Pest Control Questions? We Have Answers.

How often should I have my home treated for pests in Habersham County?

For most homes in Habersham County, I recommend quarterly treatments. Our warm, humid climate keeps pest activity high from spring through fall, and even winter does not shut it down completely in Northeast Georgia. Quarterly service keeps a protective barrier around your home year-round so problems do not get a foothold between visits. If you are seeing activity between treatments, call us and we will come back out at no additional charge.

What is an Associate Certified Entomologist, and why does it matter for pest control?

An Associate Certified Entomologist, or ACE, is a professional credential issued by the Entomological Society of America. It means I have been trained and tested in the science of insects and pest biology, not just in applying chemicals. When I walk your property, I can identify exactly what you are dealing with, explain why it is there, and design a treatment plan based on the actual biology of the pest. Most pest control companies treat symptoms. I treat the cause. Red Hawk is the only pest control company in Habersham County led by an ACE.​

When do termite swarms happen in Northeast Georgia?

In Habersham County and the surrounding area, subterranean termite swarms typically happen from March through May when temperatures climb and we get a stretch of warm, humid days. You will see winged termites emerging near foundations, window sills, or light sources. If you find piles of discarded wings around your home, that is a sign a swarm has already happened and a colony may be nearby. Call for an inspection right away. Early detection can save thousands in structural damage.

Are pest control treatments safe for my kids and pets?

Yes. The products I use are EPA-registered and applied according to strict label instructions. I select treatments based on the specific pest and the conditions of your property, and I always account for children, pets, and anything else that matters to you. If I am treating inside your home, I will tell you exactly how long to keep people and animals away from the treated areas. There is no guessing. I explain everything before I start.

What is the difference between liquid termite treatment and bait stations?

Liquid treatment, like Termidor HE, creates a barrier in the soil around your foundation. Termites that pass through it are eliminated and they carry the product back to the colony. Bait stations, like the Trelona Advanced Termite Bait System, are installed in the ground around your property and monitored regularly. Termites feed on the bait and share it with the colony. 

How much does pest control cost in Habersham County?

Red Hawk offers three Flight Packages. Bronze: $90 initial service, then $30 per month. Includes standard pest control and quarterly preventative maintenance. Silver: $210 initial service, then $70 per month. Includes quarterly pest control and mosquito service (March through October). Gold: $90 per month after initial service. The initial price is determined based on inspection. Includes quarterly pest control, mosquito service (March through October), and an annual termite inspection. Initial service price may vary. These packages are based on no infestations. When there are infestations, monthly service visits may be required. Call 706-309-1683 for a free inspection.

Do I need pest control if I have never seen bugs in my house?

Most pest problems start out of sight. Termites work inside walls and underground. Ants build colonies in places you cannot see. Rodents nest in attics and crawl spaces before you ever hear them. By the time you notice a problem, it has usually been there for a while. Quarterly pest control is preventive. It keeps the barrier in place so pests do not get established in the first place. It is easier and less expensive to prevent an infestation than to deal with one after the damage is done.

What pests are most common in Habersham County, Georgia?

The pests I treat most often in Habersham County are ants (especially fire ants and carpenter ants), cockroaches, spiders, mosquitoes, termites, rodents, and occasional invaders like stink bugs and earwigs. The specific pests depend on the season and the conditions around your property. Homes near wooded areas or with crawl spaces tend to see more activity. Older homes with moisture issues attract termites and roaches. I can identify what you are dealing with and explain exactly why it is showing up at your property.

How do I know if I have termites or carpenter ants?

This is one of the most common mix-ups I see. Both can damage wood, but they are very different. Termites eat wood. Carpenter ants do not eat it, they tunnel through it to build nests. Termite damage usually has mud or soil in the galleries. Carpenter ant damage is clean and smooth, and you will often find sawdust-like frass nearby. Termites leave mud tubes on foundations. Carpenter ants do not. If you are not sure what you are looking at, call me. This is exactly what my training as an entomologist is for.

Do you offer commercial pest control?

Yes. I work with restaurants, offices, retail stores, warehouses, and other commercial properties across Habersham County and the surrounding area. Commercial pest control is not the same as residential. The regulations are different, the treatment schedules are different, and the stakes are different. I design commercial programs based on your specific facility, your industry requirements, and your inspection schedule. If you need reliable service from someone who personally handles the account, call 706-309-1683

What should I do if I see a termite swarm in my house?

Do not panic, but do not ignore it either. A swarm inside your home means there is an active colony nearby, likely in or under the structure. Collect a few of the insects in a plastic bag if you can. Do not spray them with pesticide, because that only kills the ones you can see and does nothing to the colony. Call a professional for an inspection as soon as possible. I will identify the species, assess the extent of the activity, and explain your treatment options before anything is applied.

How long does a pest control treatment take?

Each home is different. Treatment time varies based on the size of your property, what pests we are addressing, whether interior service is needed, and what conditions we find during the visit. Most quarterly exterior treatments are quick, while termite inspections may take longer depending on the size of the property and whether there is a crawl space. I do not rush through treatments. Every visit is thorough because skipping areas is how problems come back.

Why should I choose Red Hawk over a national pest control chain?

National chains run on rotating service teams, scripted call centers, and corporate decisions made hundreds of miles from your property. Red Hawk works differently. The company is led by Joshua Sheppard, an Associate Certified Entomologist credentialed by the Entomological Society of America, who designs every treatment program and ensures the work is done right. Red Hawk is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and the Georgia Pest Control Association, and was voted Best of Habersham in 2025 and 2026 by The Northeast Georgian. When you call, you reach someone who knows your property and stands behind the work. That continuity is the difference.

Does Red Hawk offer a termite warranty?

Yes. After a full termite treatment, Red Hawk offers a 10-year termite warranty, which aligns with the current industry recommendation from BASF for Termidor, the product we use. If termites return during the warranty period, Red Hawk retreats at no additional cost. Joshua will explain the full warranty details during the inspection so there are no surprises.

What happens during a Red Hawk pest control inspection?

I start by walking the exterior of your property. I check the foundation, eaves, entry points, landscaping, drainage, and any areas where moisture collects. Then I check the interior, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, crawl spaces, and attics where pests are most active. I identify any current pest activity, the species involved, conditions that are attracting them, and entry points they are using. When I am done, I sit down with you and explain everything I found in plain English, what I recommend, and what it will cost. There is no pressure and no surprise charges. You know exactly what you are getting before I start any work.