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.

 

 

Pests: The Unexpected Gift Under Your Christmas Tree

Pests: The Unexpected Gift Under Your Christmas Tree in Atlanta GA - Active Pest ControlImagine the following: You are sitting on your couch, enjoying your Hallmark Christmas movie when all of a sudden you are overrun by countless numbers of bugs and other creepy crawlies! While this may sound like a scene straight from a horror movie, it is actually a very real possibility. Live Christmas trees that are brought inside are a thriving ecosystem for certain insects and spiders. In fact, entomologists have reported that a single tree can contain up to 25,000 insects at a time. No one wants to deal with a pest infestation in their homes, especially during the holidays. To learn how to prevent Christmas tree insects in your Atlanta GA home this holiday season, read on for tips with Active Pest Control!

Common Insects Found in Christmas Trees

A Christmas tree’s thick branches and tree stand full of water provide the perfect harborage and moisture source for large roaches, such as American and smoky brown roaches. Hidden amongst the branches is an insect that may go unseen, called the Christmas Tree aphid, Cinara spp. These aphids, as the name implies, live on Christmas trees. They live hidden in the branches of conifer trees, feeding on the sap and multiplying rapidly. These aphids can live in large populations on the Christmas tree that you bring into your home, and as the tree starts to dry out and die, they can abandon the tree in search of other food supplies. While they won’t survive for long, most people do not want hundreds of aphids running around their home.

Spiders can also hide in the branches of your tree waiting to feed on some unsuspecting aphid or roach that has set up shop on this beautiful tree you call your own. Bringing the tree inside, of course, brings the spiders in and can encourage them to spread throughout your home in search of food. Some other typical Christmas tree insects are mites, bark beetles, sawflies, moths, and even praying mantises. Although most of these insects are harmless, they can cause a lot of frustration for any homeowner that has to deal with an infestation during the busiest time of the year.

How to Prevent Pests This Holiday Season

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid the frustration of dealing with Christmas tree pests in your home during the holiday season. The 5 main ways you can prevent a Christmas tree pest infestation:

  1. Inspect your tree. Before choosing a tree, inspect it for irregularities, spots, damaged branches or trunk, or signs of pests.
  2. Shake it out! On your own or with the assistance of an attendant, vigorously shake out the tree before bringing it home with you.
  3. Leave the tree in the garage initially. Store the Christmas tree in your garage or a covered area for a few days to settle.
  4. Spray it down. Consider using a hose to spray down your tree before bringing it indoors.
  5. Use a vacuum to clean up. Regularly inspect your tree, vacuum up falling needles, and, if necessary, vacuum up any pests.

Need Help With Christmas Tree Pests?

If you bring home a Christmas tree only to realize it’s seriously infested with insects, it’s recommended to replace it. It’s important to not spray any pesticides on your tree because aerosols are flammable, which may interfere with the lights and decorations. For more tips on how to prevent Christmas tree pests or if you need help getting rid of them in your home this holiday season, contact the experts at Active Pest Control today!

What’s That Bug in Your Bathroom?

What silverfish look like in Atlanta GA - Active Pest ControlThe bathroom is the place where we go to get clean. The last thing we want is for our bathrooms to be teeming with unwanted critters! Many kinds of pests are attracted to the moisture and humidity that accumulates in our bathrooms, whether that be for hospitable temperatures, water to drink, or to prey on the insects that are gathering there. Read on to learn from the experts at Active Pest Control about the types of pests that congregate in our Atlanta bathrooms.

Common Pests Found in the Bathroom

These three pests are some of the most common bathroom-dwellers in Atlanta GA:

  1. Ants: Some ants are attracted to the sweet scents of perfumes, body washes, shampoos, and other hygiene and beauty products in our bathrooms. They stick around for the standing water in our showers and sinks.
  2. Cockroaches: Roaches thrive in dark and humid environments, so if you have leaky pipes in the cabinets under your sink, you are creating the ideal home for roaches. They will also go so far as to eat soap and toothpaste!
  3. Silverfish: Silverfish are attracted to the same qualities in our bathrooms as roaches. However, they have a much harder time climbing smooth surfaces, so if you’re having trouble identifying the pests at the bottom of your shower or sink, you might be dealing with silverfish.

Centipedes, spiders, and drain flies are all also commonly found in bathrooms in our area.

How to Prevent Pests in Your Bathroom

Keeping pests out of your bathroom starts with keeping things dry. Here are some extra measures that you can adopt into your regular cleaning routine:

  • Wipe up standing water on countertops, water fixtures, and the floor
  • Keep your bathroom properly ventilated—opening windows and using a fan can help reduce moisture on your walls caused by a hot shower
  • Regularly check your plumbing fixtures for cracks or leaks
  • Clean up residue from toothpaste, soap, or other hygiene products often

Following these steps should significantly reduce your liability for a pest outbreak in your bathroom. These tenets apply throughout your house, too—excess moisture and unnecessary filth always attract pests!

Keeping Your Bathroom Pest-Free in Atlanta GA

If you’re having trouble keeping pests out of your bathroom in Atlanta, talk to your local pest control company about your problem. At Active Pest Control, we train our technicians to perform comprehensive inspections, finding every potential source of excess moisture or other pest-inviting vulnerabilities. For more information on our services or a free quote, contact us today!

The Season of Spiders

Dangerous fall spiders in Atlanta GA - Active Pest ControlSpiders can be a common pest year-round here in Georgia. Most spiders hatch in the springtime, begin to reproduce in the summer, and are at full force by the time the late summer and early fall months roll around. This is why fall is sometimes called the season of spiders! The good news is that most spiders you will encounter in your home are not going to be of harm to you or your family.

That said, there are a couple of spiders in particular that you should look out for both inside and outside your property at all times. These spiders, the black widow and brown recluse, are known to be more aggressive and may administer a nasty bite when threatened. Keep reading to learn more about spiders in the fall.

Black widow vs brown recluse infographic - Active Pest Control5 Ways to Prevent Fall Spiders

Dangerous or not, no one wants spiders invading their property any time of the year. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to make your property less attractive to these creepy crawlers:

  1. Maintain a tidy yard and lawn. Overgrown bushes, shrubs, piles of wood, and more can attract spiders to your property and eventually indoors.
  2. Regularly clean your home. Doing so can prevent insects that spiders like to prey on and eliminate hiding spots for pests.
  3. Seal cracks and crevices. Inspect the inside and outside of your property for tiny spots that may be inviting spiders in, and seal properly.
  4. Install or repair screens on doors and windows. Tight-fitting screens are the key to keeping insects, spiders included, out.
  5. Inspect boxes and used furniture prior to bringing them inside. Egg sacs and adult spiders can be lurking!

Two Dangerous Spiders to Avoid

Most spiders are poisonous in the sense that they contain venom. However, most spiders are not capable of biting humans and transmitting this venom. That said, there are two spiders in particular that are of more danger to you and your family. The black widow is best identified by its unique red hourglass shape on its body. These spiders build sticky, tangled cobwebs in garages, sheds, and near the ground.

Brown recluse spiders, on the other hand, have a darker brown violin-shaped mark and are brown in color. They build looser webs for shelter. They are known to be aggressive when threatened and could administer a bite.

Fall Spiders in Georgia

Although spiders are common year-round, they are more active in the late summer and fall months. If you are dealing with excess spiders in the home, it’s best to contact your local spider exterminators at Active Pest Control.

Top Tips for Pest-Free Outdoor Living

Avoid mosquitoes in your Atlanta GA backyard with tips from Active Pest ControlWith summer winding down, you’re likely wanting to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or reading out on your patio at night, the last thing you want to deal with is a pest problem. Mosquitoes, ticks, flies, lawn pests, and wasps are just a few of the many pests that can become quite a nuisance. At Active Pest Control, we know you want to enjoy your time spent in your outdoor living spaces to be pest-free, which is why we’re here to provide you with our top tips for pest-free outdoor living in your Atlanta area home.

Common Pests in Your Yard

The time of year that provides nice enough weather for you to be outdoors is also the time of year when pests are most active! Whether you have a garden in your backyard or couches and tables on your deck, you will likely encounter some of the following pests:

How to Prevent Pests in Your Outdoor Living Space

To keep pests away when you’re in your yard, there are several things you can do. The best ways to keep pests away in your outdoor space are as follows.

  1. Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes only need a half inch of standing water to breed.
  2. Keep your lawn and shrubs trimmed. Overgrown grass or vegetation provides mosquitoes and ticks with shelter.
  3. Know how to look for ant hills. Even a tiny mound can contain thousands of ants inside.
  4. Check wood structures. Termites and carpenter bees will damage your wooden decks or porches.
  5. Use an insect repellent. Insect repellent containing DEET will help repel mosquitoes and ticks.
  6. Clean your patio or space regularly. Crumbs or spilled liquids will attract ants and other insects.

Year-Long Pest-Free Living

Pests are just a fact of life outside. However, you don’t have to let them ruin your time spent in your own backyard! For help implementing pest-free outdoor living tips, the experts at Active Pest Control can help. Contact our residential exterminators to learn more.

Prevent Winter Pests in Your Home

A rodent is one of the many types of winter pests that may invade your GA home in the winter months - Active Pest ControlEveryone knows pests are a problem in the spring and summer months, but what about in the winter? Unfortunately, pests don’t disappear with the colder weather. In fact, many pests will look for ways to enter homes to escape the dropping temperatures, which is why infestations are common in Georgia winters. To protect your property from pest problems in the winter, it’s important to implement pest control and prevention.

Winter Pest Infestations

Certain insects will enter a state of diapause in the winter to wait out the cold months in favor of warmer weather. These include stink bugs, cluster flies, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles. Other pests to be wary of in the winter months include:

  • Rats & mice. House mice and Norway rats in particular are known to squeeze their way indoors during the cold months.
  • Cockroaches. The German cockroach will hitchhike inside in boxes and can spread right under your nose.
  • Spiders. House spiders are typically harmless and can be found in dark, secluded areas of the home.
  • Bed bugs. Known to withstand extreme temperatures, bed bug problems are a threat during the winter.

How to Prevent Winter Pests

To protect your property from winter pests, it’s important to implement preventative measures into your home maintenance routine. This includes thoroughly inspecting your home on a regular basis to locate vulnerabilities. One of the most important measures you can take is to seal cracks and crevices outside your property to keep pests from making their way inside. In addition, you should place screens over vents and chimneys, store firewood away from your property line, promptly fix leaks or broken pipes, and keep a clean home to prevent winter pests.

Is Winter Pest Control Necessary?

Just like you, pests want to escape the cold temperatures during the winter. In their hunt for food and shelter, they may enter your home easier than you want to believe. It’s crucial to implement preventative steps to prevent pests in the winter. Active Pest Control can be trusted to help protect your property from winter pests and other pest problems throughout the entire year. Call our team today to learn more about our winter pest control services!

Spiders Love Georgia Summers

Spiders love Georgia summers, right? If you’re seeing a lot of spiders in your Macon home, you might be surprised to know why. We’re going to take a quick look at the love/hate relationship spiders have with summer, and how these conditions can affect your home and your family.

Spiders love the heat, right? Not always. Often, when you see a lot of spiders in your living spaces, it is because the attic has become too hot for the spiders to hide in. This can cause incidents of bites to increase throughout a home during the hot days of summer.

Spiders hate the cold, right? Many spiders have a natural anti-freeze that can protect them even through a harsh New England winter. These spiders are not going to want to stay in your attic for long, though, if the temps climb. Even the brown recluse, which needs the mild Georgia winters to survive, will not prefer a boiling attic box over a cozy bed.

All heat is the same, right? Not actually. Most spiders prefer moist and humid conditions. When periods of dry heat come, spiders are driven into homes for harborage. So, when the forecaster talks about drought conditions, you can know that your spider problems are going to get worse.

Here are some ways you can keep spiders from making your home their home this summer.

  • Use a caulking gun to seal gaps around pipes, outlets, air conditioning units and other fixtures.
  • Fill in rotted areas or have those areas repaired.
  • Inspect weather stripping and door sweeps to make sure they are in good working order.
  • If you have moist, humid areas in your home, use a dehumidifier to dry those areas out. Not only will you resist spiders, you’ll resist mold and fungus as well.
  • Consider having a pest control company protect your home from spiders, and a ton of other invasive pests, with one treatment plan.

When spiders hide from the Georgia summer, don’t let them hide in your Macon home. Make your home less appealing, and partner with a pest control company to keep them outside, where they belong. Contact Active Pest Control for help pest control in Macon!

Spiders In Atlanta

Most household infesting bugs look for a place to hide when the temperatures drop. They squeeze in through ripped screens, torn shingles, damaged rooflines, and anywhere they can find a hole. Once inside, they search tirelessly for food sources to draw energy from, and drive you crazy while they’re at it.

With spiders there is good news and bad news. The good news is: spiders have a natural antifreeze that keeps them from getting chilled. They can easily live and crawl around your Atlanta home all year round without any need to escape the dropping temperatures. The bad news is: they have other reasons for wanting to enter your home–and no, it isn’t for the food. Knowing why spiders enter your home can help you exclude them and protect your family from accidentally getting bitten.

This might come as a shock to you, but spiders have no interest in biting you. They are not blood eaters. They prefer to eat nice juicy bugs. In fact, that is the main reason they enter homes. They are looking for some scrumptious delicacies to feast on. The more bugs you have in and around your home, the more spiders you will have. Period. The key to getting rid of spiders is to get rid of all those other household bugs. Hide food sources, seal trash cans, don’t leave fruit out to ripen on the table, put dishes in soapy water, replace exterior white lights with yellow insect-resistant lights, and keep your screens in proper working order.

While moving through your house, spiders will seek places to take cover–not from you, but from predators. Even a black widow and brown recluse with their nasty venom have critters that are willing to eat them. You might be surprised to know that wasps and praying mantis consider black widows a pretty good meal. That is why they seek places to hide, like boxes, clothing, shoes, and bath towels. Always be cautious when opening a box from your attic, shake clothing before putting them on, and be careful picking up anything that has been laying on the floor. Poisonous spiders hide under these things. This is especially true if you are in your yard where spiders roam freely. Use gloves when turning over rocks, sandbags, construction material, and other items lying on the ground. Poisonous bites happen when these spiders are brought into contact with your skin.

If you find spiders in your Atlanta home, call the Atlanta spider exterminators at Active Pest Control. The good news is they have over 40 years of experience protecting homes from invasive pests. And … there is no bad news.