Pests to know in Columbus
Termites in Columbus
UGA Extension says the invasive Formosan subterranean termite is rare in Georgia, though infestations have turned up at a number of sites; native subterranean termites are far more common.[3]
Invasive species reported here
Georgia's health department says Georgia was the first state to report the Asian tiger mosquito in every county, and it is usually the top pest mosquito in the state's urban and suburban areas.[6]
Pests local experts flag
The Lone Star tick is the most common tick in Georgia and the American dog tick is second, according to the state health department.[6]
Climate
Central Columbus (ZIP 31901) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 8b, where the average coldest winter night is 15 to 20°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
- Vector Control staff with the Columbus Health Department's district investigate complaints about rats, roaches, mosquitoes and other pests, and help eliminate breeding sites.[1]
- Georgia DPH lists West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis and Saint Louis encephalitis as mosquito-borne diseases regularly found in the state.[7]
Hiring a licensed company
- Georgia requires anyone providing pest management services to hold a valid license, and contracts are required for all structural pest control services, including termite and rodent work.[4]
- Georgia's Structural Pest Division will inspect a home if a buyer finds an incomplete or inaccurate Georgia Wood Infestation Inspection Report, commonly called a termite letter.[4]
- Georgia structural pest control credentials cover fumigation, household pests, wood-destroying organisms and honey bee removal, and all cards expire June 30 of odd-numbered years.[5]
Free local help
- The Muscogee County Extension office, a department of Columbus Consolidated Government, offers insect and plant disease identification through UGA labs.[2]
- UGA Extension says Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease are the most common tick-borne diseases in Georgia, with the most Lyme cases in the northern half of the state.[8]
Through the year
- Seasonal
- In warmer months, Vector Control sprays ditches and potholes for mosquitoes; in cooler months it baits sanitary sewers and city rights-of-way for rats.[1]
- Winter to Summer
- In Georgia, native subterranean termites start swarming in February or March during the day, while Formosan termites swarm at night in late May and early June and are drawn to lights.[3]
Sources
- West Central Health District (Georgia DPH District 7), “Vector Control.” westcentralhealthdistrict.com/programs-services/environmental-health/vector-control/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UGA Cooperative Extension, Muscogee County, “Muscogee County Extension.” extension.uga.edu/county-offices/muscogee.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, “Identifying the Formosan Subterranean Termite (C 868).” fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C868/identifying-the-formosan-subterranean-termite/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Georgia Department of Agriculture, Structural Pest Division, “Structural Pest Consumer Information.” agr.georgia.gov/structural-pest-consumer-information (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Georgia Department of Agriculture, Structural Pest Division, “Licensing, Certification and Employee Registration.” agr.georgia.gov/licensing-certification-and-employee-registration (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Georgia Department of Public Health, “Vector Surveillance Facts & FAQs.” dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/insects-and-diseases/vector-surveillance-facts-faqs (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Georgia Department of Public Health, “Mosquito-Borne Diseases.” dph.georgia.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases (accessed 2026-10-06)
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, “Protect Yourself from Ticks (C 937).” fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C937/protect-yourself-from-ticks/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 31901 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/31901.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)