Pest Control Columbus, GA

Common Pests We Exterminate in Columbus, GA

1. Ants (Fire Ants, Carpenter Ants)

• Fire Ants: Fire ants are notorious in Columbus, especially during the warmer months. They construct large, visible mounds in yards and can deliver painful stings, often in swarms. Their stings can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Fire ants are particularly common in grassy areas, parks, and even around playgrounds, posing risks to children and pets.
• Carpenter Ants: These ants prefer moist or decaying wood and are often found in older or poorly maintained homes. Unlike termites, carpenter ants don’t consume wood but excavate it to build their nests, which can lead to significant structural damage over time.

Why It Matters: Ant infestations can escalate quickly, leading to property damage or health risks. Fire ants, in particular, are aggressive and can create unsafe outdoor environments.

Helpful Tip: Repair any water leaks, clear rotting wood or debris near your home, and use professional bait treatments for long-term ant control. For fire ants, treating individual mounds with insecticides can help but often requires professional intervention for complete eradication.

2. Termites (Subterranean)

• Termites are a persistent problem in Columbus, thriving in the humid climate and often going undetected until they’ve caused significant damage. Subterranean termites build mud tubes to reach food sources, often targeting the wood in foundations, walls, and even furniture. Termite swarms are common in spring, a clear sign of an active colony nearby.
• Homes in Columbus with wooden foundations or older structures are particularly vulnerable, especially if the property has a lot of surrounding vegetation or moisture issues.

Why It Matters: Termite infestations can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and compromise the safety of your home. Early detection is key to minimizing damage.

Helpful Tip: Schedule an annual termite inspection and consider investing in a termite barrier or baiting system. Keep woodpiles and mulch at least 15 feet away from your home, and address moisture problems promptly to make your property less attractive to termites.

3. Mosquitoes

• Columbus’ long, humid summers create an ideal environment for mosquitoes, especially near the Chattahoochee River or areas with standing water. Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, making items like birdbaths, clogged gutters, or even flower pot saucers common breeding grounds. These pests are not only a nuisance but also carriers of diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
• After rainstorms, mosquito populations often spike, leading to increased activity in residential backyards and outdoor spaces.

Why It Matters: Mosquitoes are more than just annoying; they pose real health risks to families and pets.

Helpful Tip: Remove standing water weekly, trim overgrown vegetation, and use mosquito dunks in hard-to-drain areas. Professional mosquito treatments can create a barrier around your property for long-lasting relief.

4. Cockroaches (American and German)

• American Cockroaches: Known as “water bugs,” these are large roaches that often invade basements, crawlspaces, and drains. They are highly adaptable and can survive extreme conditions, making them difficult to eradicate once they infest a home.
• German Cockroaches: Smaller but more problematic, German cockroaches reproduce rapidly and are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They contaminate food and surfaces, spreading bacteria like Salmonella and triggering allergies and asthma symptoms.

Why It Matters: Cockroach infestations can quickly escalate, leading to unsanitary conditions and health issues.

Helpful Tip: Keep food sealed, eliminate water sources like leaks or standing water, and seal cracks or gaps in walls and windows. For significant infestations, professional extermination is often necessary to break their breeding cycle.

5. Spiders (Black Widow, Brown Recluse)

• Black Widow: Recognizable by its glossy black body and red hourglass marking, the Black Widow prefers dark, undisturbed spaces such as garages, sheds, and woodpiles. Its venom can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, and even medical emergencies in vulnerable individuals.
• Brown Recluse: This spider is known for its violin-shaped marking and habit of hiding in basements, closets, and behind furniture. Its bite can lead to skin necrosis and requires medical attention in some cases.

Why It Matters: While spiders help control other pests, venomous species like these pose a risk to families and pets.

Helpful Tip: Declutter storage areas, seal gaps in doors and windows, and address any underlying pest issues (since spiders feed on other insects). Use sticky traps or professional treatments to control spider populations effectively.