Cicada Season in 2025: What You Need to Know

Closeup of a cicada on a leaf in Georgia

Closeup of a cicada on a leaf in Georgia

In 2025, Georgia is expected to experience a significant emergence of periodical cicadas, specifically from Brood XIV (14). So it’s essential to understand what this means for your property and how to manage these noisy insects. 

Cicadas are large, flying insects that emerge in the summer months. They feed on tree sap and are attracted to the sound of power tools and lawnmowers. While they may look scary, cicadas are generally harmless to humans and pets.

At Active Pest Control, our team of experienced pest control professionals can help you identify cicadas and determine the best course of action for your property. And in this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the upcoming cicada season and how to protect your home and gardens.

What Are Cicadas and When Will They Arrive?

Cicadas are large insects known for their loud buzzing song and unique life cycle. They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs, feeding on tree sap. Cicadas have large eyes, clear wings, and can be up to 2 inches long. 

In the spring, when soil temperatures reach 64°F, they emerge in massive numbers, transforming into winged adults. They typically come out in Georgia in May or June every year. Brood XIV cicadas, which have a 17-year life cycle, are expected to arrive in the area in mid-May 2025.

Are Cicadas Dangerous?

Despite their overwhelming numbers and deafening mating calls, cicadas are not dangerous and generally harmless. They do not bite or sting, and they are not considered pests in the traditional sense. 

However, their presence can be a nuisance, and they can cause minor damage to young trees and shrubs. Cicadas lay eggs in the branches, leading to broken or damaged limbs.

How to Get Rid of Cicadas

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate cicadas during their emergence, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact on your property.

DIY Cicada Control Methods

If you’re dealing with a small number of cicadas, there are some DIY methods you can try to get them under control:

  • Place netting over young trees and shrubs to prevent cicadas from laying eggs.
  • Use insect repellent to keep cicadas away from outdoor living spaces.
  • Avoid planting new fruit trees or bushes during cicada season.
  • Reduce outdoor noise by limiting the use of lawn equipment during the day when cicadas are most active.
  • Use a garden hose to gently remove cicadas from plants and surfaces.

Other Pests to Watch Out for During Cicada Season

While cicadas may be the most noticeable pest during the summer months, there are other pests that can cause problems for Georgia homeowners: mosquitoes and ticks.

As cicadas die off, their decaying bodies can provide a food source for mosquito and tick populations. To prevent these pests from thriving in your yard:

  • Remove standing water to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
  • Keep your lawn trimmed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat.
  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents when spending time outdoors.

At Active Pest Control, we offer comprehensive pest control – including cicada, mosquito, and tick-specific services. We use safe, effective methods so your family and pets are protected.

Active Pest Control: Your Exterminators for Seasonal Pests

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of cicada season or need assistance with other pest issues, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Active Pest Control. 

Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle any pest problem, big or small. We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and budget.

So reach out to us today to get started with a free service quote!

Preventing Winter Pests from Entering Your Home

Close-up of a mouse peeking out from a small hole in a concrete wall, illustrating common entry points for pests. Protect your home from unwanted visitors—contact Active Pest Control today!
Close-up of a mouse peeking out from a small hole in a concrete wall, illustrating common entry points for pests. Protect your home from unwanted visitors—contact Active Pest Control today!

As the weather gets colder, rodents, spiders, and other pests are drawn indoors, seeking warmth, food, and shelter. Understanding their motives and entry points can help you keep them from entering your home this winter. Taking preventive steps now will save you the hassle of dealing with infestations during the colder months.

Why do Pests Enter Homes in Cold Weather?

During the colder months of autumn and winter, natural food sources for pests become limited, prompting them to seek shelter inside homes. These pests are often drawn to quieter areas of the house, which is why you might hear strange sounds in the attic or basement. Beyond being a nuisance, rodents can spread diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella, cause structural damage through gnawing, and contaminate food with harmful pathogens. As temperatures drop, homes become an ideal refuge, offering warmth, safety, and easy access to food sources.

Which Rodents and Other Pests Might You Find in Your Home?

Rats, mice, and squirrels are typical wintertime pests, but depending on where you live, you might also see cockroaches, spiders, raccoons, possums, or bats looking for a cozy spot indoors. Rodents, in particular, are skilled intruders as mice can fit through openings as small as a pencil’s diameter, and rats can squeeze through any hole that fits their heads. Their climbing abilities allow them to scale pipes, rough walls, and downspouts, so sealing every small gap is crucial to keeping these unwanted guests outside.

How Fast Can Rodents Reproduce

Once inside, even a small number of rodents can lead to a major infestation in no time. Mice and rats reproduce quickly and, with a suitable nesting site, can multiply rapidly. A single pair of rats may lead to more than 1,000 offspring within a year, while female mice can produce up to 10 litters annually, with young reaching maturity in 4-6 weeks. A minor rodent problem can quickly spiral into a much larger issue.

Signs of a Pest Infestation

If you think you may have a pest issue, watch for signs such as droppings, nests, and chew marks, especially in less-visited places like attics, basements, or behind appliances. Scratching in the walls, the pitter-patter of feet, or odd smells from hidden areas could also mean rodents are present. Rodents often cause damage by shredding paper, cardboard, and insulation for nesting, and their chewing can affect wiring and wooden structures, which may compromise your home’s stability. Professional pest control help is recommended as soon as you detect rodent activity.

Winter Pest Prevention Tips for Key Areas in Your Home

As winter approaches, taking proactive steps can help keep pests from invading your home. Here are some essential tips for securing key areas and preventing unwanted guests this season: 

  • Kitchen: Pests are drawn to kitchens for the many food sources available, including crumbs, leftovers, and food left uncovered on counters or in cupboards. Be sure to clean up spills and crumbs, empty the trash daily, and store food in tightly sealed containers to help deter them.
  • Attic: Attics are attractive to rodents because of their warmth and dryness. To keep them out, secure electrical wires, seal entry points by fixing roof damage, and store items in plastic bins rather than cardboard.
  • Garage: To prevent rats, mice, and other pests from entering your garage, seal any gaps that lead to the outside and ensure all house entrances are properly sealed. As with the attic, store items in plastic containers to eliminate food and nesting sources.

Pest Hotspots Outside of Your Home

Pest activity isn’t limited to the inside of your home; the exterior can be a hotspot for pests looking to invade. Here are some key outdoor areas to inspect and protect before pests start seeking shelter this winter: 
  • Garden: Compost is a magnet for pests, so keep it in a container with a secure lid. Additionally, clear any debris or waste from the garden and trim back shrubs or tree branches near the house.
  • Outdoor Bins: Avoid overfilling outdoor bins, as excess waste can attract pests like rats, mice, and flies. Ensure the lids fit tightly to keep pests from entering and breeding in your trash.
  • Air Vents:  Ensure that vent covers are properly installed and intact to prevent rodents and other pests from using them as entry points.
  • Gutters and Downpipes: Regularly clean gutters and downpipes to remove debris that rodents may use for food or to build nests.

What to do if You Suspect an Infestation

When dealing with a potential rodent or pest issue, acting quickly is key to preventing damage and health hazards. Hiring a professional exterminator ensures effective pest control, whereas DIY methods might be less effective in completely eradicating the infestation. Professionals can also identify hidden entry points and provide long-term prevention strategies to keep pests from returning. Contact Active Pest Control, and we’ll perform a professional pest inspectio to protect your home and loved ones.

5 Tips for a Pest-Free Holiday Season

A black rat hiding among holiday decorations in a dim indoor setting. Professional pest control services are important for keeping pests away from your holiday celebration

A black rat hiding among holiday decorations in a dim indoor setting. Professional pest control services are important for keeping pests away from your holiday celebration

The holidays are a time for family, friends, good food – and, of course, festive decorations! During this most wonderful time of the year, many people bring nature indoors with Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. This gives pests like spiders, moths, and even rodents an easy way inside the warmth of your home. As the cold weather creeps in, pests of all shapes and sizes will start looking for places to hunker down – and your home, warm and full of holiday treats, will seem like a perfect choice! 

Keeping these critters out of your home can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do – and with the help of the pest pros at Active Pest Control, your chances are even better. Professional pest control services are always the best choice for keeping your home safe from pests, but there are still a few things you can do to increase your chances. Read on for five holiday pest control tips from the Active Pest Control team!

1. Check Decorations for Signs of Pests

Before you start decorating, check your stored holiday decorations for signs of pests. Holiday storage boxes are ideal nesting places for rats and mice since they are usually placed out of the way and rarely disturbed. Look for shredded paper, droppings, and chewed string lights. If you think a decoration has been contaminated by mice or rats, dispose of it promptly. Be careful if there are droppings present; rodent droppings may carry hantavirus, a potentially deadly disease.

Also, do not use string lights that are broken or frayed, as they are a fire hazard. Dispose of them instead and treat your home to bright new holiday lights.

2. Check Foliage for Pests

Making your own wreaths or garlands this year? DIY holiday crafts are fun, but make sure you check all greenery for signs of pests, like eggs or egg sacs. Give them a good shake before bringing them indoors to dislodge any hitchhikers. Avoid the use of aerosol pesticides, as these are not intended to be used indoors.

This goes for Christmas trees too – before you bring them inside to decorate, look them over for any bugs, eggs, or signs of other pests that might be hiding in the branches. Many commercially sold Christmas trees are treated with pesticides, but it never hurts to check.

3. Eliminate Harborage

Pest harborage refers to anywhere that pests can hide. This could mean fallen leaves, low shrubs, piles of yard debris – anything that provides shelter and isn’t disturbed much. Cleaning up your yard could significantly reduce pest harborage – not to mention make your home look nice for holiday visitors.

If you keep firewood in your yard, make sure it’s kept at least 20 feet away from your home and on a raised structure like a log rack. Spiders like to shelter in wood piles, and may hitch a ride on wood you bring indoors. Avoid setting firewood down inside your home; only bring what you need to keep your holiday fire going.

4. Clean Up Food Spills

If you’re in charge of the holiday meal, make sure you clean up when you’re done (and if you aren’t the cook, make sure you help by cleaning up spills right away!) Leaving crumbs or dirty dishes out in the open is like setting up a holiday buffet for pests like roaches, ants, and rodents. Pests are small, and don’t need much food and water – so even a few crumbs might attract them. Hosting during the holidays is exhausting, but taking a little extra time to clean up carefully after a meal could save you from a pest-related headache later on.

5. Store Your Decorations Carefully

Once the holidays are over, it’s important to store your decor properly to prevent pests from moving in! Use sturdy containers with locking lids as opposed to cardboard boxes or plastic bags, which are very easy for rodents and other pests to chew through. Keep your holiday keepsakes safe with proper storage.

Active Pest Control Will Help Keep Your Holidays Happy

The holidays are a hectic time for many reasons – and the Active Pest Control team is here to make sure that pest problems aren’t one of those reasons. We have 45 years of experience with all sorts of common pests in the Georgia area, and we’re eager to put them to work for you.

If you need pest control at any time of year, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll get you started with a free quote!

DIY vs. Professional Pest Control

DIY vs. Professional Pest Control - Active Pest Control

DIY vs. Professional Pest Control - Active Pest Control

In today’s day and age, the DIY movement is more popular than ever, whether it’s gardening, arts and crafts, or home repair. But what about pest control? Let’s talk about the pros and cons. At-home remedies may seem convenient, but are they reliable? And how do the costs compare between DIY pest control and professional pest control?

Let’s talk about DIY pest control versus professional pest control and when it’s the right time for each.

Pros & Cons of DIY Pest Control

When the issue is minor or the pest is more of a nuisance than a danger, DIY pest control is a good option. When the issue is severe or the pest is more than a nuisance (e.g. termites, rodents, bed bugs), it’s probably a good idea to hire a professional exterminator so you can be sure the issue is resolved fully.

  • Certain pests, such as rodents, termites, and carpenter ants are more dangerous and destructive. Getting rid of these infestations will be a challenge for any novice.
  • Many store-bought products are filled with chemicals that can be dangerous for you, your family, and your pets. Always read the label and apply these products as instructed.
  • Pest control technicians have experience using these products and know how to use them safely.
  • At-home remedies rarely work in the long term and do not prevent future infestations.

Which Types of Pests Should You Call an Exterminator for?

Pests can be broken down into three basic types: nuisance pests, dangerous pests, and destructive pests.

Nuisance pests

Types of nuisance pests include stink bugs, silverfish, house spiders, and ants. You don’t like having them around, but it’s mainly because you don’t like seeing them.

Should you call an exterminator for nuisance pests? It’s up to you. With nuisance pests, it comes down to how much you can tolerate it.

Dangerous pests

Dangerous pests include those that could cause harm to people or pets, and that can be different for different people. 

Flies and cockroaches can be dangerous because they spread bacteria that can cause illness.

Some venomous spiders can be considered dangerous. Rodents are very dangerous for the unsanitary droppings they leave. Bees and wasps can be dangerous, too, especially if you or a loved one has allergies or sensitivities.

Should you call an exterminator for dangerous pests? If you think that a pest could potentially be hazardous, you should call a professional pest control expert to make sure they’re eliminated completely.

Destructive pests

Termites are the most well-known destructive pest — they cause billions of dollars to American homeowners every year. Other examples of destructive pests include carpenter ants, carpenter bees, rodents, birds, and other wildlife.

Should you call an exterminator for destructive pests? We highly recommend it – especially for termites. Termites will continue causing damage for as long as they remain in a structure.

Does DIY Termite Control Work?

DIY termite control is not often successful. The challenge with termite control is that they like to nest deep within a structure. That makes them hard to detect, and after you’ve administered DIY treatment, it’s hard to know if you’ve eliminated the infestation.

Our experienced termite exterminators know how to locate the infestation, and exactly how to target them with state-of-the-art treatments. They can also help with lasting termite prevention, so you can feel protected months and even years from now.

Can You Do DIY Mosquito Control?

Swarm of mosquitoes in augusta ga area home after unsuccessful diy mosquito controlMosquitoes are one of the most difficult pests to eliminate. There are so many of them and they breed quickly, so even if you wipe out most of them, you will still have to contend with the next generation of larvae that’s likely to emerge in a few days. 

The single most effective way to limit mosquitoes in your yard is to dump out any standing water you find. Even a small amount is enough for mosquito larvae to develop. Without the water, they will die.

For adult mosquitoes, mosquito larvae, and mosquito eggs, we offer highly effective mosquito barrier treatments. If you’re planning a gathering, our mosquito control experts will also work with you to create a strategy will make sure the party isn’t crashed by mosquitoes.

Is It Time for Professional Pest Control?

When it comes down to it, no one wants to deal with pests in their home. If you want to get rid of them completely, a professional pest control company is your best bet. In the long run, a pest control professional can provide you with the tools you need to keep pests out for good. 

Ready to solve your problem and stop worrying? Give Active Pest Control a call today to learn more about our hassle-free options.

Buzz Off: How to Keep Wasps Out of Your Car

a wasp on a car window trying to get inside a georgia car

a wasp on a car window trying to get inside a georgia carSummertime in Georgia brings sunny days, open roads, and unfortunately, some unwelcome visitors—wasps. These buzzing insects have a knack for finding their way into the smallest of spaces, including your beloved car. Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to make sure wasps don’t invade your space. Read on to learn top wasp prevention tips from the experts at Active Pest Control!

Why Do Wasps Build Nests in Cars?

It may seem strange that wasps choose cars for their nesting site, but there are actually a few reasons why vehicles are a top choice for many stinging insects. Wasps often build nests in cars because: 

  • Cars have plenty of shelter: Just like us, wasps appreciate a cozy shelter. Your car’s various nooks and crannies provide ideal spots for their nests. From the gaps under the hood to the crevices in the door panels, they’ll happily take advantage of any available space.
  • Ventilation makes for easy access: Wasps are resourceful little creatures. They’re drawn to cars because of the air vents, which provide excellent ventilation for their nests. The steady flow of air allows their offspring to breathe comfortably, and who can blame them for wanting a breeze during hot Georgia summers?
  • Old crumbs provide plenty of food: Wasps have a notorious sweet tooth. They’re attracted to sugary substances, such as spilled beverages or food remnants, that might be lurking inside your car. These tantalizing snacks serve as extra motivation for them to explore and establish their nests.
  • Sedentary cars are secluded: Wasps are crafty creatures that prefer to build their nests in hidden locations, away from prying eyes and curious predators. The protected environment of your car provides them with the perfect camouflage, shielding their nests from unwanted attention.

How to Keep Wasps Out of Your Car

Now that we understand why wasps find cars so appealing, it’s time to unleash our arsenal of preventive measures:

  • Remove any trash and vacuum regularly
  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Avoid letting your car sit unused 
  • Seal any cracks with mesh or tape
  • Park in sheltered areas if possible
  • Inspect beneath the hood and in the trunk

What to Do if You Have Wasps in Your Car

Despite your best efforts, it’s possible that wasps might come inside your car. If this happens, it’s crucial to remain calm and take the appropriate steps to handle the situation safely. Here’s what you should do:

  • Stay Calm and Pull Over: If you notice wasps flying inside your car while driving, keep your cool and pull over to a safe location. Panicking or swatting at the wasps can lead to accidents or stings.
  • Open All Windows and Doors: Once you’ve safely parked, roll down all the windows and open the doors. This allows the wasps a clear exit path and encourages them to fly out of the vehicle.
  • Exit Slowly and Carefully: Exit the car slowly and cautiously, making sure not to disturb or provoke the wasps. Move away from the vehicle to a safe distance, preferably to an area without any wasp activity.
  • Call a Professional Wasp Exterminator: If you discover a wasp nest inside your car, don’t try to remove it yourself. Wasps can become aggressive when their nest is threatened, and their stings are painful and potentially dangerous. Instead, seek assistance from a professional wasp control company.

Finding wasps in your car can be a terrifying experience, but the experts at Active Pest Control are here to help! Our state-certified technicians have years of experience handling buzzing insects throughout Georgia, and they know how to quickly and safely remove wasps. To get fast wasp removal services, give us a call today!

Mosquito Awareness for Springtime

mosquitos swarming outdoors

In Georgia, the normal mosquito season will run from March through to October. With January rain totals well above normal across the Southeast, it is a good time to take inventory of wheremosquitos swarming outdoors

standing water is, and what can be done to eliminate it. 

Are you one of the people that these little pests just love? You have started to plan all the events for your family and friends around the backyard that you have worked so hard to keep green and beautiful. You want fun pool parties, BBQs, and children’s playdates for your family and guests, not the biting, itching and discomfort of many mosquito bites. Just as you have taken the time to get your yards beautiful to the eye, now it’s also time to get ahead of mosquito season. Even though we probably never will be able to fully eradicate these pests from our planet, there are ways we can learn to deal with them. Let’s take a closer look at some facts you may not know about these little pests!

Mosquito Facts

  • GROWING UP: The mosquito can complete its life cycle from egg to adult in as little as 4 days, though most mosquitoes grow from egg to adult in about 2 weeks.
  • TIME TO BITE: After only two days as an adult, a female mosquito is able to bite.
  • LIFESPAN: Most male mosquitoes only live for two weeks. Female mosquitoes often live up to a month or more, but they can certainly cause a lot of problems during that short time!
  • FEMALE MOSQUITOES: Only the female mosquito bites people and animals to draw blood and obtain protein to properly develop her eggs. Female mosquitoes can lay up to 300 eggs at one time.
  • DISEASES: Mosquitoes carry diseases like Zika Virus, West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
  • WATER WORLD: In one way or another, mosquitoes’ lives revolve around a water source. All mosquitoes require water during their egg, larval, and pupal stages for maturation. As an adult, the female lays her eggs in the water.
  • SPECIES: There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes. 63 of these species live in Georgia and are still biting.

How Can I Prepare for Mosquito Season?

Combat mosquitoes and other pests by following these simple tips and tricks.

  • Cut grass and shrubs short, as adult mosquitoes gather to rest in shady, cool areas.
  • Keep your yard weed-free and avoid overgrown vegetation.
  • Keep swimming pools clean, and properly circulating.
  • Regularly empty ponds, bird baths, fountains, plant pots, buckets, or anywhere else that water may gather.
  • Drill holes in tire swings, trash cans, or recycling bins so water drains out.
  • Clean out gutters to avoid standing water and examine them for any damage that would cause water to collect.
  • Check sprinkler heads in your sprinkler system for leaks and standing water.
  • Check outdoor faucets for leaks.

Whether it’s just nuisance-biting behavior or the mosquitos are transmitting disease-causing pathogens, precautions should be taken. Lastly, residents should make sure all screens are in place and in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from getting into our homes as we open windows again. Prevention can go a long way in avoiding mosquitoes around our homes and neighborhoods.

Mosquito Control in Georgia

At Active Pest Control, we provide comprehensive pest control services to help keep insects away from your home in the spring and all year round. If you’re not able to enjoy your outdoor space because of swarming insects, we can help. We’ve been exterminating pests in Active Pest Control for over 45 years.  Contact us today for your free quote.

How to Avoid Insect Swarms This Spring

A densely packed swarm of termites in GA.

Springtime in Georgia! Warm weather, sunshine, and… swarms of insects. The warmth and humidity in spring in Georgia draws many species of insects out of their winter habitats to feed and breed. A densely packed swarm of termites in GA. Many of these insects are just a nuisance but some of them can be dangerous to people or harmful to property. Learn which insects to watch out for, what you can do to protect your home, and how Active Pest Control can help if these precautions aren’t enough. 

What Insects Swarm in the Spring?

Many bugs are known to swarm in spring but these are some of the most common or problematic swarming bugs in Georgia: 

Bees: If bees are swarming on your property, they’re likely seeking food and shelter. Watch for the construction of bees’ nests in trees or on the eaves of your home. Carpenter bees can be especially concerning. They’re large, solitary bees that are often seen hovering near wooden structures in spring. They are important pollinators but can cause damage to wooden structures. They drill holes in wood to make their nests, which is how they get their name. 

Termites: Termites begin swarming in the early spring months to establish new colonies. When termites are mating, you’ll typically find wings on the ground because termites shed their wings when they mate. If mating is happening on your property, then you are at risk of a termite infestation if you don’t already have one. Winged ants appear in late spring for the same reason as termites – to breed. They look similar to termites but don’t pose the threat to your property that wood-eating termites do.

Wasps: In the warmer months, the queen will come out of hibernation and begin looking for food. If you see wasps flying low to the ground in your yard, they are likely looking for grubs, larvae, or insects for the queen or her offspring. 

Ladybugs: Ladybugs are a type of beetle that is often seen in large numbers in spring. They are beneficial insects that help control aphids and other garden pests.

Lovebugs: Lovebugs are a type of fly known for their distinctive mating swarms. They are typically found in the southeastern US, including Georgia.

Moths: Several species of moths, including the white-lined sphinx moth, are known to swarm in Georgia in the springtime.

Stinkbugs: Stinkbugs are common in Georgia and can be seen swarming in spring. While they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance in large numbers.

 

How to Keep Swarming Insects Away

Take care with food and drink outside

When the weather heats up, so do our grills! Bees and especially wasps are attracted to protein-rich foods like the meat you or your neighbors will be cooking. They’re also attracted to sugary drinks. To keep bees and wasps from making an uninvited appearance at your picnic or BBQ, be sure to seal up leftovers promptly and keep any sugary drinks sealed or covered.

Keep your yard clean

To keep insects away, you’ll want to keep your yard clear of any kind of debris that could be a habitat for insects, including leaves, sticks and any fruit that may fall from fruit trees. Keeping your lawn mowed short can also help. Stack firewood, ideally off the ground, away from buildings, and covered by a tarp. 

Stop water from pooling

Many different types of pests are attracted to water, either for breeding or for drinking. There are many items in our yards that can easily fill with water given how stormy spring in Georgia can be. Whether it’s a birdbath, an empty bucket, a flower pot or a trash can lid, try to prevent water from accumulating in any objects on your property.

Expert Pest Control for Georgia

At Active Pest Control we provide comprehensive pest control services to help keep insects away from your home in the spring and all year round. If you’re not able to enjoy your outdoor space because of swarming insects, we can help. We’ve been exterminating pests in Georgia for over 45 years.  Contact us today for your free quote.

DIY vs Professional Wildlife Exclusion

Raccoon hiding near house

If you live in the Atlanta Metro or the surrounding area, you likely know the importance of wildlife exclusion. The best way to prevent larger pests and nuisance wildlife from nesting in your home

Raccoon hiding near house

is to keep them from getting inside in the first place. And maybe you’ve been doing enough research to think that you can handle this level of work on your own. You might own a caulk gun and some chicken wire. Why not do the work yourself and save some money?

There are certainly forms of DIY wildlife exclusion you can do on your own. At the same time, there are aspects to this line of work that you definitely need to leave to a professional. At Active Pest Control, we’re trained in all forms of wildlife exclusion, control and management. But before you call for our services, let’s explain how we can help you and your household.

Benefits of Professional Wildlife Exclusion

There’s more that goes into wildlife exclusion than covering entry points. In many cases, the calls we get for exclusion are only placed after some nuisance wildlife has already gotten into the home. This is where the skill set of the Active Pest Control team comes into play. If you have squirrels in your walls or skunks in the attic, removing them on your own could be frustrating, if not potentially dangerous. You don’t want to risk scratches or bites that could transfer disease. Our team has all the protective gear needed for the job, as well as years of industry experience that can apply to nearly every situation.

And when it comes to covering possible entry points, our experts can find vulnerabilities that an untrained homeowner might miss. While you can cover open vents and chimneys, you can count on us to find anything in the more hidden areas of your property. With our help the work done will be more comprehensive, protecting your household from pests big and small.

Wildlife Exclusion: What You Can Do

Even though we suggest leaving the majority of wildlife exclusion work to professionals, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do yourself. If you regularly check for cracks and holes, you can cover them or seal the openings. And you can take measures to make your home inhospitable to wildlife, such as:

  • Eliminating food sources (Pet food, unsealed garbage cans, fallen fruit from trees, etc.)
  • Trimming the trees around your property
  • Shortening climbing plants along the exterior of the home
  • Taking down bird feeders

These are all safe and fairly effective ways to deter animals from your home. And if you try all of this and still find nuisance wildlife taking up residence in your home, the best action to take is to call us at Active Pest Control. We’ve been doing this for over forty years, and we can humanely remove animals from your home while also covering their tracks to keep more from getting in. Our work is ethical and effective, and we can work so you don’t have to sacrifice your safety. To get started, contact us today!

How Wildlife Exclusion Can Help

Raccoon on a ledge feeding on scraps - Keep raccoons away from your home with Active Pest Control in GA

raccoon on fence eating a cookieFor many people, pest control in Georgia means: You have an infestation in your home, and you need an exterminator with pesticides to eradicate the problem. And in certain cases, that’s true. If you have pests like termites or cockroaches, pesticides are really the only option. But as the pest gets larger, your opinions on pesticides may change. It’s one thing to bait an ant to collapse the colony – but what do you do about a squirrel, rat, or raccoon that made its way into your home? 

Active Pest Control can help, not only in removing these larger nuisance forms of wildlife but in keeping more from taking their place. We do this with the help of what’s called wildlife exclusion.

Wildlife Exclusion: An Overview

Pests both large and small aren’t known for appearing in your home out of nothing and nowhere. The motives of a beetle aren’t too different from that of something like a bat – at their core, they both want food, shelter and safety. Your home offers all of that and more, and the main goal of wildlife exclusion is to implement physical barriers to keep any pests from taking advantage of your resources.

The way we go about applying wildlife exclusion depends on the state of the property. After an initial inspection, an Active Pest Control technician will know exactly what measures need to be taken to suit your home best. You may need a sheet of mesh wire placed over your attic vent to keep bats from roosting, new shingles on the roof to keep rats out, or cracks and gaps in the foundation filled in with caulk. It could be that you need all of that and more, which isn’t a bad thing. What matters is that we do what needs to be done to separate your home from the Great Outdoors.

Keeping Things Moving: Benefits of Wildlife Exclusion

It’s easy to think about what you and your household can personally get out of wildlife exclusion. No rats in the walls or raccoons in the attic is good news for most homeowners in Georgia. And the right exclusion techniques will work in the long term, as most animals will move on and won’t come back once they’ve established that your home is not a candidate for habitation. This works in your favor, but also in the favor of the ecosystem as a whole.

The animals that try to get in your home ultimately are making a home outside their intended environment. And, by closing off access to your space, you’re guiding them back to what they’re meant to be doing. In Georgia, we need squirrels to disperse nuts and promote plant growth. Moles promote soil growth and aeration, and even something as unpleasant as a skunk is almost as effective at pest-control as we are. Every animal that is meant to be here is here for a reason, and by investing in wildlife exclusion you’re making sure that balance is maintained for a long time to come.

Keep Wildlife Away Safely with Active Pest Control

At Active Pest Control, we offer the full spectrum of wildlife management for homes and commercial properties across Georgia. We work safely in removing existing wildlife and taking the proper exclusion efforts to keep your property pest-free for the long term. To learn more or get a free quote, contact us today!

Fall Pests That May Get in Your Home

Asian lady beetle on door frame

Asian lady beetle on door frame

Does it seem like there are more insects in your home during the fall and winter? Unfortunately, it’s not your imagination. It’s fall pests looking for ways to get out of the increasingly cold weather. Some of these fall pests will migrate to warmer climates or burrow under debris, but others may decide they want to spend the winter in your warm, dry home. This phenomenon is referred to as overwintering, and it pays to look for warning signs before you end up with an infestation in your home.

Finding a bug on the countertops or in the corners of a room in your home is no fun. However, what’s even worse and could cause even more damage, are the pests hiding where you can’t see them. The fall pests most likely to take refuge here can include Asian Lady beetles, stink bugs, termites, wasps, and rodents. Let’s learn more about how and why these pests may try to get into your home.

Fall Pest #1: Asian Lady Beetles

If you find what looks like a ladybug in your home, it may not be a ladybug. If it’s larger than your garden-variety ladybug, you may be looking at an Asian Lady beetle (which may or may not have spots). And if you’ve found one, the odds are good that it’s not alone. Asian Lady beetles travel together in groups, using pheromones to communicate their location. That means that if one comes into your home to get out of the cold, the result can be an infestation. These bugs may not eat the wood in your home’s structure or sting its residents, but their waste can stain as well as trigger an allergic reaction or breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals. You can prevent this, along with most other fall pest infestations, by making sure you seal any gaps or openings in the exterior of your home.

Fall Pest #2: Stink Bugs

The species of stink bug you’re most likely to encounter in your home in the US is the Brown Marmorated stink bug, which is an invasive non-native species from Asia. They’re flat and shaped like a shield, colored in mottled shades of brown and gray, and range in size from around ¼” to ⅜”. They’re fond of quiet, out-of-the-way parts of your home like the attic or crawlspace, or anywhere else where they won’t be bothered. If they get discovered and feel threatened (or squashed), they’ll release a deeply unpleasant odor, which is where this insect gets its name. 

Fall Pest #3: Termites

Termites are easily the most destructive pest in the US. The annual cost of termite damage and mitigation in the US is estimated at up to $30 billion. Termites, if you have them, are always trying to enter your home. But fall and winter is when subterranean termites – the most damaging species – tend to burrow deep into the ground to wait out the cold weather. So if you have an infestation you may not notice it until spring. And at that point, the nest, and the damage, could be much more extensive. Once termites can get in your home, they will consume wood and anything else that contains cellulose. Signs of termites in your home may include blisters on painted surfaces, hollow-sounding wood, and unexplained pinhole-sized holes.

Fall Pest #4: Rodents

Squirrels, roof rats, and mice are all agile creatures and excellent climbers. You’ve surely seen them make their way from branch to branch or along narrow fences. It shouldn’t come as a surprise they can get into your attic and make a nest. Luckily these rodents don’t tend to be very stealthy. After some time you’ll hear them scratching or gnawing from up above or inside the walls. Those are both good signs that you have a rodent inside your attic or wall voids, and that means it’s time to call an experienced rodent exterminator like Active Pest Control 

Fall Pest #5: Wasps

Wasp colonies do not overwinter in the colder season, which leaves the workers to die with the oncoming winter. Fertilized queens, however, survive the cold outdoors and leave the nest for shelter like hollow logs, tree stumps – or in certain structures, like the attic of your home. Here’s a question for you. How sure are you that your attic vents are all screened from the outdoors? If you’re not very sure, consider calling us to inspect your attic and install them for you. They can prevent wasps, birds, and all manner of creatures from making themselves comfortable without you knowing.

Top Exterminators for Fall Pests

Active Pest Control has been proud to provide Georgia residents with quality pest control services for over 35 years. If you have some unwelcome fall pests in your home, Active Pest Control is ready to help. Contact us now for a free quote!