The Top 5 Pest Infestations Found During Inspections in Marietta and Atlanta

Atlanta and its suburbs—including Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Roswell, Decatur, and Sandy Springs—are known for their charm, southern hospitality, and… pests. With our region’s warm, humid climate and long growing season, homes across North Georgia are especially vulnerable to pest infestations. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or preparing your home for sale, pest-related issues can derail a real estate transaction, cause expensive repairs, and put your health at risk.

As a leading provider of home inspections in Atlanta, Reynolds Home and Property Solutions has seen firsthand the damage these unwelcome guests can cause. In this in-depth guide, we’ll highlight the top five pest infestations our inspectors most frequently uncover—and what every Georgia homeowner should know to stay protected.

Why Pest Inspections Matter in Metro Atlanta

Before we get into the top culprits, it’s important to understand why pest inspections are such a critical part of the home inspection process, especially in the Peach State.

• Climate Concerns: Georgia’s humidity and rainfall create ideal conditions for insect breeding.

• Construction Styles: Many Atlanta-area homes have crawlspaces, basements, and wood-frame structures that are susceptible to intrusion.

• Aging Infrastructure: Older neighborhoods in Marietta, Decatur, and Roswell often have original wood, siding, and outdated sealing that make easy entry points for pests.

Our professional Atlanta property inspections incorporate pest and moisture evaluations in accordance with InterNACHI and Georgia Department of Agriculture standards.

#1: Termites – The Silent Destroyers

If there’s a single pest that strikes fear in Georgia homeowners, it’s termites. These insects are responsible for more structural damage than fires, storms, and earthquakes combined.

Why They’re a Problem:

Termites feed on wood and cellulose-based materials. They can tunnel silently for years inside wall cavities and crawlspaces before being detected.

What We Look For:

• Mud tubes along the foundation

• Hollowed-out or blistered wood

• Discarded wings near windows

• Frass (termite droppings)

Local Tip:

In areas like Marietta and Kennesaw, homes built before 1990 are especially vulnerable if no termite bond is active. Annual inspections and treatment from a licensed pest control company are essential.

Manufacturer/Inspector Tip:

Pressure-treated lumber helps but is not immune. Inspections should still be conducted yearly as per InterNACHI and manufacturer guidance.

#2: Carpenter Ants – Structural Saboteurs

These large black ants are often mistaken for termites but have distinct differences.

Why They’re a Problem:

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood—they excavate it to build nests. Over time, this weakens beams, joists, and other structural components.

What We Look For:

• Sawdust-like debris (called frass)

• Rustling sounds in walls

• Ant trails leading to the home

Where We Find Them:

Roswell and Sandy Springs homes with mature landscaping and moisture-prone crawlspaces.

Georgia-Specific Insight:

Carpenter ants are particularly active in the spring after heavy rainfalls—making spring and early summer prime inspection seasons.

#3: Rodents – From Attic to Crawlspace

Mice, rats, and flying squirrels—yes, flying squirrels—frequently take up residence in Atlanta homes.

Why They’re a Problem:

They chew through insulation, wires (posing serious fire risks), and contaminate HVAC systems.

Inspection Red Flags:

• Droppings in attics or under sinks

• Chewed electrical wires

• Noises in the attic at night

• Nesting material in garage corners or HVAC ducts

True Story from the Field:

During a 2020 inspection in East Cobb, our inspector found a full flying squirrel colony nesting in an attic insulation blanket. The homeowners had dismissed the noises as “seasonal raccoons.” A full exclusion and decontamination was necessary—costing thousands.

Code Note:

Rodent droppings in HVAC systems can require duct cleaning and sanitization under Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines.

#4: Cockroaches – The Invincible Intruders

Cockroaches are more than just a nuisance; they pose real health hazards.

Why They’re a Problem:

They spread allergens, trigger asthma (especially in children), and contaminate surfaces.

Common Signs:

• Musty odor in cabinets or drawers

• Roach droppings (resembling coffee grounds)

• Sightings during daylight (a sign of severe infestation)

Atlanta Hot Spots:

Cockroach issues are common in multi-family homes and older structures with plumbing leaks—especially in south Atlanta and Decatur.

Georgia Tip:

Leaky pipes, high indoor humidity, and food crumbs are a perfect recipe for roaches. Moisture management and cleanliness are key.

#5: Powderpost Beetles – The Undercover Agents of Destruction

Less known than termites, powderpost beetles are equally damaging.

Why They’re a Problem:

They infest hardwoods and lay eggs in cracks; larvae then feed on the wood, leaving fine powder behind.

We Look For:

• Tiny exit holes in joists or furniture

• Powdery sawdust trails

• Weak floorboards in older Marietta and Smyrna homes

Georgia Insight:

High humidity speeds up infestation. Powderpost beetles are often found in antique wood and unfinished basements.

Bonus Pests We Also See Often

• Silverfish: Found in bathrooms and basements

• Stinging Insects: Wasps and hornets in soffits and attic vents

• Spiders: Especially black widows in crawlspaces

Frequently Asked Questions About Pest Infestations in Georgia Homes

Q: How often should I have my home inspected for pests in Atlanta?

A: At least once a year. More often if you live in an older home or near wooded areas.

Q: Do home inspectors in Georgia check for pests?

A: Yes, general home inspectors may note evidence of infestation, but for full confirmation, you may need a licensed pest control expert.

Q: What are signs of a serious termite infestation?

A: Mud tubes, soft wood, sagging floors, and visible wings are signs you need immediate evaluation.

Q: Can pest infestations affect home insurance or resale value?

A: Absolutely. Severe infestations can lower property value and complicate closings.

Q: Are there building codes in Georgia addressing pest prevention?

A: Yes. Georgia Residential Code Section R318 discusses termite protection and ventilation to reduce moisture.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment From the Inside Out

Pest issues in the Atlanta area aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive, hazardous, and often hidden from plain sight. As your trusted Marietta home inspector, we’re trained to recognize the subtle signs of these infestations before they become full-blown crises.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just maintaining your property, schedule a thorough inspection to protect your investment.

Don’t wait until pests are the ones inspecting your home—beat them to it.

Schedule Your Atlanta Pest and Property Inspection Today

If you’re in Marietta, Roswell, Kennesaw, or anywhere in metro Atlanta, visit Reynolds Home and Property Solutions to schedule your next inspection. Our detailed reports cover structural risks, pest signs, HVAC conditions, and everything you need to make confident decisions.

Recommended Reading:

• How Termite Damage Is Often Missed Without a Full Home Inspection in Marietta

• Why Crawl Space Moisture Leads to Wood Rot: What Atlanta Homeowners Need to Know

• Top 10 Signs Your Crawl Space Needs Immediate Attention in Georgia Homes

External Resources:

• InterNACHI Pest Inspections

• Georgia Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Division