January 29, 2015
Pest Control - Protect Your Home from Invaders!
If you already live in the American Southeast, you know there are a bunch of pesky critters that you need to watch out for, but if you’re new to the area, you may be surprised to find out that most homeowners here have a very good friend they see every month – a local exterminator!
Unlike many areas of the country, in Georgia, having an exterminator in doesn’t mean that your home is untidy, unclean or in poor repair. Having a great relationship with an exterminator protects your home from nasty little invaders that can cause lasting damage. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure here in the Coastal Empire!
For a quick reference, see this helpful website to identify insects you may not recognize.
Probably the most famous pest in our area is the roach – both the larger, water-hungry Palmetto Bug (also called the American Cockroach) and the smaller, food-driven German Cockroach. These bugs love to visit homes because they are a ready source of food and provide many small, dark, comfortable places to nest and breed. The climate in our area is ideal for these creepy-crawlies, which is why they are so common. Ask your neighbors, and they’re sure to tell you that they have a “bug guy” come through on a regular basis to tackle this persistent pest. Without a doubt, regular, scheduled visits from an exterminator can help you keep your home roach-free!
Termites live in large colonies and are commonly known for gnawing through wood and other building materials, causing accelerated destruction and unsafe living conditions. These light-colored pests are common in every area, but the warm, moist climate here makes it an ideal habitat. During the spring and summer, they swarm, on the lookout for new places to settle.
Silverfish are also common kitchen pests, because they love starchy, dry foods. They’re also a nuisance in a library, because the binding of old books is also attractive. These bugs are unusual because they take a long time to mature – some take 2 years to reach adult form.
Ants seem to be everywhere! Fire ants are small, reddish ants known for their painful, poisonous bites, while carpenter ants, like termites, feed on building materials. Common kitchen ants get into food and leave refuse behind them.
In the garden, several insects bear watching. Tent caterpillars are common pests who spin large, sheer webs in trees and bushes. When the larvae inside the “tents” hatch, the young feed on the tree leaves. If they are not controlled, these ravenous beasts can destroy lovely plants such as roses and fruit trees. Tiny, light green aphids live in colonies that attack plants by draining their moisture. If not controlled, they can destroy gardens and decorative flowers and shrubs. Ticks are common outside pests that attach themselves to humans and animals to feed on their blood. Lyme Disease, a debilitating chronic condition, is spread by ticks. Some ticks, but not all, will leave a red ring around the bite site. If you think you or your pet has been bitten by a tick, it is best to see a doctor promptly.
Spiders are everywhere in the American Southeast, but the vast majority are non-venomous. Two notable exceptions are the Brown Recluse, which prefer to live in and around piles of debris or trash, and the Black and Brown Widows, identifiable by the brightly colored red or orange hourglass on the bottom of the abdomen. As with ticks, if you think you’ve been bitten by one of these spiders, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Not all pests are insects, however. Mice, rats, squirrels and raccoons are common mammals that can raid your food stashes, root through your garbage and carry disease. Certain extermination companies specialize in this type of pest control, so if you’re having problems with these types of critters, be sure that you contact the right company to handle the issue.
At Ernest Signature Custom Homes, we know you’ve made a lasting investment in your home, and want to protect it from harm. If you find pests where you live, be sure to contact one of the many reputable exterminators in our area right away – we want you to have a long and happy future in your dream home!
