Cicadas 2024: Witnessing Nature’s Marvel In Georgia

Cicadas in Georgia with Active Pest Control serving Calhoun, GA

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. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Joro Spider in Georgia

Joro Spider with Active Pest Control serving Calhoun, GA

Joro Spider with Active Pest Control serving Calhoun, GA

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.

 

 

Late Summer Pests

Mosquitos on screen in Georgia

Mosquitos on screen in GeorgiaAs 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!