School’s out for summer—but bugs are in. In Georgia, summer pests have a particularly irritating ability to ruin our favorite seasonal amusements like picnics, grilling, and swimming. Bug House has decades of experience in Georgia pest control, treating pests seasonally and year-round. Here’s everything you need to know about summer pests in Georgia, tips for mitigating them, and when to call in the pros. As you beat the heat, Bug House beats the bugs.

Summer Pests to Avoid

Warm, wet weather is a summer staple here in the South, and bugs thrive in it. Some of these pests are harmless, and others are hazardous. But they all have one thing in common: they’re annoying, unwelcome visitors to our summer vacation plans. It’s not hard to spot most of these common summer pests during Georgia summers. Here’s our list of the ones to avoid this season.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes flourish in the summer months, appearing seasonally from March through October. It’s not just the moist, warm air they love–it’s also your blood. Mosquitoes consider your flesh as fine dining, seizing every opportunity to bite ankles, arms, or any exposed skin they can sniff out. Mosquitoes can carry diseases, so bites are more than itchy–they’re dangerous. Keeping a clean yard and draining any water accumulation can cut down on mosquitoes, but it might not be enough. Mosquito treatments are critical for some areas of Georgia that experience overwhelming mosquito surges during summer. 

Cockroaches

As one of the oldest and most resilient insect species, cockroaches survive in many different environments. But the most appealing conditions are the warmth and humidity produced by summer weather in the Southeast. If you’ve ever seen a scurry on the kitchen counter from the corner of your eye, you understand the frenzied response that cockroaches can trigger. The pursuit of water and food encourages cockroaches to shimmy through every possible entry point to your home, so sealing the cracks and crevices around plumbing, drains, and the foundation of your home can prevent access.

Termites

Termites thrive in heat and humidity, and they multiply quickly during the summer months in Georgia. And these bugs aren’t just pesky–they destroy the structural integrity of your home if given the opportunity. Termites live in social groups, working together to damage any and all accessible wooden structures in your home. Sealing crevices with paint and installing bug screens over vents can help prevent termites from entering–and literally eating–your home.

Chiggers

Chiggers, or red bugs, irritate your skin with their bites, making you itchy and uncomfortable. These bugs are so small, you’ll likely notice their bites before you notice them. Chiggers enjoy humid wooded areas, so be aware as you’re out hiking and camping during summer months. Wear insect repellent and limit your time in wooded areas to lessen your chance of chigger bites.

Bees, Hornets, and Wasps

While they’re not always dangerous, bees, hornets, and wasps have nasty stinging capabilities. While these insects, especially bees, are crucial to our environments, nobody wants a nest near their home. These buzzing pests seek out water during the summer season, so covering pools and emptying bird baths will reduce their presence around your home. Their nests are usually isolated and harmless to humans. In some cases, however, the location of nests poses the threat of multiple sting occurrences, which can be deadly for those with severe allergies. In these instances, insecticides can eliminate small nests, while larger nests require the expertise of pest control pros.

Fleas

WhFleas are some of the worst insects on this list—they live indoors and outdoors, and they feed on the blood of both humans and pets. Females lay an average of 50 eggs per day, meaning that infestations happen quickly and tend to take over your entire home. Keep your floors clean and treat your pets with flea control medicine to reduce the chance of fleas.

Ticks

Like many of the pests on this list, ticks thrive on your blood. They hang out in tall grass, waiting to feed. Like mosquitoes, though, they carry more than hunger—ticks are host to many, often severe, diseases. Wear long pants and socks and stay out of overgrown areas outside to lessen opportunities for ticks to latch onto your skin.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are annoying insects that bite, leaving irritated, itchy marks. They can also cause significant damage to electrical equipment and wiring, especially if it’s something left out, like a lawnmower. Fire ants love warm weather and build their colonies outside. Try fire ant killer in your yard if you’re concerned, but, as always, hiring a professional is the best route to avoid dealing with poisons.

Hire Professional Help

Bugs may be a staple of summers in the South, but not for Bug House customers. The most effective way to eliminate summer pests of any kind is to call the professionals. You may not be able to see the full breadth of an infestation like we can with our equipment, plus dealing with insecticides and other repellants can be dangerous when inexperienced. We’re here to help you get pest-free this summer. Reach out today for more information.