With temperatures dropping, it’s finally feeling like winter here in Atlanta, and holiday spirit is in the air. While the colder weather means we don’t have to worry as much about certain pests, like mosquitoes, it’s not a pest-free season by any means. There are actually a lot of pest animals and insects that may decide to take up residence in your warm and welcoming house.

Read on to learn which winter pests to watch out for, and use our winter pest checklist to keep them out. And remember, prevention is the best cure, so contact us to schedule routine pest control in Northeast Atlanta.

The Usual Suspects

You might be surprised at how many pests are actively trying to invade your home in the winter months. These are a few of the most common winter pests in and around Atlanta.  

• Squirrels
• Mice
• Rats
• Bats
• Birds
• Cockroaches
• Spiders

Winter Pest Preparation Checklist

Don’t worry, you don’t have to resign yourself to a winter of scratching noises in the attic and other pest-related unpleasantness. Performing the tasks on this winter pest preparation checklist will help you keep your home pest-free through the holidays and into the new year. 

Close or block any openings into your home. 

Mice, rats, bats, birds, insects, and even squirrels can fit through surprisingly small openings under the eaves of your roof, around pipes, through vents, under ill-fitting doors, and through areas of damaged shingles, roof tiles, siding, rotten wood, and more. According to UGA Cooperative Extension specialist Michael Mengak, “Mice and rats can enter your house through openings as small as a dime.” 

With that in mind, you should examine your home at the beginning of the season and note any areas that need to be sealed. As an added bonus, closing gaps, cracks, and holes around your house will also keep the warm air inside—leading to higher energy efficiency for your HVAC system and lower power bills for you.  

• Install chimney caps.
• Cover air vents with wire mesh.
• Caulk openings around pipes, windows, etc. 
• Install weatherstripping and door sweeps on exterior doors. 

Remove the “amenities” that pests are drawn to. 

Most pests are entering your home in search of warmth, water, and food. You can easily remove two out of three to make your home less appealing to bugs and rodents. 

• Store food in airtight containers. 
• Keep trash cans closed.
• Sweep and vacuum regularly, especially in areas with food crumbs like your kitchen and dining room. 
• Store pet food in airtight containers when your pets are not actively eating. 
• Keep shrubbery and tree limbs trimmed so there’s space between them and your house. They can be used as bridges for pests to enter your home in less-accessible places like eaves, vents, and chimneys.
• Store firewood away from your home, as it provides a nice hiding place for rodents and insects.

You’ve decked the halls, started ticking off your shopping list, and now it’s time to whip up some delicious holiday treats. But before you can start, you realize you’ve got your very own Grinch, or maybe several! Nothing will put a damper on the holiday cheer like realizing you’ve got pests in your pantry. Don’t worry, you don’t have to settle for this metaphorical lump of coal! Just check out these tips to learn how to keep pests out of the pantry. You’ll be on your way to making Santa’s favorite cookies in no time! 

How to Prevent Pantry Pests

Keep all food in airtight containers. 

The “usual suspects” like roaches, waterbugs, ants, and mice are attracted to easy food sources, as well as pests like the merchant grain beetle and Indian meal moth. If you have packages of pasta, cereal, or other starchy foods accessible, these pests will dive right in, regardless of whether the box is actually open. They can easily gnaw through a little cardboard to get to what they really want. Fortunately you can keep them out with airtight storage containers. That could mean fancy plastic food storage, or it could be as simple as re-purposed glass jars. Check out these tips for organizing and improving your pantry so you can enjoy cooking and baking your favorite foods at the holidays, or any time of year. 

Use some natural deterrants. 

Did you know that many insects hate the smell of bay leaves, mint, catnip (related to mint), lavender, basil, and pennyroyal. Placing a few bay leaves on each shelf or wiping the cabinets down with a bit of mint or lavender essential oil can be an effective deterrant to pests. Just remember that you’ll need to swap the bay leaves out over time, or re-do your oil treatment. 

Stick to a regular schedule of professional pest control treatments. 

While keeping food sealed, using natural pest deterrants, and maintaining a clean kitchen and pantry will go a long way towards preventing a pantry pest infestation, you should also have your home serviced regularly by a professional pest control company. At Progressive Pest Control, we guarantee each treatment for six months. It takes about 14 days for all of the pest products we use to reach their full effect, but if you see a live pest after that day, we will return and service the area for free. 

Don’t let pests ruin your holiday merriment this year; just give us a call at 770-791-0055 to get a quote on our integrated pest management services in northeast Atlanta. We take pride in providing the best pest control in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Snellville, Buford, Flowery Branch, and other communities in our service area. 

You hear scratching sounds and inhuman noises. You see signs that someone has been living in your attic. And then, you realize that the threat is coming from inside the house! No, this is not the beginning of a horror movie; it’s what you can look forward to if squirrels (or mice) invade your attic this winter!  

While Northeast Atlanta certainly doesn’t have the worst winters around, we still experience below freezing temperatures frequently enough that squirrels, mice, and other pests will want to seek refuge in our homes. In their search for warmth and shelter, it’s not uncommon for squirrels and mice to find their way into attics; and because most of us don’t go into our attics very often, it can take a while to realize there’s a problem. Read on to learn how to prevent winter pests from getting into the attic, and what to do about it if it happens. 

Squirrels Gone Wild

Squirrels, mice, and other pests are gifted at finding ways into our homes, and can oftentimes enter through spaces so small you wouldn’t even notice unless you were looking for them. Females in particular will try to nest in attics to raise their young, which they give birth to during the spring and fall. While this may seem like a great solution to the squirrel, it’s not so great for you, the human homeowner. Here’s why:

• Squirrels sometimes fall into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach spaces. If the squirrel can’t escape, it will die and decompose in the wall. 
• Squirrels have strong teeth and are impressively effective at gnawing on anything from wooden boards to shingled roofs to electrical wiring. They will use these skills to fight their way into your home via any weak points, and the damage they cause can be costly as well as dangerous. 
• Squirrels can harbor pathogens like salmonella and even rabies. While there are no documented cases of squirrel-to-human infection, you’re better safe than sorry.

What to Do About Squirrels in the Attic

If there are squirrels or any other pests in your attic, don’t panic! Progressive Pest Control is here to help with commercial and residential pest control services in Northeast Atlanta. Just give us a call and we will be happy to assist you in evicting your unwanted guests. 

If you think the squirrels are gone for good, you can try to identify and patch the entry point they used to get in. Be aware that if any young are trapped inside, the mother may cause additional damage attempting to re-enter the attic. Humanely excluding squirrels is best performed by trained professionals who are knowledgeable about squirrel behavior. 

How to Prevent Winter Pests from Getting into the Attic

Of course, the best course of action is to prevent squirrels from getting into your attic in the first place! Here are some tips on how to keep animals out of your attic: 

• Regularly inspect the inside and outside of your home. Even small holes, cracks, and crevices can provide entry to a number of pest animals, from bats to squirrels. You can easily seal cracks and holes with caulk or by installing metal flashing. 
• Make sure any vent openings (including soffit vents) are covered with a wire mesh vent cover. Fabric mesh covers can easily be chewed through by determined squirrels. If you have a chimney, you may also need a chimney cap.
• Keep tree branches trimmed back from your house. They can act like a bridge or highway directing wildlife to your home. 

If you think you might have pests in your attic, give us a call at 770-791- 0055 or use our contact form to get in touch. 

We’ve debunked common myths about house pests and profiled the “usual suspects” when it comes to basement pest infestations. But today, we’re answering another common question exterminators are often asked: What are the worst pests in Georgia? 

While there are several ways to approach this question, we’re going to share our take from a residential pest control perspective, i.e. keeping pests out of private homes, as opposed to pests that damage crops, invasive species, etc. Ready to get the down low on these uninvited guests? 

Reasons to Schedule Pest Control ASAP 

Bed Bugs 

Bed bugs don’t spread disease or cause property damage the way some other pests do, but they can be extremely difficult to get rid of once they’ve infiltrated your home. They bite, causing itchy red bumps for some people, but the stigma of a bed bug infestation is arguably the worst part. Because evidence of their presence is often hidden under mattresses or sofa cushions, it’s easy to carry bed bugs home with you from a hotel or vacation rental without even knowing it. 

Due to their quick and prolific reproduction cycle, it’s important to act quickly if you discover bed bugs in your home. At Progressive Pest Control, we can help you exterminate bed bugs with the most effective pest control strategies available. 

Termites

If you see an actual termite in your home, chances are there are hundreds more wreaking havoc somewhere less visible. These destructive pests can cause massive property damage if left to their own devices. Fortunately termite infestations are very treatable once you have a professional on the case. If you’re buying or selling a home, give us a call to discuss our termite inspection services and get a Wood Infestation Inspection Report (WIIR). 

Fleas & Ticks

If you spend time outdoors, or have animals that go outside, you will probably experience the nuisance of fleas and ticks at some point. Flea treatment is another one of our residential pest control services that is in high demand in Northeast Atlanta. Both fleas and ticks can spread serious diseases to humans and animals, so it’s important to respond ASAP if you discover either of these pests in your home!  

Of course, these are just a few of the common pests found in Atlanta homes; if you see evidence of any pest, from cockroaches to rats, it’s important to get professional pest control assistance as soon as possible. Contact us to get a quote on our residential pest control services! 

“Don’t go down there!” We’ve all screamed this at the TV at some point in our lives, as the horror movie protagonist inches down the stairs into the dark abyss of the basement against all common sense. Movies have trained us to be wary of basements through jump scares and night vision shots, but it’s not ghosts, slashers, or other monsters that you should be worried about—it’s real life basement pests!  

Don’t worry, you won’t need an exorcist to get rid of these common basement pests, just a qualified pest control expert. That’s where we come in, with Integrated Pest Management services that keep your Northeast Atlanta home safe from pests with smart strategies and responsible use of pesticides. Give us a call or head to our contact form to request service. 

Top 5 Fall Basement Pests

• Cockroaches – There are several species of cockroaches found in Northeast Atlanta, and they’re all likely to love your basement, especially if you have a lot of clutter, cardboard boxes, or recyclables stored there. 
• Silverfish – Much like cockroaches, there’s something about these wriggly insects that really gets to most people. That revulsion makes sense though, because these basement pests aren’t just gross, they can also do real damage to books, clothing, and other items. 
• Millipedes – While slightly less off-putting than roaches and silverfish, you won’t be too pleased to come across these long, many-legged invaders in your basement either. Millipedes feed on decaying organic matter, and while they’re mostly just a nuisance, their presence can be a sign of larger pest control or home repair issues.
• Camel crickets – Crickets aren’t so bad, right? Well, if you’ve ever unsuspectingly come across a camel cricket in your basement, you might not agree! These pests aren’t really harmful, but they are pretty unpleasant to look at. In fact, due to their long legs, they may look like huge spiders at first glance. Camel crickets are actually a major food source for spiders, so if you have a camel cricket infestation, more spiders will likely be entering your home to take advantage of the bug buffet. 
• Rodents – As temperatures drop in the fall, rats and mice start looking for shelter, and basements are like 5 star hotels to these unwanted guests. 

Now that you’re aware of the “usual suspects,” here’s what you really need to know. 

How to Prevent Basement Pest Infestations

The common denominator among all of these basement pests is that they love the moisture and humidity your basement provides, as well as the food sources and shelter found there. In order to get rid of these pests or prevent them from moving in altogether, you need to remove those factors. 

• Seal any openings where pests or moisture could be entering.
• Reduce humidity with a dehumidifier. 
• Identify and fix any leaking pipes. 
• Seal any ductwork that could be leaking condensation. 
• Do not leave pet food or other food sources lying around. Anything that could be a food source should be placed in airtight containers, including bird seed, unwashed recyclables, etc.
• Call us for residential pest control in Northeast Atlanta. We know these pests and are happy to share our knowledge with you in addition to treating your home with pesticides. Sometimes all it takes is understanding these pests, where they enter and hide, and what they need to live in order to exterminate them and keep new pests from coming in and filing the void.

If you’ve lived in Georgia long, you’re probably aware of some of the most common or worrisome pests, from ticks and spiders to stink bugs and silverfish. But how much do you actually know about these species, and how to protect your home from them? Today we’re debunking some common pest control myths and sharing the facts you need to know straight from the pros at Progressive Pest Control. 

Pests are only found in dirty homes.

While keeping your home clean and tidy can certainly minimize the extent to which pests are attracted to your home, it’s really not as simple as that. Cockroaches, water bugs, spiders, beetles⁠—even mice and rats⁠—can slip through tiny openings that you may not even realize are there. No matter how clean your house is, it’s always going to be a source of water, heat, and shelter for pests. If you see an unwanted creature in your home, don’t beat yourself up; look for places where pests could be entering and get your caulk gun ready to seal up any gaps around pipes, weather stripping, etc. 

If you don’t see any pests, they’re not there. 

Sometimes it’s easy to tell that you have an infestation; you’ll see roaches or come across rodent droppings. However, it’s not always that easy to tell that pests have taken up residence in your home. For example, termites can silently wreak havoc on a home for years before you ever actually see a termite. The best way to protect your home is through regular pest control by a trained professional who knows where to look and what to look for. 

DIY pest control is just as good as professional pest control. 

Pest control requires a lot more than just a spray bottle of poison to be safe and effective. At Progressive Pest Control, we use Integrated Pest Management to provide our clients with the best pest control in Northeast Atlanta. Our registered operators are educated in the latest pest control techniques and best practices, so we can protect your home from both seen and unseen threats. Give us a call today to request a quote or service!

You’re lying in bed at night, about to fall asleep, when all of a sudden, you hear it: scuttling, scratching sounds from above. No, your house isn’t haunted and it’s probably not a burglar. The likeliest cause is more mundane, but no less unsettling – you have a pest infestation in the attic! 

At Progressive Pest Control, we help homeowners throughout Northeast metro Atlanta evict these unwanted guests with our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services. Read on to learn about the most common attic pests in Northeast Atlanta. 

3 Georgia Pests That Might Be Hiding in Your Attic

• Rats – Seeing a rat scuttle across the attic isn’t just unsettling, it’s unsanitary! Rats can carry diseases and bring other pests like fleas into your home. If you suspect a rat infestation anywhere in your home or property, call us right away for rat extermination. 
• Bats – Bats can actually be a beneficial animal when it comes to pest control – as long as they’re outside of your home! If you think bats have roosted in your attic, it’s important to call a pest control company for professional bat remediation. That way the bats can be safely excluded from your attic and kept outside to feast on insects and reduce the mosquito population. 
• Squirrels – These furry creatures may seem cute, but having a squirrel infestation in the attic can be dangerous. Squirrels love to chew, and they’re not very discerning about what they gnaw on. It’s not uncommon for squirrels to chew on wiring, which is a major fire hazard, not to mention the hygiene issues that can arise from squirrels nesting in your insulation and using the bathroom all over your attic. 

No matter what may be lurking in your attic, Progressive Pest Control is here to help! Give us a call for pest control services in Braselton, Buford, Lawrenceville, Duluth, and elsewhere in North Atlanta.

Trees are the anchors of landscapes and a vital part of our environment, cleaning the air, providing shade, hosting native wildlife, and beautifying our towns. But unfortunately, they can be home to the most dreaded of pests: termites! Learn which trees attract termites and what you can do about it from the termite experts at Progressive Pest Control. 

The Types of Trees That Attract Termites

• No, the number 1 culprit in termite infestation isn’t a species of tree, it’s simply a dead tree. Dead trees, even just dead branches, are vulnerable to all sorts of pests, including termites. If you have dead trees on your property, remove them completely as soon as possible to prevent termites from infesting them, and possibly moving on to your home next. Even a stump left in your yard can attract termites. If a tree is salvageable, you may be able to remove the dead wood and save the tree, but you’ll need to keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not harboring pests. 
• Termites prefer trees with a low tolerance for damage, and unfortunately, fruit trees fit the bill. The beautiful peach trees that are so famously honored throughout Atlanta’s many “Peachtree” named streets, lanes, avenues, and other roadways are easily damaged by these pests, and treating the tree for termites can be tricky because you want to kill the termites without affecting the fruit if at all possible. 
• Another common category of termite-attracting trees is the palm family. Palm trees are a favorite termite target in which the termites can feed on the root of the tree for years before you notice any above-ground issues. If you’re seeing strange patches of mud or mounds around your palm tree, you may have a termite infestation on your hands. Remember how termites love dead trees? Well they love the leaves too, so be sure to clear the brown, dead leaves from your palm trees regularly to avoid attracting termites. 

If you suspect that you have termites on your property, just want to be proactive in protecting your home from termites, or need a Termite Clearance Letter, give Progressive Pest Control a call today at 770-791-0055. 

Ticks are a major concern for anyone who spends time outdoors, but there’s no reason to let these pests keep you from enjoying outdoor adventures with your furry friends this summer. Read on to learn how to protect pets from tick bites from the expert exterminators at Progressive Pest Control. 

Get your property treated for ticks. 

While spraying for ticks will not guarantee complete elimination, it’s a good way to reduce their numbers in areas of your property that you, your pets, and other family members frequent. Contact us to set up an inspection or treatment for your yard. 

Make your yard uninviting to ticks and other pests. 

At our Northeast Atlanta pest control company, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to provide the best outcomes for our clients. This means that in addition to the use of pesticides when necessary, we also advise the use of non-chemical tactics to discourage ticks from inhabiting your yard, including: 

• Placing a 3-ft wide border of gravel or wood chips between lawns and wooded areas of your property. 
• Keeping your lawn tidy with frequent mowing and clearing tall grass and brush from around lawns and outdoor living spaces. 
• Removing leaf litter, plant debris, old furniture, and other detritus that can give ticks shelter. 

Use a tick preventative. 

There are many tick and flea preventatives for dogs and cats on the market today; ask your veterinarian which one they recommend for your pets. It’s especially important to apply a tick preventative to your dog if she accompanies you on hikes or walks through woods and tall grass. The same treatment may not be suitable for cats as they are more sensitive to certain chemicals, so ask your veterinarian before administering a tick preventative to your cat. 

Check for ticks. 

If you and your furry friend have been in a wooded or grassy area, it’s important to check yourself and your pet for ticks. According to the CDC, signs of tickborne illness may take 7-21 days to appear, so it’s important to check your pets for ticks daily after they’ve spent time outdoors. 

Don’t wait to protect your animals from tick bites! Give us a call to schedule your Northeast Atlanta pest control service and keep your home pest-free inside and out.