Common Pests and Bugs in Georgia Homes and Yards

Georgia’s warm climate and lush greenery make it a great place to live—but unfortunately, it’s also a haven for pests. From ants and termites to bed bugs and ticks, Georgia homeowners face a variety of pest problems that can harm their property, disrupt their daily lives, and even impact their health. Understanding the common pests found in Georgia homes and yards is the first step toward protecting your home. By recognizing these pests, taking preventive measures, and addressing issues early, you can maintain a safe and pest-free environment.

Ants:

Carpenter Ants

Identifying Features: Large ants, either black or red, known for creating smooth tunnels in wood.
Prevention: Seal cracks in walls and foundations, remove decayed wood, and clear debris from around your home.
Why They Are a Risk: Carpenter ants tunnel into wooden structures, weakening support beams and causing structural damage over time.

Fire Ants

Identifying Features: Reddish ants known for their aggressive behavior and painful stings.
Prevention: Keep your yard free of food and water sources and maintain your lawn to discourage nesting.
Why They Are a Risk: Fire ants can be dangerous due to their painful stings, posing risks to children, pets, and individuals with allergies.

Cow Killers (Velvet Ants)

Identifying Features: Bright red and black with a velvety texture; technically a type of wasp.
Prevention: Inspect your yard regularly for burrowing insects and avoid leaving outdoor debris.
Why They Are a Risk: Known for their excruciating sting, earning them the nickname “cow killer.”

Cockroaches:

Identifying Features:
- American cockroach: Large, reddish-brown with a yellow figure-eight pattern.
- German cockroach: Smaller, tan or light brown with two dark stripes.
- Smoky-brown cockroach: Uniformly dark brown, found in warm, moist areas.
Prevention: Keep food sealed, repair leaks, reduce humidity, and seal entry points.
Why They Are a Risk: Cockroaches spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies. German cockroaches breed rapidly, making infestations especially difficult to control.

Termites:

Subterranean Termites

Identifying Features: Pale, soft-bodied insects that create mud tubes.
Prevention: Eliminate wood-to-ground contact, clear wood debris, and fix moisture issues.
Why They Are a Risk: Subterranean termites cause extensive structural damage, weakening foundations and support beams.

Drywood Termites

Identifying Features: Light brown, hard-bodied termites that infest dry wood.
Prevention: Seal cracks in wooden surfaces and limit direct wood exposure.
Why They Are a Risk: Drywood termites damage furniture, flooring, and wooden structures, leading to costly repairs.

Boxelder Bug:

Identifying Features: Black with red or orange markings, often seen near windows or warm areas.
Prevention: Seal entry points, especially around doors and windows.
Why They Are a Risk: While not harmful, they can invade homes in large numbers, leaving stains and unpleasant odors.

Silverfish:

Identifying Features: Silvery, teardrop-shaped insect with long antennae.
Prevention: Control humidity levels and eliminate moisture sources in your home.
Why They Are a Risk: Silverfish can damage books, wallpaper, and textiles, leaving holes and stains.

Firebrat:

Identifying Features: Small, silver, fish-shaped insect with bristled tails.
Prevention: Reduce humidity and keep areas dry, especially near heaters.
Why They Are a Risk: Firebrats damage paper, fabrics, and starchy materials, potentially ruining household items.

Earwigs:

Identifying Features: Brownish insects with prominent pincers on their back.
Prevention: Keep mulch and organic debris away from your home’s foundation and control moisture levels.
Why They Are a Risk: While mostly harmless, earwigs can damage plants and gardens, making them a nuisance in outdoor spaces.

Centipedes and Millipedes:

Bark & Stone Centipedes

Identifying Features: Yellowish to dark brown with numerous legs.
Prevention: Clear leaf litter and outdoor debris.
Why They Are a Risk: While not dangerous, they can become a nuisance indoors and may bite if handled.

House Centipede

Identifying Features: Long-legged and fast-moving, often alarming to homeowners.
Prevention: Control indoor humidity and seal entry points.
Why They Are a Risk: Though they help control other pests, their unsettling appearance makes them unwelcome indoors.

Millipede

Identifying Features: Black or brown, often rolling into a coil when disturbed.
Prevention: Reduce yard debris and indoor moisture levels.
Why They Are a Risk: Millipedes can invade homes in large numbers, creating a nuisance.

Fleas:

Identifying Features: Small, reddish-brown insects that jump quickly.
Prevention: Treat pets regularly with flea prevention products.
Why They Are a Risk: Fleas bite pets and humans, causing itching and allergic reactions. They can also spread diseases like typhus and tapeworms.

Ticks:

Identifying Features: Small, round-bodied pests that attach to skin to feed.
Prevention: Keep grass trimmed and avoid tall vegetation in your yard.
Why They Are a Risk: Ticks are known to transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, which poses health risks to both humans and pets.

Bed Bugs:

Identifying Features: Small, reddish-brown, flat-bodied pests that hide in bedding and furniture.
Prevention: Inspect second-hand furniture and avoid clutter in sleeping areas.
Why They Are a Risk: Bed bugs cause itchy bites and can spread quickly, making them difficult to eradicate without professional help.

Kissing Bugs:

Identifying Features: Dark brown to black with red or orange markings along the sides.
Prevention: Seal cracks around windows and doors and minimize outdoor lighting.
Why They Are a Risk: Kissing bugs can transmit Chagas disease through their bites, posing serious health risks.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets:

Identifying Features: Includes honey bees, yellowjackets, and paper wasps, often with striped bodies and wings.
Prevention: Seal entry points, avoid sweet scents, and remove nests early before they grow.
Why They Are a Risk: These stinging insects can be aggressive and dangerous to those with allergies or when nesting near homes.

Keep Your Home Safe and Pest-Free with Mira

Don’t let pests take over your home or yard. Mira offers safe, family-friendly pest prevention and control services tailored to Georgia homeowners. From ants to termites to bed bugs, our professional solutions will keep your property protected and pest-free.

Protect your home from Georgia’s most common pests with Mira Home. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our team create a personalized plan to safeguard your space.