As the temperatures rise, we tend to spend more and more time outdoors. But that’s not the end of the story (unfortunately). Indeed, spring and summer are also the times of the year when insects become more active. And none likes to spend time in a garden with plenty of insects.
Not only that, insects might cause plenty of issues to your plants. For this reason, taking prompt action as soon as you see something off with your yard is crucial.
While ants might seem harmless insects (and relatively easy to remove), you might have different thoughts about ants in Georgia.
You may or may not know that there are several ant species in the United States (more than 1,000!). Some might be more challenging to take care of than others.
So, you should know which measures to take if you deal with an infestation. Keep reading this essential guide to learning more about ants in Georgia.
What Ants Should You Pay Attention to In Georgia?
Of the 1,000 species of ants you’ll find in the United States, about 25 varieties commonly infest homes in Georgia. The most invasive include carpenter, fire, pharaoh, and tawny crazy ants.
Some homeowners noticed that ants seem to be more likely to invade houses after a heavy rainstorm. And because Georgia’s climate can be humid, this is not an unheard-of threat in the state. Indeed, heavy rain tends to flood the ground and pushes ants out of their colonies, forcing them to find an alternative shelter. And your house is an attractive place to settle for many ants.
Most ant species that invade houses (and gardens) will not sting or bite. However, they might cause severe damage to your yard. For this reason, the earlier you take action, the better.
If you want to learn more about the types of ants that typically invade houses in Georgia, jump to the following sections!
Carpenter Ants
Among the different species of ants that might cause trouble, the carpenter variety is probably the most well-known. These insects are destructive and might cause severe damage to the structure of your property if you don’t take prompt action to eradicate them.
In the Southern parts of the state, you’ll most likely encounter Florida carpenter ants, which you can recognize by their reddish head and thorax. In north Georgia, on the other hand, you’ll Black carpenter ants are more common.
Regardless of the area, these insects are more active in the period going from late spring to early fall. You might see them more at night when these ants travel to find food and shelter.
Carpenter ants might establish indoors or outside. However, they like to nest in walls, windowsills, or wooden supports and columns: you’ll most likely find them there.
Because they are always looking for water sources, you can discourage these ants from getting to your property by eliminating moisture. If you locate their nests, apply gel baits to keep them away.
Fire Ants
Fire ants aren’t native to Georgia and are invasive pests in this state. Contrary to the carpenter species, these ants are aggressive and produce painful bites. They might harm your kids or pets, so pay close attention!
These insects build nests in clay piles that can become huge. While they will unlikely construct their shelter around your house, they won’t hesitate to visit your property for food.
The most effective way to get rid of them is to destroy their colonies. You can use fire ant bait to kill the Queen and other ants. However, keep in mind that such a solution might take time. Consider combining it with natural pesticides to speed up the process.
Pharaoh Ants
Despite looking tiny, pharaoh ants can cause plenty of trouble. These insects infest structures and will visit homes in search of food. Eliminate them as soon as you notice their presence to contain harm.
But do not lose your time with sprays to remove pharaoh ants: they are often not effective. Instead, you should purchase baits and place them systematically around their trails.
Of course, regardless of the ant that might infest your property, we recommend you ask for professional help if the infestation is severe.
Tawny Crazy Ants
You might know tawny crazy ants under other names (including Raspberry ants). But the substance doesn’t change. Indeed, these insects (despite their large sizes) move quickly and erratically (hence the name).
They might hurt the environment by reducing the number of spiders and centipedes as they feed on them. If you notice crazy ants on your property, get your hands on suitable insecticides to eliminate them.
Related Article: Do Ants Eat Grass?