What is a termite letter in Georgia?

It is the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report, often required by lenders when a home is sold. It records visible signs of termites and other wood-destroying organisms, and only a licensed pest control company can do it.

I saw flying insects inside in spring. Are they termites?

Possibly. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of equal-length wings; flying ants have elbowed antennae and a pinched waist. Save a few in a bag and have them identified.

What is the difference between a repair bond and a re-treatment bond?

A repair bond may pay to fix new termite damage, subject to its terms; a re-treatment bond only covers treating again. The difference matters a lot, so read the contract.

How do I get rid of fire ants in my yard?

A two-step approach works best: spread a fire ant bait across the whole lawn when ants are foraging, then treat any mounds that remain. Always follow the label.

How do I check a pest control company's license?

Pest control in Georgia is regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Ask the company for its license details and check them with the department.

Pest Control and Termite Help in Macon

Middle Georgia's warm, humid climate is great for azaleas and just as good for termites, fire ants and mosquitoes. Here is how to handle them.

Macon's long warm season means pests stay active for most of the year. Subterranean termites swarm in spring, fire ant mounds pop up after rain, and mosquitoes breed in any container that holds water.

This page covers the pests Macon homeowners deal with most, how the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report works when you buy or sell a home, and how to confirm a pest control company is licensed in Georgia.

Georgia termite letters and pest control licenses

When a home in Macon is sold, the lender often requires an Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report, commonly called a termite letter. The report documents visible signs of active or previous infestation by subterranean termites, drywood termites, powderpost beetles, other wood-boring beetles and wood-decaying fungi. Its form and scope are set by the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission, and only a licensed pest control company can perform it.

Pest control companies in Georgia are licensed and regulated through the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which also publishes consumer information and takes complaints. If you have a termite bond, the contract spells out what is covered, whether damage repair or re-treatment only, and how often inspections happen. Read it closely before you renew or buy a home that comes with one.

Pests Macon homeowners call about most

Subterranean termites

Termites live in the soil and build mud tubes up foundations to reach wood. Treatment is usually a liquid barrier around the foundation, bait stations, or both. Winged swarmers indoors in spring are a sign to get an inspection.

Fire ants

Mounds show up in lawns and along driveways, especially after rain. Broadcast baits across the yard followed by treating individual mounds usually works better than treating mounds alone.

Cockroaches

Large American roaches often come in from outside and damp areas; small German roaches live indoors near kitchens and need targeted baits and sanitation, not just spraying.

Rodents

Rats and mice come inside when it gets cooler. Trapping works only when entry points around pipes, vents and the roofline are sealed too.

Mosquitoes

Most backyard mosquitoes breed within a short distance of where they bite. Dumping standing water weekly in buckets, gutters, plant saucers and toys is the single most effective step.

Wildlife

Squirrels and raccoons in attics are handled under Georgia wildlife rules. Entry points should be sealed after the animals are out so the attic does not get new tenants.

Questions to ask a pest control company

Is your company licensed in Georgia? Ask for the license information and check it with the Department of Agriculture.
What products will you use, and do we need to keep kids and pets away, and for how long?
For termites: is this a repair bond or a re-treatment-only bond, and what is the annual renewal cost?
What happens if the pests come back between visits?
Get the service agreement in writing before you sign anything that renews automatically.

Questions and answers

What is a termite letter in Georgia?: It is the Official Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report, often required by lenders when a home is sold. It records visible signs of termites and other wood-destroying organisms, and only a licensed pest control company can do it.
I saw flying insects inside in spring. Are they termites?: Possibly. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of equal-length wings; flying ants have elbowed antennae and a pinched waist. Save a few in a bag and have them identified.
What is the difference between a repair bond and a re-treatment bond?: A repair bond may pay to fix new termite damage, subject to its terms; a re-treatment bond only covers treating again. The difference matters a lot, so read the contract.
How do I get rid of fire ants in my yard?: A two-step approach works best: spread a fire ant bait across the whole lawn when ants are foraging, then treat any mounds that remain. Always follow the label.
How do I check a pest control company's license?: Pest control in Georgia is regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Ask the company for its license details and check them with the department.