What You Need To Know About 
Pests In McDonough

Several types of cockroaches live with or near people in Georgia. In general, we can identify cockroaches by their flat oval body, long antennae, and six spine-covered legs. Most cockroaches are winged, but only a few use them; most cockroaches use their legs to move from place to place. 

If cockroaches have found their way to your home, it is likely one of the following species: American, Asian, brown-banded, German, oriental, or smokybrown.  Cockroaches are insects that have survived by being able to live almost anywhere and making the most of crumbs and other small amounts of food. Cockroaches are difficult to prevent because they can enter our homes multiple ways, through large or small openings they come across or by hitchhiking. 

A cockroach infestation can happen in any McDonough home. Use these simple tips to help avoid issues with cockroaches in your home:

• Seal any cracks and crevices that develop in your home’s exterior.
• Inspect potted plants, deliveries, and secondhand items you bring into your home for hiding cockroaches. 
• Regularly vacuum your home and wipe down surfaces to remove crumbs and other food spills.

For the most effective cockroach control options, reach out today. 

Mosquitoes are common outdoor pests. They are small flies whose females bite people and animals to feed on their blood. The females require blood meals to create viable eggs and complete their lifecycle. The relentless bites from mosquitoes leave behind red, itchy welts, and as they feed on different hosts, mosquitoes spread many diseases, including West Nile virus. 

Mosquitoes are pests primarily associated with the summer season because they are only active in temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In Georgia, our warm climate means mosquitoes are active for longer periods than in cooler climates. In addition to warm temperatures, mosquitoes thrive wherever there are areas of pooling or standing water. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on top of standing water, where they develop into larvae and then into new biting adults. 

Mosquitoes are outdoor pests that can’t be avoided entirely. But there are things you can do around your property to make it less attractive to them. Remove as much standing water as possible that provides female mosquitoes with breeding sites. Maintain your yard to reduce resting spots; keep the grass cut short, prune back trees, and remove yard debris that collects rainwater. For effective mosquito control in McDonough, please call us today. 

Rodents make up the largest group of mammals and all rodents have continuously growing front incisors. The most common rodents to be a problem where people live are the house mouse, field mouse, Norway rat, and roof rat. Rodents are most problematic when they decide to use our homes to hide from unsuitable weather or predators or as foraging grounds. 

Rats and mice are commensal rodents and want to “share our table.” These rodents are comfortable taking advantage of the food, water, and nesting sites our properties offer. While we may provide rodents with many benefits, their presence doesn’t benefit us. Rodent infestation leads to the spread of disease and parasites, structural damage, fires, and food contamination. 

Use the following rodent prevention tips to keep these pests away:

• Remove things from your home’s exterior that rodents can climb on like vines, tree branches, and shrubbery.
• Block access points leading into your home. Place mesh covers over vents and chimneys, repair cracks in the foundations, and install door sweeps. 
• Keep lids on all trashcans. 
• Store food properly within your home to limit their easy access to food.

At any notice of rodents or rodent activity on your property, immediately contact DAPS Services for help. 

​Spiders are arachnids we identify by their grasping or crushing mouthparts, two body segments, and eight legs. Many different types of spiders live worldwide; most spiders in our region, like the cellar, grass, and wolf spiders, are harmless. While all spiders possess venom to paralyze their insect prey, only a few have venom potent enough to harm people. Dangerous spiders in our region include the brown recluse and black widow spiders. 

When controlling spiders, it is essential to understand what they eat. Spiders are predators and feed on insects and other arachnids. The main reason spiders become a problem in our yards and homes is because insects attract them. Our gardens, trees, kitchens, and basements can all house and provide spiders with plentiful prey to hunt. 

The best way to control spiders is to prevent insects from becoming comfortable in your indoor or outdoor spaces. Take advantage of the following prevention tips:

• Keep outdoor lights that attract insects off whenever possible.
• Cut back shrubs and bushes from your home.
• Keep lids on trashcans and recycling bins.
• Seal cracks and crevices offering entry points into your home.

Call today for more information about residential or commercial pest control in McDonough.

One of the most widespread types of termites in Georgia and across the country is the Eastern subterranean termite. These termites have high moisture needs and thrive in our region's warm, humid climate. In nature, termites feed on cellulose in wood, trees, plants, and other organic materials. 

Eastern subterranean termites prefer to feed on wet or decaying wood and, in nature, act as natural recyclers. Inside our homes, termites are destructive, unwelcome pests because they feed on and damage structural wood, flooring, drywall, furniture, and more. Though the damage that termites cause doesn’t happen overnight, left unchecked, a termite infestation eventually causes expensive damage. As a group, termites cause more than five billion dollars in the United States Each year. 

To avoid issues with termites in McDonough, utilize the following tips:

• Reduce excess moisture in and around your home.
• Repair leaky faucets, air conditioners, and water pipes.
• Monitor wood in or on your home for decay or water damage.
• Limit wood-to-soil contact on your property. 
• Maintain at least an 18-inch gap between soil and your home’s foundation. 

For year-round effective termite control and prevention, partner with DAPS Services.