Ants, Termites and Other Pests Resources
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This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers what to do in the event of a pesticide emergency, important contacts such as poison control, frequently asked pesticide questions, abbreviations and equivalents, submitting specimens for identification, and instructions for calibrating various types of sprayers. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have on hand from earlier purchases, you are allowed to use them until they are depleted without penalty under the law. Always follow label instructions before use. Contact the product’s manufacturer for the most up-to-date label.
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While most of us are familiar with common poisonous plants that cause skin irritations, such as poison ivy or poison oak, we often don’t recognize common ornamental plants in the landscape that may cause internal poisoning when ingested. Although most adults would not intentionally eat the leaves or fruit of such plants, young children or pets sometimes do. This resource provides readers with information on some of the common landscape plants known to have poisonous properties when ingested. You may be surprised to learn just how many of our common plants, such as azaleas, hydrangeas, boxwood, and English ivy, are known to have poisonous properties.
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Imported fire ants interfere with outdoor activities and harm wildlife throughout the southern U.S. Ant mounds are unsightly and may reduce land values. Although fire ants do prey on flea larvae, chinch bugs, cockroach eggs, ticks and other pests, the problems they cause usually outweigh any benefits in urban areas. While it is not possible to eradicate this species, controlling fire ants is highly desirable. The best control programs use a combination of non-chemical and chemical methods that are effective, economical and least harmful to the environment.
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European hornets are widespread across much of the eastern United States. Native to Europe and Asia, they were accidentally introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. The European hornet is the largest species found in the United States and is particularly common in Georgia.
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Carpenter bees can be a serious pest on outdoor structures made of wood, such as patios, decks, siding of homes, sheds, furniture, etc. The large carpenter bee is the most common species found in Georgia. While these bees are pollinators, mated females bore tunnels into wooden structures to raise their larvae. This tunneling causes substantial damage to wood, and sometimes even compromises the integrity of the structures they affect.
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Mosquitoes can transmit a wide variety of pathogens and significantly reduce our quality of life with their aggressive biting behavior. On the other end of the spectrum, pollinators are a critical part of our natural environment, contributing significantly to food production and ecological diversity. Honey bees, along with other pollinators, are susceptible to pesticides, and significant bee kills have occurred because of mistimed or misguided pesticide applications. When conducted properly, an integrated pest management approach does not pose a significant risk to honey bee colonies.
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This circular is for property owners who have unwanted honey bee swarms on their lands or colonies nesting inside walls. It explains these natural processes and gives options for dealing with them.
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This guide discusses how to prevent and treat head lice outbreaks in schools.
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This guide for parents explains what to do — and what not to do — when a child gets head lice.
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