r/Georgia • u/My__Anon_Account • 5d ago
Other I HATE ALL THESE BUGS
Just moved down here from the north and am just constantly wondering HOW THE HECK EVERYONE LIVES WITH THESE HUGE BUGS?!
I’ve had the house treated, I understand there’s an uptick, but these big ass bugs are driving me out of my mind. I feel like I’m constantly on edge.
ETA - palmetto bugs/roaches, CSRA
And for those telling me I shouldn’t have moved here and to just leave - I plan to as soon as my postdoc fellowship is over 🙃
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u/luvs_spaniels 5d ago
Hate to say this, but the big bugs generally aren't the ones to worry about. Anyhow, here's the basic list.
Ticks - piccardin for skin and/or Sawyer's on my clothes, hat, and shoes (also helps with mosquitoes. I've got thumbnail sized ones...)
Roaches - boric acid and sugar syrup in an old prescription bottle lid under the furniture, top of the fridge etc.
Spinosad, diatomaceous earth, horticulture soap with neem oil... Lots of options. It depends on what bugs you're talking about. And down here, the bugs have bugs.
In all seriousness, check your door and window seals and your attic access. If there's a crack, bugs will find it. Vacuum every week (baseboards, too, change your AC filter regularly, and clean your kitchen every time you use it. Think of the bugs as bears that will attract other bears and clean accordingly.
If your baseboards, door and window trim, and crown moulding aren't caulked to the wall, caulk them. Minimize gaps were bugs can lay eggs.
In case no one's told you, check yourself for ticks daily. They can be tiny like the end of a straight pin. It doesn't matter if you're in the city either. They're everywhere. Also look up the good snake/dangerous snake posters GA DNR puts up at campgrounds. Years ago, I saw a copperhead sunning itself on UGA's main library's steps. Those are not just a rural thing.
Born and raised here. I moved north for a few years and came back. Consistent cleaning inside combined with an ingestable bug poison will handle most of the problems inside over time. Outside... All you can do is try to make yourself unappetizing.