In Atlanta, Georgia, warm weather brings more than sunshine and cookouts. It also brings ants.
In spring, many homeowners see long trails of ants looking for food and water. Atlanta’s mild winters and humid climate let the ant season start early and run into fall.
When the ground warms, fire ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants become active. They build new nests, hunt for crumbs, and slip into homes through small cracks. If you ignore a trail, it can grow into a large infestation.
For effective protection, many residents rely on professional pest management services in Atlanta to keep their homes ant-free.
This guide covers when ant season starts, common Atlanta ant species, and simple ways to prevent infestations.
Key Takeaways:
- Ant season in Atlanta, Georgia, runs from early spring through late fall.
- Fire ants, carpenter ants, and odorous house ants are the most common invaders.
- Warm weather and moisture attract ants into homes.
- Regular pest control and sealing entry points can stop infestations early.
Understanding Ant Season In Atlanta, Georgia
Ant season in Atlanta, Georgia, usually begins in March. Activity jumps when daytime highs reach the 70s.
Colonies grow fast and send out workers to find food. By summer, ants become one of the most common pests in the area.
The humid climate keeps ants active longer than in many states. In winter, some colonies stay busy in basements, crawl spaces, and wall voids.
That is why many Georgia homes are infested with ants year-round, not just in summer. At Nextgen Pest Solutions, we offer ant control services in Atlanta, GA, that target nests early and protect homes year-round.
Common Ant Species Found In Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta and nearby cities, such as Alpharetta and Sandy Springs, have several common ant species:
- Fire ants build large mounds outdoors and can sting painfully.
- Carpenter ants are large black ants that tunnel through wood, sometimes causing damage that looks like termite damage.
- Odorous house ants emit a foul odor when crushed. You’ll usually find them near kitchens or pantries.
- Argentine ants form large ant colonies that spread quickly between homes.
Each ant species behaves differently. For example, one way you can tell you have carpenter ants in your home is that identifying them correctly helps in choosing the right ant control plan.
At Nextgen Pest Solutions, our exterminators know how to spot ant nests and treat them at the source.
What Causes Ant Infestations In Atlanta Homes
Most ant problems start with easy access to food or water.
Open pet food, counter crumbs, and dripping sinks attract ants fast. Once ants find sweet or greasy food, they lay scent trails that attract more workers.
Moisture also draws pests. Leaky pipes, standing water under sinks, and damp crawl spaces attract ants and roaches. Keep these areas dry to cut infestations.
Among the 5 common ants in Georgia, fire ants and carpenter ants are often the hardest ants to get rid of because their colonies run deep and can spread quickly.
To protect your home, seal cracks with caulk, clean up spills right away, and keep outdoor mulch or landscaping away from the foundation.
When To Expect Peak Ant Activity In Georgia
Ant activity peaks in late spring and summer, when it’s warm and humid. After the first big rain of the season, winged ants called swarmers fly out to start new nests. During this time, homeowners often see ants near windows, porch lights, and driveways.
Even during the cooler months, ant colonies inside homes can stay active if the area is heated. Because they don’t fully go dormant, professional pest control in Atlanta, GA, is often needed to remove ant nests and prevent future infestations.
DIY Ant Control Vs. Professional Pest Control
Many homeowners try DIY products or ant baits from the store, but these often kill only the worker ants you see, not the colony.
For example, you need to target their mounds and reduce the number of attractants to get rid of fire ants. These steps sound simple, but can be hard to do on your own.
According to the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, ant colonies, such as the Argentine ant, pharaoh ant, and carpenter ant, have multiple queens and multiple nesting sites, making ant control challenging without professional help.
As a professional pest control company, Nextgen Pest Solutions can locate hidden nesting sites and apply safe treatments that target the entire colony. Our team also gives prevention tips to stop ants, roaches, and other pests before they return.
If you live in metro Atlanta or north Georgia, scheduling regular pest control services keeps your home pest-free year-round.
Easy Prevention Tips For Atlanta Homeowners
Keeping ants away is easier when you remove what attracts them.
- Store food, including pet food, in airtight containers.
- Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and empty trash daily.
- Fix leaky faucets and clean gutters to prevent standing water.
- Trim plants and keep mulch or firewood away from your walls to reduce nesting sites.
If ants keep coming back, it’s time to call professional exterminators who can create a treatment plan to get rid of ants for good. At Nextgen Pest Solutions, we offer free quotes and reliable service across Georgia.
Making The Right Ant Control Choice For Your Georgia Home
Ants are one of the most stubborn summer pests in Atlanta, Georgia. A few visible ants often mean there’s a bigger colony nearby. Acting fast helps prevent damage and keeps your home comfortable.
At Nextgen Pest Solutions, we provide expert ant control for homeowners across metro Atlanta. Whether you’re dealing with fire ants in your yard or carpenter ants in your walls, we’re ready to help.
Contact us today for a free quote and protect your Georgia home from year-round ant infestations.
FAQs
When does the ant season start in Atlanta, Georgia?
Ant season starts around March and continues through October, though some ants stay active inside homes year-round.
What are the most common types of ants in Georgia?
The most common ant species in Georgia include fire ants, odorous house ants, carpenter ants, and Argentine ants.
How can I get rid of ants fast?
Clean up food and water sources, seal cracks, and use ant baits to control small infestations. For larger problems, contact a professional pest control company for complete removal.
