Ants, Termites, and Other Pests
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The publication gives basic biology and description, with images, of the spider’s immature and adult forms, along with recommendations for managing them around the home. The Joro spider is a native of Japan and East Asia that was first documented in the United States in 2014 in northeast Georgia. The initial population appeared to be centered around Braselton and Hoschton, GA, along I-85. By 2022, the spiders had spread about 75 miles in all directions from that initial detection. The native range of these spiders in Asia extends from southeast Asia northward through a swath of eastern China, the Korean peninsula, and all but the northernmost island of Japan, and westward to India and the foothills of the Himalayas. Given that distribution, there seems to be no obstacle to the Joro eventually expanding its range to include all of Georgia, the Southeast, and most of the rest of the eastern U.S. as well.
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Tawny crazy ants (TCA), or Nylanderia fulva [Mayr], are one of a number of pest ant species that have been accidentally introduced to the U.S. mainland from abroad (Figure 1). The establishment and subsequent expansion of TCA have proven to be a major nuisance to property owners, disrupting ecological balance by outcompeting native ant species, negatively affecting various arthropod and vertebrate animal species, and becoming an economic pest. Examples of other invasive ants that have made their way to the U.S. since the late 1800s include the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), the bigheaded ant (Pheidole megacephala), the ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephalum), the dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus), and the Asian needle ant (Brachyponera chinensis), to name a few.
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This publication will educate pest management professionals about pesticides and instill vigilance in their handling and use. In order to understand how to use chemical pest control products responsibly, PMPs must have a basic understanding of the various definitions associated with pesticides, be able to interpret labels and material safety data sheets (including principles of toxicity), be aware of their own
safety, understand the mode of action (i.e., how pesticides work) of the various active ingredients they use, and be aware of differences in formulation types.|
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Several dozen insect species infest food and non-food products of plant and animal origin commonly found in homes. Collectively, this group of insects is referred to as stored product pests. Most are small beetles or moths. For homeowners, often the first sign of a stored product pest infestation is the sudden, unexplained and then persistent presence of numerous insects in a particular area of the home.
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Carpenter ants are so-called because of their habit of chewing wood to create nest sites. They do not eat wood, like termites, but they excavate it with their strong, saw-like jaws to create random galleries where they nest. Carpenter ants are also a nuisance because of their abundance and large size.
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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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Mosquitoes are one of the most common insect pests that homeowners encounter. This circular introduces a few of the basic techniques and materials that homeowners can use to safely reduce mosquito populations around the home. Becoming familiar with mosquito biology is the first step in using an integrated pest management approach to efficiently and effectively reduce mosquito populations. By learning about mosquito biology, source reduction, surveillance and control, homeowners can become active participants in their own mosquito control program. An integrated approach is the most effective way for homeowners to reduce mosquito populations and reduce the need for pesticide applications in their community.
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This publication is an annually-updated guide to fall gardening information and resources for Georgia. Topics include planting tall fescue lawns, soil bag flower beds, planting pansies like the pros, planting collards, turnips and cabbage, planting a home fruit orchard, mulching with leaves, gardening chores, cleaning and storing garden tools, treating for fire ants, and additional resources.
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C 910
Chipmunk Control
This publication discusses several methods for controlling chipmunks, including exclusion, trapping, poison, repellents, and shooting.
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