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.

Are You Bee Savvy?

We’ve all seen (and heard) them. Those large black bees buzzing around, boring in wood, dive bombing unsuspecting humans.  What exactly are they, though? Are they bumble bees? Or carpenter bees?

If you’ve ever been confused, you’re in good company. These two bee species stump many people. Here’s a quick glance at how to correctly identify each one.

What’s the difference?

  • Carpenter bees are yellow or black and may or may not have stripes on their body. They have six legs and are oval shaped. While most of their body is covered in hair, the carpenter bee’s abdomen is bare.
  • A bumble bee’s entire body is covered in hair. Additionally, they have some yellow markings.
  • Carpenter bees are loners while bumble bees nest and work together in large colonies.

Do they sting?     

Male carpenter bees don’t have stingers, but they are aggressive and will buzz humans to protect their nests. Females do have stingers, but are typically docile and rarely sting.

In contrast, bumble bees will sting, if provoked. Their stingers lack barbs – meaning they aren’t left in wounds, which allows them to sting repeatedly.

What’s their habitat?

Bumble bees usually nest in the ground. In contrast, female carpenter bees lay their eggs in tunnels they’ve created in wood. They prefer bare, unpainted or weathered softwoods. During the winter, adult carpenter bees live in abandoned nest tunnels

Need Damage Control?

Bumble bees won’t damage anything, other than occasionally stinging a human. Carpenter bees, however, can cause significant damage to homes, barns and other structures containing wood.  As if that wasn’t enough, carpenter bees also attract woodpeckers, who like to eat carpenter bee eggs. A woodpecker pecking at a carpenter bee nest entrance will cause even further damage!

Take Control!

So, what can you do if you have a carpenter bee problem (or any bee problem, for that matter)? Call us or fill out our online contact us form today! Our experienced professionals can provide solutions to any pesky bee problems you might have.