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Cicadas 2024: Witnessing Nature’s Marvel In Georgia

Cicadas in Georgia with Active Pest Control serving Calhoun, GA

In 2024, Active Pest Control invites you to join in observing an awe-inspiring natural marvel taking place in Georgia. We stand at the threshold of a rare natural spectacle, a moment where history echoes in the present through the mesmerizing chorus of cicadas. This event offers more than just visual beauty; it presents a unique opportunity to learn about the intricate cycles of nature and how we can live harmoniously with these fascinating insects. Discover the enigmatic lives of cicadas, their significant role in the ecosystem, and strategies for cohabitation with these remarkable creatures.

How Rare Is This Natural Phenomenon?

The year 2024 is notable for a once-in-a-lifetime insect event in Georgia and nearby states—the simultaneous emergence of two cicada broods, an event unseen for 221 years and not anticipated to recur until 2245. This simultaneous emergence from mid-May through late June represents a significant moment in natural history. This is significant since the cicada’s emergence of different broods does not normally overlap, it’s typically only one at a time.

Cicada Basics

Cicadas are intriguing for their subterranean lifestyle, surfacing only to reproduce and then perish. Their synchronized life cycles, typically spanning 17 or 13 years, result in a unique convergence that fills the summer ambiance with their distinctive buzzing.

Why Is This Important?

Although cicadas pose no direct threat to humans, their massive populations can impact the health of young trees and vegetation. Understanding their ecological impact is crucial for preparing and safeguarding our plant life in eco-friendly ways, avoiding the need for aggressive pest management tactics.

Dealing With Cicadas

Widespread measures for cicada extermination are unnecessary. We suggest employing straightforward protective steps for saplings, like using netting, to mitigate potential damage during this extraordinary natural event.

A Fascinating Aspect: Cicada Urine Propulsion

One of the more curious aspects of cicada emergence is their ability to eject urine with remarkable force. Unlike other xylem-feeding (water and sap of trees) insects that release urine in droplets, cicadas can expel it at speeds of up to three meters per second, thanks to their high xylem consumption. This efficient expulsion method means that a sudden sprinkle on a clear day might just be cicada urine from overhead.

Looking Ahead

The cicada emergence of this year serves as a profound reminder of the wonders and complexities of nature. It encourages us to observe and appreciate a natural phenomenon that links us across centuries, enriching our understanding of the world we share.

Active Pest Control welcomes you to marvel at this incredible event, acknowledging the cicada emergence as a testament to nature’s grandeur, and anticipating the experiences it will offer to future observers. For any questions, concerns, or advice contact Active Pest Control.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Joro Spider in Georgia

Have you recently experienced an unexpected encounter in your own backyard, coming face-to-face with a spider that’s anything but ordinary? If you’ve noticed a strikingly large spider with a web that seems to command the space between your trees, you’re not alone. Many residents in Georgia have reported sightings of what is believed to be the Joro Spider, a species of orb-weaver spider that has been gradually making its way across the eastern United States.

This guide is tailored for you, aiming to demystify the presence of this intriguing arachnid in your surroundings and if spider extermination intervention is needed.

Identifying the Joro Spider:

The Joro Spider, with its sizeable physique and vibrant colors, easily stands out from the more familiar spiders you might encounter. This difference is particularly pronounced between males and females due to sexual dimorphism, a biological phenomenon where the two sexes of the same species exhibit different characteristics beyond their sexual organs.

Here’s how to tell male and female Joro spiders apart:

Female:

Size: Large, with a body length of about 0.75-1 inch and a leg span of up to 4 inches.
Color: Bright yellow and blue body with distinctive red markings.
Web: Builds large, intricate webs that can span up to 10 feet.

Male:

Size: Noticeably smaller than their female counterparts.
Color: Darker, less vibrant, with more subdued colors.
Web: Does not build webs as females do.

The Joro Spider’s web is a marvel in itself—large, golden, and incredibly robust, effectively capturing a wide array of insects.

Where is the Joro Spider Found?

Initially believed to need a large natural habitat in tropical climate for optimal survival, the Joro Spider has defied expectations by showcasing an impressive capacity to acclimate to diverse environments, even thriving in urban landscapes. Observations of their proliferation near highways and within cities have underscored their remarkable adaptability, prompting inquiries into the extent of their potential range expansion.

Is the Joro Spider Dangerous?

Despite their imposing appearance, Joro spiders typically pose minimal threat to humans. While possessing fangs with the capability to bite, these arachnids generally exhibit timid behavior, preferring to retreat rather than engage in confrontation.

The History and Future of Joro Spiders:

Originating from East Asia, the Joro Spider is thought to have been inadvertently brought to the U.S. via shipping containers, leading to their presence in various states, including Georgia.

As for the Future of the Joro Spider in Georgia, it appears that the Joro Spider is here to stay. With their adaptability and successful breeding patterns, their numbers are likely to grow, further embedding themselves into the local ecosystem.

Got Questions About Spiders?

While the arrival of the Joro Spider in Georgia may initially bring unease due to its size and unfamiliar appearance, it’s crucial to remember that they are largely harmless. However, understanding and cohabitating with new species can be challenging.

If you find yourself concerned about the Joro Spider or any other pest issues, contact Active Pest Control for expert advice, information, and specialized spider removal services. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to address any pest situation, ensuring your home remains a safe and comfortable environment.

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Late Summer Pests

As the sun begins to set on summer, the allure of its warmth still lingers in Georgia. Residents are savoring the last moments of this season – grilling up delicious cookouts, preparing kids for the return to school, and relishing the comfort of front porch gatherings with loved ones. While we soak in the fading heat that ushers in fall, another group is also making the most of these late summer days: pests.

The vibrant blooms of gardens, the overripe bounty of fruits scattered across yards, and even the unsealed lids of garbage bins all act as magnets for these unwanted guests. With winter on the horizon, they’re seeking a comfortable haven, and your home is on their radar.

Most Common Late Summer Pests

While some might assume that pests retreat as the temperatures drop, it’s quite the opposite for many kinds of pests in Georgia. Late summer months, specifically August and September, witness a surge in the activity of certain pests that can leave residents and homeowners facing unique challenges.

Mosquitoes: These pests thrive in summer, and by late summer their swarms can be quite massive. Georgia’s humid and rainy summers can produce hidden pockets of standing or stagnant water – which is where these pests breed – in many places on your property.
Flies: House flies and fruit flies thrive in the humid warmth of late summer. Garden blooms, fallen fruit left in yards, food left out or uncovered, and unsealed garbage bins will invite these pests onto your property, and you can easily find your home overrun with them.
Ants: In late summer ants are typically busy foraging for the queen, and if they find your home to be a food resource, you can have a hard time keeping them out without professional assistance as they are well known for leaving pheromone trails that they’ll come back to relentlessly.
Bees, Wasps & Hornets: Most pests have a sweet tooth, most notoriously of which are these stinging pests. Fruit-bearing trees on your property, white flowers more so than others, and sweet foods in unsealed garbage bins will attract them to you. By late summer, their nests have been established and their numbers have grown, making a potentially dangerous encounter more likely.
Ticks: More outdoor activity means more opportunities for picking up one of these unwanted hitchhikers. Relatives of the arachnid, ticks find their way onto us or our pets through tall grass, weeds, shrubs, and bushes. Additionally, these pests are well known to spread some pretty nasty diseases like Lyme Disease and malaria.
Cockroaches: These pests are known for preferring warm and humid environments, making Georgia summers the perfect breeding time for them. With their numbers increased by late summer, you’ll have a higher chance of an unwanted infestation as they enter your home in search of food sources. If you see one, you can guarantee that there are many more.
Spiders: Late summer is perfect for these pests to be active inside your home as they seek out the milder indoor temperatures and the higher likelihood of food sources like flies or ants. Giant house spiders are one of two species known to be most active in summer, so if you notice a large amount of spiders in your home, you may have an infestation issue.
Rodents: Open doors, broken screens, holes in walls or along the roof, are all easy entry points for mice and rats. Late summer has these creatures looking for a nice cozy place to nest down for winter, and your home may provide the perfect place.
Snakes: With the increased activity of rodents seeking shelter, you’ll also notice they bring with them their predators. Georgia has a few native snakes that love the warmth and moisture of our humid summers, some of which are venomous, so be sure to have snake prevention measures in place.

Active Pest Control, Your Partners in Pest Management and Prevention

Whether you’re in immediate need, or seeking year-round prevention, the professionals at Active Pest Control are here to help. With over 45 years of experience serving the state of Georgia, our team is dedicated to providing expert pest protection. If you’ve found yourself battling a pest infestation, or would like to establish a prevention plan, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

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Natural Ant Predators in Georgia

Ants can be found in practically every corner of the world, but that doesn’t make them any more pleasant when they are marching across your kitchen counter. Although these pests are small, a single colony can contain between 50,000 to 500,000 ants! With how large ant colonies can grow, it can be incredibly hard to get rid of them hard on your own. Although it may seem like sometimes you are on your own in the battle against ants, natural ant predators are working alongside you to keep the ant population in check.

What Eats Ants?

Ants have many natural predators that help regulate the ant population. Below are a few Georgia native animals that enjoy munching on ants:

Armadillos: Armadillos use their long claws to dig in the ground in search of insects. Ants are one of their favorite snacks.
Birds: Birds such as sparrows, starlings and woodpeckers are known to eat ants. In addition to eating ants, some birds participate in a ritual called anting where the bird, for unknown reasons, will kill and rub dead ants on their body.
Insects: Many common insects will also eat ants as part of their diet. Beetles, praying mantises, spiders and even other ants will feast on ants.
Rodents: Rodents are opportunistic eaters and some are known to eat a wide range of small insects, including ants.
Bears: When young bears are transitioning to eating solid food, they will often search for ant colonies to eat. Once a bear is mature, they will usually only eat ants in times of food scarcity.

How to Prevent Ants

The most important step in keeping an ant free home is ant prevention. Ants are able to enter your home through even the smallest hole of crack. Examine the exterior of your house regularly, sealing any entrance points. This will not only help prevent ants in your home but also a multitude of other pests.

Ants will commonly enter a home in search of food and can often be found marching across your kitchen floor or counter. Make sure to clean any spills or crumbs quickly and keep food in airtight containers.

Although these measures will help keep ants out of your home, the best way to keep ants away for good is by hiring a trusted local pest control company.

Professional Ant Extermination

While natural ant predators are helpful in controlling the ant population, the most effective way to keep ants out of your home is through professional ant extermination. Trusted exterminators, such as those at Active Pest Control, not only eliminate existing ant infestations but also work with you to create a plan to prevent future pest invasions.

Active Pest Control has been keeping Georgia homes pest free for generations. We understand the frustration caused by ant infestations and are dedicated to providing long-lasting solutions. If you’re tired of dealing with ants or any other pests in your home, contact the experts at Active Pest Control today for a free quote!

Ants home pest control

Mosquitos – No Thanks: DIY that Doesn’t Work

As the weather warms in Georgia, we’re approaching the start of mosquito season. These blood-sucking pests are waking up from hibernation, and they’re traveling to look for hosts to feed off of

and places fit for breeding. There’s nothing worse than swarms of mosquitoes rendering your yard inhospitable – but what can you do?

Some hesitate to call a professional mosquito exterminator, especially when there are so many do-it-yourself solutions being advertised online. Unfortunately, some of these answers may not be as effective as they claim. The experts at Active Pest Control are here to go through some of the most common strategies and tell you for certain whether or not they’re worth pursuing.

DIY for Mosquitos: Life Hack or Wack?

There are a variety of DIY mosquito treatments on the market that claim to eradicate these pests without the need or cost of an exterminator. But in many cases, these products are not nearly as useful as advertised – if at all. Take the mosquito-repelling bracelet for example, a wristband infused with essential oils and other natural ingredients supposedly meant to deter the bugs. In actuality, one study shows that these bracelets are only effective to a radius of a few centimeters.

This example creates a pattern that reflects onto a majority of home pest strategies. When asking if DIY pest control work, the answer is usually that it is:

Applied incorrectly

Not strong enough

Still providing nesting spots

Mosquito Control that Works

There are certain forms of mosquito repellant that can work to a certain extent. It’s true that there are some scents, like Citronella, that mosquitoes don’t like. So if you plant the herb around the home or light a few quality candles made with the oil, you may lessen the presence of mosquitos around your property.

While it’s not possible to remove all sources of standing water from your home, clearing out buckets, bird baths, and other larger surfaces will go a great distance in preventing mosquitoes from breeding. You can also go the extra mile and keep a few box fans running on your patio, or wherever else you plan on spending time outdoors. The constant current of air is not only pleasant on a hot day, but it also deters mosquitoes and other bugs from landing and getting comfortable in your space.

These will help create an environment that mosquitoes won’t be attracted to, but it won’t do much to help an infestation that’s already spreading. So in that way there’s no question about it: if you want thorough mosquito removal in Georgia, you need the help of a trained professional.

Active Pest Control for Mosquito Exterminators in Georgia

When it comes to a pest as pervasive and potentially hazardous as the mosquito, there’s no such thing as being too careful. The expert technicians at Active Pest Control have been eradicating mosquito infections for 45 years, and we can use our ongoing training to provide the highest quality of service possible. DIY mosquito killers are a nice thought, but often too good to be true, and certainly not worth wasting money on. Instead, trust Active Pest Control to get rid of your pest problem for good. Contact us today to get started!

Mosquitoes mosquitos pest prevention spring pests

Mosquito Awareness for Springtime

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 where

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.

Mosquitoes mosquitos pest prevention spring pests

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. 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.

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Why Would a Pest Control Company Install Insulation?

If you’ve been looking into pest control techniques in Georgia, you may have heard of TAP Pest Control Insulation. It’s a specialized service offered by only a select group of exterminators across the country, but hearing that may come with some degree of confusion. What is TAP insulation? Why would a pest control company install insulation? Whatever questions you may have about the product or the process, we can answer them!

What is TAP® Insulation?

TAP, or T·A·P as it’s sometimes spelled, stands for Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control Insulation. Unlike sheets of fiberglass batting or globs of foam insulation, TAP is made up of loose cellulose that is blown into your attic or the voids in your walls. It settles, and once it does it can kill a variety of pests while also functioning as an excellent insulation. It works for new construction or existing homes.

How Does TAP Work?

Unlike other forms of insulation, TAP is specially treated with a borate solution that, to humans, is about as toxic as table salt. But as insects come into contact with it, the material sticks to their bodies and is then ingested when they groom themselves. Since they are unable to pass the substance, it gathers in their guts and eventually causes them to die of dehydration or malnutrition.

What Pests Does It Kill?

You can see the complete list of pests that TAP insulation is effective against on the product’s EPA label. TAP is effective on smaller insects like ants and termites, as well as bigger bugs like beetles and cockroaches. TAP is not effective on rats, mice or squirrels, but at the same time, our insulation does not act as a food source the way that some others may.

Is TAP Insulation Eco-Friendly?

Yes! Cellulose is already viewed as one of the greenest building products in the world, and the cellulose we work with is over 80% recycled materials. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, which has devoted entire studies to knowing exactly how this product can control bugs and protect your home in a way that is sustainable as well as effective.

How Long Does It Last?

Since insects cannot build up a tolerance to the borate inside the cellulose, TAP insulation has the benefit of maintaining its pest-killing properties for decades at a time. Unless the material is damaged by moisture or rodents, it can insulate and kill pests for decades, up to 100 years in ideal conditions!

Do I Need to Remove My Existing Insulation?

If your existing insulation is damaged by rodents or excess moisture, you may want to consider getting it removed before installing a new material. If that isn’t the case, since TAP is loose fill, it can be easily blown in over any existing insulation.

But Is TAP Insulation Good Insulation?

That’s ultimately what it comes down to, isn’t it? It’s nice in theory to have insulation that can combat pests, but that won’t hold up if that same material can’t regulate temperature or block out sound. Luckily, TAP Insulation does more than kill a majority of common insect pests that come into contact with it. Since cellulose is thicker than other forms of traditional insulation, it slows the flow of air through it. That means that it keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Your HVAC equipment will be able to use less energy, ultimately saving money on your annual heating and cooling bills. If that wasn’t enough, TAP is also highly proficient at reducing the sounds that may otherwise enter through your attic.

All in all, TAP Insulation is an extra layer of protection for any home in Georgia. And Active Pest Control can help install TAP in your home today to keep it more comfortable and pest-free*. Want to know more? Visit our TAP Insulation page!

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DIY vs Professional Wildlife Exclusion

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

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!

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How Wildlife Exclusion Can Help

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

For 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!