What makes this year so different?
We just had a record-breaking winter. As spring kicks into gear, we can expect a more intense pest season, with mosquitoes and termites of particular concern. A sudden transition from cold to warm inspires pests to breed quickly, and the expected rainfall this year will provide the moisture they need to thrive. If a tropical storm rolls in this summer, we can expect mosquito and fly populations to explode.
Our spring pest forecast and what we can expect
We are likely to see pests earlier, more frequently, and in greater numbers. This means it is essential to take greater steps to keep them out and under control.
Mosquitoes: Atlanta already has one of the longest mosquito seasons in the country, running from March to October. These biting pests appeared earlier this year and are expected to stick around longer.
Termites: Atlanta’s high moisture and long warm season make our area a hotbed for termite activity. The current and expected weather patterns will likely cause a significant rise in termite populations.
Flies: Atlanta always has trouble with flies, but an earlier start and extra rain will surely worsen the problem. Flies feed on plant matter that is in decline, and extra rain creates conditions for plant diseases, fungi, and other issues.
Keep in mind that we have no way of knowing if meteorologists are correct about their predictions of a wet spring. But we’re already off on a bad foot, and preparing for the worst case is best.
What to do about spring mosquitoes in Atlanta
You have some control over the conditions that allow mosquitoes to live on your property. Here are a few tips to help you get in front of the problem:
- Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, only needing an inch of water to do so. Removing containers and items that collect water from your yard will remove potential breeding sites.
- Mosquitoes are attracted to moist and humid landscaping. While you can’t do much about the moisture of a tropical storm, you can reduce moisture, which is the result of landscape watering. Consider watering your plants in the early morning.
- Some landscaping stays damp due to a thick tree canopy. If you have a densely shaded spot, trim some branches to let the sun in.
- Our current weather conditions are not only beneficial to pests, but they make weeds worse. If weeds take over in your yard, they will provide plant sap and nectar for mosquitoes. It is best to get on top of weed problems.
Some simple changes in your yard can make it harder for mosquitoes to create a swarm.
What to do about spring termites in Atlanta
All properties are not created equal. Some are more interesting to termites than others. Here are some factors to consider:
- A tropical storm can knock branches off trees and put decaying wood sources on the ground for termites to eat. It is essential to pick branches up.
- Collecting branches into a pile on the ground will leave the food source available. We recommend storing branches in a container to get the wood off the soil.
- Wet conditions will inspire wood decay. Do your best to address moisture problems, such as gutter issues, poor gradation, and irrigation issues.
- Perform a spring inspection and check for wood damage, particularly in dark and humid areas.
Along with checking for wood damage, you should also watch for termite swarmers. Termite nests release swarmers in the spring, and the job of termite swarmers is to create new nests. You don’t want them doing that on your property. Swarmers are about ⅜ an inch long and have long white wings on their backs that stack on top of each other and create a stretched teardrop shape.
How the got bugs? team can help
The severity of the weather doesn’t change what works best to stop mosquitoes and termites in their tracks. Contact got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions for professional pest control in Atlanta.
Mosquito Control
We offer strategic mosquito control that includes an inspection of your property, the development of a control strategy, and the implementation of trusted solutions. We locate and knock down adult mosquitoes and disrupt mosquito development so that larvae cannot turn into flying and biting pests. You can get mosquito control before an outdoor event or sign up for seasonal mosquito treatments.
Termite Control
There are two ways to stop termites: liquid treatments and termite bait stations. We inspect your property, make recommendations, and apply a termite control strategy to exterminate all termite activity and prevent termites from establishing new colonies on your property all year.
Home Pest Control
We provide ongoing pest control for other pests in addition to mosquitoes and termites. Check out our year-round home pest control plans for general pest control bundled with termite control, seasonal mosquito control, or both.
Don’t let the spring pest forecast scare you; contact us today to learn more!
