Atlanta pests, month by month
When each common pest tends to show up in the Atlanta area, and what to look for. The outlined column is this month.
General seasonal patterns for the region. A warm winter or a wet spring can move any of these by a few weeks.
What to look for
The signs people usually notice first. If you're seeing one of these, call and describe it.
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Termite swarmers
Late winter into spring
Piles of discarded wings on windowsills or near doors, mud tubes running up the foundation, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
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Fire ants
Spring through fall
Loose, domed mounds in sunny parts of the lawn, often popping up right after a rain. They sting when the mound is disturbed.
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Ticks
Spring and summer
Found on pets or after yard work, especially along wooded edges, tall grass and leaf litter at the back of the lot.
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Mosquitoes
Spring through early fall
Bites at dusk and in shady corners of the yard. Look for standing water in gutters, saucers, toys and tarps, where they breed.
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Cockroaches
All year
Droppings like ground pepper in cabinets and drawers, a musty smell, or roaches running when a light turns on.
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Mice and rats
Fall and winter
Scratching in walls or the attic at night, chewed food packaging, and small dark droppings along baseboards.
Spotted one of these?
Tell us what you saw and where. We'll take it from there.