The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but so have the termites! Are you behind on your annuald termite inspection? Well, from the types of termites in your area to treatment costs, here’s everything you need to know about termites in Georgia so you can ensure your home’s safety.
Are There Termites in Georgia?
Absolutely! Georgia has one of the highest number of termite invasions in the United States, with Atlanta often ranking in the top 10 on Orkin’s most termite infested cities list.
In fact, Georgia is located in the “termite belt” according to both bug experts and pest control professionals. The termite belt is a strip of the USA where termites are not only common, but frequent.
Types of Termites in Georgia
There are three different types of termites that you can find in Georgia:
Drywood Termites
As the name suggests, drywood termites prefer to consume and make their nests above ground in dry wood. Rather than getting moisture from the soil like subterranean termites, drywood termites get their moisture from the wood they eat, and can survive entirely in the walls, siding, and roof of a house without needing access to the soil.
Even though they aren’t attracted to moisture, drywood termites prefer coastal areas. They are rarer in Georgia than subterranean termites, but can still be found along the southern Coastal Plain. They are rarely if ever seen as far north as Atlanta.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are a group of termites that are most prevalent in the southeastern part of the United States because they love warm, humid climates. However, they are also the most common group of termites in the U.S. and can be found in 49 different states, with Alaska being the odd man out.
Naturally, you can expect to find this destructive wood-eating pest in Georgia. They can even be found along the Appalachian Mountains.
Subterranean termites make their nests underground, getting their moisture from the soil. They can live as deep as 18-20 feet below ground. They also have a habit of eating along the grain of the wood unlike drywood termites, which eat across or against the grain.
Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are an aggressive species of subterranean termite that are often referred to as “super termites.” They are native to China and Taiwan, but made their way to North America through lumber and railroad timber shipments. Now, you can find them in multiple states in the southern U.S., including Georgia.
Formosan termites have similar behaviors to subterranean termites, living underground and using mud tubes, though they may create an above ground nest if there is enough moisture available to them. Formosan termite soldiers have an unusual defense mechanism, where they can release a white, sticky secretion from their fontanel gland when they are threatened.
What Do Termites Look Like in Georgia?
| Drywood Termites | Subterranean Termites | Formosan Termites |
| Size: Swarmers: 3/8 inch Soldiers: 5/16 inch Workers: 3/8 inch | Size: Swarmers: 3/8 inch Soldiers: 1/4 inch Workers: 1/8 inch | Size: Swarmers: 5/16 inch Soldiers: 1/4 inch Workers: 1/8 inch |
| Color: Swarmers: reddish, honey brown color Soldiers: creamy white, with yellowish brown heads and black toothed mandibles Workers: creamy white or a grayish white | Color: Swarmers: dark brown to black Soldiers: yellow-brown, with darker heads, and black toothed mandibles Workers: creamy white | Color: Swarmers: yellowish-brown Soldiers: white body, large yellowish brown head, and black toothed mandibles Workers: opaque white to off-white |
| Frass: Pellets like sand or sawdust | Frass: Do not leave behind visible droppings | Frass: Do not leave behind visible droppings |
Signs of Termites in Georgia
There are several signs of termite infestation to look for if you suspect that your home has termites:
- Soft or squishy spots in wood
- Hollow sounding wood
- Clumps of termite frass stuck to infested areas
- Living swarmers
- Clicking noises
- Piles of termite frass
- Sagging or buckling floors
- Loose tiles
- Pin holes in drywall.
- Bubbling. blistering, or peeling paint and wallpaper
- Squeaky floorboards
- Mud tubes from the soil to above-ground wood.
- Crumbling baseboards
- Jammed doors and windows.
- Dead swarmers and discarded wings
- Termites near light sources, windowsills, and doorways
- Damaged wood
How to Get Rid of Termites in Georgia
Here are some of the best whole-structure and localized methods for getting rid of termites in Georgia:
Whole-structure treatments:
- Bait stations (subterranean)
- Liquid termiticides (drywood and subterranean)
- Fumigation, aka termite tenting (drywood)
Localized treatments:
All of these are ideal for drywood termites.
- Borax treatments
- Electro-gun
- Heat treatments
- Liquid nitrogen
- Microwaves
- Orange oil
How to Prevent Termites in Georgia
It’s best to avoid having termites in the first place. Though we can’t guarantee that you will never have termites, these methods of preventing termites are still very effective:
- Inspect your roof and siding for leaks
- Examine wood that is touching the ground for signs of rot
- Check your downspouts and gutters
- Inspect your plumbing, repair leaky pipes and faucets
- Seal gaps in doors and windows
- Don’t store firewood inside the home
- Treat wooden furniture and above ground posts with borate spray
- Turn off lights at night
- Keep wood and other cellulose material (cardboard, newspaper, mulch) 20-30 feet away from your buildings
- Fill any cracks or openings with caulk
- Invest in an annual termite inspection
- Don’t overwater your grass
- Remove stumps, logs, and dead trees from your lawn
- Have your home inspected annually
- Reduce the moisture around your home
- Repair cracks in your foundation
Cost to Treat Termites in Georgia
The national average cost of termite treatment in the USA is $275 to $863, with most homeowners paying $558.
It depends on the severity of the infestation, but on average, termite treatments in Georgia cost about 30% more than the national average of $558.
It’s recommended that you have your home treated for termites as often as once every year, with regular inspections up to 4 times a year if you’ve opted to install bait stations.
FAQ About Termites in Georgia
When is Termite Season in Georgia?
Termites in Georgia swarm on warm days after a decent rainfall, but there are specific seasons for the different types of termites in Georgia:
- Drywood termites: Spring and summer
- Subterranean termites: Early spring
- Formosan termites: Late spring
What Do Termites Hate?
Termites have a severe dislike for strong odors, specifically scents from:
- Garlic
- Citrus
- Cinnamon
- Neem oil
- Mint
What Eats Termites in Georgia?
Termites’ greatest predator (and enemy) is the ant, but there are other animals that like to snack on termites as well. Birds, bats, beetles, wasps, lizards, and moles will also help themselves to a fat, juicy termite whenever they can find one (or several).
Hire a Pro
If you live in the Peach State, you know that termites have come down to Georgia and are looking for some wood to steal. They are in a bind because they’re way behind and need to have a meal.*
If your home is infested by any of Georgia’s termites, let Pest Gnome connect you with a local pest control pro today for termite or other pest issues.
*With apologies to Charlie Daniels
Main Image Credit:
Background: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License
Termites: smuay / Canva Pro / License
