’t picky eaters, all types of food will attract them to your home. For example, meat, vegetables, milk, as well as fur, leather, and soap, anything that’s in your garbage can is good for them.

If you have any uncovered bins without lids or unsecured food in your home, such as pet food, bird seed, or even grass seed, roof rats can easily sniff them out.

 

4. Water source

Rats need water daily, and if they can’t get it outdoors, they will be looking for it indoors. Therefore, if you have a leaking pipe somewhere, dripping sprinkler heads, a pet water bowl kept outside, or even a birdbath, then rats will see the water source and stick around for easy hydration.

 

5. Indoor plants

Rats, and particularly roof rats, seek out fruit, therefore, indoor fruit plants and nut trees will attract them inside. Besides, rats frequently take advantage of the large, potted plants you keep in your home as a safe place to hide indoors.

 

 

 

 

How Do Roof Rats Get Into The House?

Our homes offer many inviting entryways for wildlife. Roof rats usually enter houses from the roof or from access points near overhead utility lines, which they use to travel from one place to another.

If your roof is damaged and has broken or missing shingles, this makes it easier for rats to access your home.

This wildlife is skillful at climbing trees, which makes it a common way for them to climb into the attic. Roof vents and soffits are also smart ways for these rats to enter the house. Chimneys and drainage pipes are yet another entry point for roof rats.

You can often see roof rats walking along fence tops, power lines, or telephone lines, and burrowing under house foundations.

Roof rats prefer to occupy the upper, elevated parts of buildings, which is why you typically find them in attics and top floors of the house.

 

 

What Are The Main Signs Of Roof Rats In The House?

Aside from actually seeing a roof rat indoors, the most obvious sign is droppings found around your home. Their droppings typically have pointed ends.

Animal noises at night on the roof and upper floors are often a clear indicator of the presence of roof rats in the house. Therefore, if you hear scratching or scuttling sounds in your attic or ceiling, the roof rats must be scurrying about.

Other signs include greasy marks or streaks, urine, gnaw marks on wires and roof lines, or tracks on the floor as they venture down to feed or find food.

 

Eradicating roof rats can be a difficult and time-consuming task. For this reason, your best option is to contact your local pest control experts in Northeast Georgia for help.

American Pest Control exterminators are licensed, highly trained, and experienced to rid your home of unwanted winter guests such as roof rats. So don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us now!

 

 

You can find stink bugs in your house in winter. This is because stink bugs require a warm environment to stay active and alive during the winter season. They’re typically active outdoors in the warmer seasons, therefore, you can find them in your home during winter. However, they do not reproduce inside the home during the winter.

Stink bugs like to spend the winter under bark and on tree branches or in crevices near the ground or wall. They are active and often spotted when temperatures begin to warm up in springtime as they prepare for a new season of life by munching on plants.

Stink bugs are a type of insect (Hemiptera) that feed on plants and fruit. The common stink bug is an unwanted pest in homes during colder months because they need a place to stay warm, just like people do! They are coming indoors looking for warmth, and it may be difficult to tell them from other insects that may be found around your home at this time of year, such as earwigs or ants.

 

Do Stink Bugs Hibernate In Winter?

Stink bugs remain dormant in the winter, just like many other insects do. The period during which stink bugs are active depends on their location. In warmer states, they reproduce all year round. But in most areas, they spend the winter hidden under stones, planks, weeds, and ground cover. In general, they will synchronize their dormancy period with local weather conditions and other insects as an act of survival.

Stink bugs survive the winter by going into a physiological state referred to as diapause. This is when their metabolism slows down and their activity drops sharply. They are still able to move, but only barely. This is part of what makes it harder to spot them on your own during this time. In the spring, the adult stink bugs become active again when they come out to feed on plants. This is also when they lay their eggs on plants.

 

Where Do Stink Bugs Nest In The House During Winter?

Stink bugs will move into homes in the fall and winter, but only if suitable conditions exist. Since these insects love warm temperatures, they will usually invade your home at this time of year. Otherwise, they could freeze outdoors in wintry climates.

However, they must make sure that the place they are in before the diapause is safe for their survival during the time of dormancy. Therefore, they must hide in places like cracks and crevices as they look for a warm location.

 

 

The following are places in your home where stink bugs could nest during winter:

 

– Inside the furniture

Stink bugs can harbor during winter in chairs and sofas. For this, you need to check the underside of the furniture that is standing on the floor, under carpets, or in fitted sheets. You can see if there are droppings or spots where there are chew holes that appear irregularly.

 

– Inside doors and windows

Stink bugs may enter houses from external openings of doors and windows because of high temperatures and too much light inside. As a result, they can be found hiding in cracks and crevices, as well as inside door and window frames.

 

– Inside walls and ceiling voids

Stink bugs enter homes in the wintertime and can be found under caulking, under floors, but also in pipes, walls, or ceiling voids. There are also some spots where they may have crawled inside the ventilation system to find a safe and warm nesting place.

These pests can also enter homes through cracks that are found in walls. Check behind the wall if there is any damage around the edges of the wall where it meets the foundations or shelves.

 

Are Stink Bugs Dangerous When They Live In Your House?

Stink bugs are not dangerous creatures. Unlike the average stink bug in warm weather, during the winter they are usually inactive and do not sting or bite.  Besides, they do not transmit pathogens or bacteria, therefore, they are harmless.

They may appear creepy because of their size and appearance, but they should not be feared as they don’t cause bites or stings. Just remember not to squish them or touch them directly as they release awful-smelling liquid when they are disturbed or feel threatened. However, if you find one inside your home during winter, you can simply consider them a nuisance insect.

 

What To Do If You See Stink Bugs In The House?

Stink bugs can be found in and around homes at different times of the year, especially in winter when they like to hide in many different places.

The following are tips on what to do when you notice stink bugs and ways of eliminating them:

– Keep your home clean and dispose of any food waste on time.

– Remove the clutter around the house.

– Spray pest repellent to keep them away from your house and as soon as you detect them indoors.

– Use glue traps or sticky posters to trap them outside your windows and doors.

– Seal the cracks and crevices where they may enter your home to prevent them from coming back. If you see them coming in, seal up the places where they are entering so that you can eliminate them effectively from your home.

 

If you are having problems with stink bugs in your home in the fall or winter, and don’t know what to do, don’t worry! The team at American Pest Control are professional pest control and removal exterminators in Athens, GA. They provide the best quality service to help with your pest infestation problem. So call today and let the experts take action!