How to manage birds near your business

Pigeons on a sidewalk

Handling bird-related issues can be a major challenge for businesses. Birds not only create a mess and disturb customers, but they could also present potential health concerns.

Pigeons and seagulls are frequent offenders, particularly in urban neighborhoods. Here are some of the factors that make bird control difficult:

  1. Pigeons typically feed on grains and seeds but have adapted to city environments by scavenging discarded food and trash.
  2. With a steady food supply, pigeons can breed year-round, with peak activity occurring between March and July.
  3. Seagulls are highly territorial and tend to return to the same nesting spots annually, making it difficult to detach them from a building.
  4. These birds have particularly long lifespans, with seagulls able to live up to 40 years old and continue reproducing the entire time.

If you’re noticing more bird nests around your property, it could be a sign of an infestation. Looking for bird control solutions? Contact Florida Pest Control. 

Limit food access

The most effective way to deter birds in the long run is to eliminate their food sources. However, in busy towns and cities, this is rarely an achievable solution.

If birds are becoming a problem around your business, consider these strategies:

  • Block access to nesting areas by installing barriers on window ledges and other potential roosting spots.
  • Store food sources out of sight to minimize attraction.
  • Ensure trash can lids are tightly closed and avoid leaving garbage bags exposed.

Florida Pest’s bird deterrent services

Addressing bird activity as soon as it starts can help protect your property and keep business operations running smoothly. We provide a variety of non-toxic, humane solutions to effectively manage nuisance bird populations. Our knowledgeable technicians will assess your situation and suggest the best course of action.

Our bird control services include:

  • Bird netting
  • Bird spikes
  • Electric deterrents
  • Additional options such as gel applications, sensory deterrents, and bird repellers

How we customize our plans

We take a comprehensive approach to bird control, using a combination of trapping, removal, and exclusion methods to help manage bird activity while minimizing property damage. Our experts are trained to recognize protected species and provide humane solutions.

Here’s what to expect from our bird control services:

  1. A technician will reach out to schedule an on-site inspection at a time that works for you.
  2. After assessing the bird activity, they will recommend a customized treatment plan with bird-proofing options and pricing.
  3. Multiple visits may be needed to fully address the issue, and your technician will coordinate a schedule that fits your needs.
  4. Upon arrival, the technician will introduce themself and explain the treatment process before getting started.
  5. Before they leave, you’ll receive expert advice on preventing future bird problems and keeping your property less attractive to birds.

Contact Florida Pest today to learn more about bird deterrent options like netting and other effective solutions.

Bird netting

Our bird netting solutions are built to keep birds away, preventing them from nesting and roosting in unwanted areas. Each installation is tailored to meet your specific bird control requirements.

Advantages of Our Bird Netting:

  • Fast Results – Birds are immediately deterred and will seek another location.
  • Custom Fit – Netting is installed to match the unique layout of your property.
  • Reliable Protection – Florida Pest provides a one-year warranty on all netting installations.
  • Cost-Effective – A long-lasting, humane approach to managing bird activity.

Electric bird deterrents

Florida Pest’s electric bird deterrent is an effective solution for preventing birds from gathering on roof peaks, beams, ledges, and other surfaces, helping to minimize potential property damage.

A specialized charger sends a brief pulse along the track every 2-3 seconds. It trains the birds to avoid the treated area, without harming them.

Advantages of Our Electric Bird Deterrents:

  • Humane – Discourages birds without causing harm.
  • Adaptable – Can be installed on various surface types.
  • Discreet Design – Only 6 mm high and available in multiple colors to blend with your structure.
  • Durable Construction – Made from UV-stabilized PVC and stainless steel, with a five-year warranty.

Florida Pest knows how to help

Our bird control experts have extensive experience handling bird-related issues across many commercial properties. We utilize discreet and cost-effective methods to manage pest birds in a humane manner.

If birds are becoming an ongoing problem for your property, contact us for a free consultation. Our solutions are environmentally conscious and designed for long-term effectiveness.

How Commercial Rodent Exclusion Keeps Your Business Safe & Sound

Rat's head poking out of a hole in paper

As a diligent Florida business owner, you’re well aware of the challenges that colder seasons bring – including the unwelcome infestation of rodents seeking warmth and sustenance indoors. These little invaders are not just a nuisance, they pose real threats to health and safety, along with the hard-earned reputation of your operation.

But fear not – for our team of rodent exclusion professionals at Florida Pest Control is here to take care of your space. We’ve crafted this guide to walk you through the exceptional commercial solutions we offer to keep mice and rats at bay. Let’s dive in!

 

The Risks Rodents Pose to Your Business

It’s crucial for businesses, no matter their size or industry, to fend off rodents. Here’s why calling in the experts is a smart move:

  • Health is paramount: Rodents are notorious disease carriers. Illnesses like Rat Bite Fever could easily jump from these pests to humans. Protecting your team and customers from these health risks is a top priority.
  • Potential costly damages: Rodents are incessant gnawers. They’ll chew through furniture, wiring, insulation, and inventory, leaving you with a hefty bill. Preventative, professional exclusion can save you from these expenses.
  • Reputation: Imagine the impact on your client meetings if a mouse were to make an unexpected appearance. In the ultra-connected world we live in, news of a rodent sighting could spread like wildfire, especially if you’re in the food service sector.

Our Tailored Rodent Exclusion Approach

Running a business comes with its fair share of challenges, so let us take rodent worries off your plate with our bespoke rodent exclusion strategy:

  1. Thorough inspection: Our first step involves a detailed inspection of your property to spot potential entry points and signs of rodent presence.
  2. Sealing entry ways: Post-inspection, we get to work sealing up those entry points, no matter how small. Rodents only need a tiny gap to start making trouble.
  3. Humane trapping: For those larger pests, we offer humane trapping to safely remove them.
  4. Regular check-ins: Our commitment to keeping your premises rodent-free doesn’t stop after the initial service. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure your space remains protected.

 

 

Are Florida Pest Control’s Pest Control Treatments Safe?

Above all, we prioritize the well-being of your employees and clients. Our approach leans heavily on natural baits and mechanical exclusion methods before considering pesticides. And if chemicals become necessary, we adhere strictly to safety protocols to protect people, plants, and pets alike.

 

Finding Pest Control for Your Industry

Pest control needs can significantly vary across different industries, which is why partnering with a pest control expert who understands your specific needs, like Florida Pest Control, is essential. We take pride in serving a wide array of sectors with our rodent exclusion services, so each of these types businesses gets the tailored approach it deserves:

  • Restaurants
  • Warehousing and distribution
  • Education and daycare
  • Food service
  • Multi-unit housing
  • Property management
  • Healthcare
  • Lodging and hospitality
  • Manufacturing

 

Protect Your Business with Florida Pest Control

While keeping your place clean and tidy is a great deterrent against pests, some situations call for professional intervention. Utilizing cutting-edge pest control technologies, our trained technicians are ready to help you turn your rodent issue into a thing of the past. 

Partner with the Florida Pest Control team to protect your investments, your customers, and your reputation. Ready to get started? Give us a call or fill out a contact form today for a free service quote!

Top 5 Rodent Prevention Tips for Businesses

A small gray rat standing in a corner indoors. The best way to avoid a rodent infestation in your business is to use rodent prevention methods to keep them from entering.

As a business owner, it’s important to keep rodents out of your commercial property. Rodents can cause serious health problems and damage your building, inventory, and brand. Rat infestations can happen quickly, leading to expensive repairs and a bad reputation. Rodents chew through wires, ruin food, and damage buildings. They can also spread diseases that affect both your employees and customers. That’s why commercial rodent exclusion is important to stop a rodent problem before it gets worse.

Here are 5 simple tips to help you prevent rodents from getting into your business. If you think you have a rodent problem, call the expert rodent exterminators at Florida Pest Control for a full inspection and customized rodent treatments. In the meantime, these easy steps can help you keep rodents away. 

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps Around Your Business

One of the strongest tools you can use against rodents is rodent exclusion. This is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in your building’s exterior to prevent rodents from getting inside. Remember that rodents don’t need a lot of space; anything they can get their head through, they can pull the rest of their body through. Also, they’re excellent chewers, so if a gap isn’t big enough, they can gnaw until it is. Their teeth are unexpectedly strong – they’re harder than human teeth and even some metals.

Expanding foam sealant isn’t enough for large gaps like the ones between floor expansion joints. As you might guess, rodent teeth won’t take long to get through it. So, for larger gaps, consider two layers of high-density foam around one layer of stainless steel mesh. 

Another simpler idea is to check the weather stripping on your doors. It’s very easy for rodents to chew through it, which makes your door a very easy access point. Using door guards and sweeps could make it harder for rodents to enter.

2. Clean Up Harborage

Did you know that keeping your landscaping neat could also reduce your pest problems? That’s because keeping your trees and shrubs trimmed reduces rodent harborage – in other words, it removes potential rodent hiding places. Leaving a six-foot gap between your structure and any landscaping elements is also recommended; this removes cover that rodents could use to travel to the structure.

Even raking up leaves could reduce harborage and make your building less attractive to rodents. Pests are bad for business, whether you run a restaurant or an office building; if a potential customer sees a rodent scurrying around your building, they might just decide to take their business elsewhere.

3. Inspect Incoming Shipments

If you work in shipping and manufacturing, you know how hazardous rodents can be. They can quickly destroy inventory and contaminate food shipments. That’s why it’s important to check over each incoming shipment for signs of rodents. Even if your inventory isn’t edible, rodents may want to use it for nesting material.

Here are a few signs that an incoming shipment may have rodents hitching a ride:

  • Chewing marks. Rodents have to chew almost constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Even if they don’t need your inventory for food or nesting materials, they’ll still chew it.
  • Droppings. Self-explanatory: rodents eat, so they’ll leave droppings behind.
  • Spilled items. Since rodents chew anything they can get their teeth around, they’ll chew through packaging and spill food or small items. 

Rodents are right at home just about anywhere – even on a shipping pallet. They can survive a few days without food or water, as well. It pays to inspect shipments carefully; since they reproduce so fast, even a single rodent could cause a full-scale infestation.

4. Clean Up Garbage

Rodents aren’t picky about food. Human garbage cans have everything they need: food, water, and shelter. Plus, they’re unlikely to be disturbed there – except on garbage collection day, of course. So, how do you keep rodents from setting up shop in your dumpster?

There’s a simple answer: keep a tight lid on your garbage. This prevents rodents from climbing inside and chowing down. Remember the recycling bin, too – paper, plastic, cardboard, and more are fantastic sources of nesting material.

And, of course, make sure all garbage is put into the containers and doesn’t pile up next to it. Mice and rats will gladly make a meal out of litter!

5. Monitored Traps and Maintaining Regular Inspections

Pest-monitoring traps can also help keep rodents out of your building. Place them in areas where rodents are likely to infiltrate, such as outdoor break areas, shipping-receiving areas, and parking garages. 

Regularly inspecting your property for signs of rodent infestation is also an important part of prevention, but there’s only so much you can do without help from a professional. Places such as wall and ceiling voids, attics and crawl spaces, and sub-slab areas can be difficult or impossible to check without a pro – and they’re prime rodent territory. 

A comprehensive inspection from the Florida Pest Control team is a great choice – even if you don’t think you have a rodent problem. Remember that prevention is easier than cure!

Count on Florida Pest Control for Rodent Control in Florida

For businesses in Florida, there’s no better choice for rodent control services than Florida Pest Control. We have all the knowledge and experience needed to help keep your business safe from the threat of pests. Whether you’re in need of a routine inspection or you’re fighting a full-fledged rodent infestation, our team is the best one for the job.

Give us a call to get started with a free quote!

Check out our rodent information and rodent identification guides for more insight into these persistent pests.

FAQs

What are the strategies for rodent control?

Effective rodent control starts with prevention. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows to block entry points. Keep areas clean and free of food debris, as this reduces the chances of attracting rodents. Store food in airtight containers to eliminate potential food sources. Clear clutter indoors and outdoors, as it provides hiding spots for rodents. Additionally, traps can be placed in problem areas to monitor and catch any activity.

What do professionals use for rodent control?

Professionals at Florida Pest Control use advanced techniques to manage rodents effectively. They focus on rodent exclusion by sealing entry points to prevent infestations. Bait stations are used to safely target rodents, while traps help capture them. Customized rodent treatments are applied to ensure complete extermination.

How do restaurants keep rodents away?

Restaurants take extra precautions to keep rodents away. Regular cleaning routines ensure that food debris is removed promptly, eliminating attractants. Food is stored in rodent-proof containers to prevent access. Garbage is disposed of in sealed bins to avoid creating shelter or food sources for rodents. Regular inspections help identify any signs of activity early. Many restaurants partner with Florida Pest Control for professional rodent extermination and rodent exclusion services to maintain a safe environment.

How to Get Rid of Filth Flies

commercial dumpster outside business

What Are Filth Flies?

Filth flies are a group of flying insects typically associated with unsanitary environments and decaying organic matter. They are just some of the many types of flies encountered in Florida. These pests are attracted to garbage, feces, and other filth, which they use as food sources and breeding grounds. Filth flies can be a significant problem in residential and commercial spaces, particularly where waste, rotting food, or dead animals are present. They can spread diseases and contaminate surfaces with bacteria and pathogens, making them a health hazard.

When summer arrives, filth fly activity erupts in the Florida area. The warmer temperatures create perfect conditions for fly reproduction, leading to an overwhelming amount of filth flies or house flies in some places. When food sources and temperatures are ideal, the filth fly can hatch from egg to adulthood in as little as seven days. The female fly can produce hundreds of offspring in her short lifetime, bringing about frustrating fly infestations by the end of summer. 

Common Types of Filth Flies

House Flies

Dirty Common housefly viewed from up high, Musca domestica, isolated on white

House flies are among the most common filth flies. They are attracted to garbage, manure, rotting food, and other decaying organic matter. These flies breed quickly, laying eggs in waste materials that hatch into larvae (maggots), then developing into adult flies. House flies can spread disease and contaminate food as they defecate while feeding, making them a serious hygiene concern.

Blow Flies

Green Bottle in the sunlight

Blow flies are typically larger than house flies and are often found near decaying animal carcasses, garbage, and other organic material. These flies are especially attracted to rotting meat, where they lay their eggs. Their maggots feed on the decaying matter, and the adult flies can carry harmful bacteria that contaminate food and surfaces. Blow flies are often associated with decomposition and can present a serious problem when they infest kitchens or dumpsters.

Flesh Flies

Flesh Fly on Blackberry Blossom

Flesh flies are similar to blow flies but are smaller and tend to prefer breeding in rotting flesh or dead animals. These flies also breed in decaying organic material like feces, manure, and garbage. Flesh fly larvae can develop in waste and can pose a significant health risk in environments like farms, commercial kitchens, and restaurants. Like other filth flies, they can carry disease and spread harmful pathogens.

What Are Filth Flies Attracted To?

This particular group of flies are drawn to environments that offer food, moisture, and breeding sites. They are commonly attracted to wet organic material, including spilled liquids, overripe fruit, and leftover pet food, and they’re known to seek out food waste residue on unclean surfaces or in dirty containers. Bright lights can also attract certain filth fly species, especially during evening hours, leading them indoors through poorly sealed doors or windows.

Where Do Filth Flies Come From?

Filth flies originate from locations where waste accumulates or organic material is allowed to decompose. Common sources include untended compost bins, soiled mop buckets, and leaky garbage bags. They can also come from improperly stored animal feed or wet spots in landscaping, like mulch or overwatered soil. These flies frequently infiltrate buildings via cracks in foundations, damaged screens, or ventilation ducts, establishing themselves wherever conditions allow them to thrive.

Are Filth Flies Dangerous?

Unfortunately, filth flies can be dangerous if left untreated. That’s because they often come with poor sanitation since they spend most of their life in or around decaying material. When moving from decaying matter to human-populated areas, they can bring germs and bacteria to the food or food prep areas. Filth flies are known to carry over 100 different diseases, including the food-borne illness, Salmonella. 

Health Risks Associated with Filth Flies

According to ‘Pests in and Around the Southern Home’, filth flies are known carriers of diseases such as dysentery and salmonella. As they move between filth and clean areas, they transfer bacteria, parasites, and viruses through their legs, bodies, and feces. These flies often defecate while feeding, further increasing the risk of contamination. Filth fly maggots can also infest wounds or food, posing additional health hazards.

Why Filth Flies Are a Concern in Homes and Businesses

In homes, filth flies contaminate food and kitchen surfaces, making preparing or consuming meals unsafe. Businesses, particularly kitchens and restaurants, threaten food safety standards, risking fines, loss of reputation, and closure. 

For industries like healthcare or food processing, filth flies can spread harmful pathogens, jeopardizing operations and public health. Their rapid reproduction rates make infestations difficult to control without timely intervention, further amplifying the risk.

Got a filth fly problem? Florida Pest Control is here to help. Our expert fly control solutions target infestations at the source, ensuring your space is safe, hygienic, and free from these harmful pests. Contact us today.

How Do I Get Rid of Filth Flies in My House?

Dealing with filth flies requires a comprehensive plan that eliminates breeding sites, maintains cleanliness, and utilizes effective fly control solutions. It’s important to note while some steps can be handled with DIY methods, professional pest control ensures thorough and lasting results.

Identify and Eliminate Breeding Sites

This particular group of flies is attracted to areas with decaying organic matter and moisture, making locating and removing these sources essential. Check for loose lids or food residue in garbage cans, clogged drains where organic material accumulates, and hidden debris like dead animals or rotting food in crawl spaces or walls. These breeding sites serve as the foundation for infestations, so addressing them promptly is critical to halting the fly life cycle. 

Effective Cleaning and Sanitation Practices

Maintaining a clean and sanitary home prevents and eliminates filth flies. Regular cleaning removes the food and moisture sources these pests rely on. Thoroughly clean garbage bins to remove residue and prevent smells that attract flies. Regularly clear and sanitize drains where organic buildup may occur. Sweep and wipe down all surfaces, focusing on areas where food scraps or spills might accumulate, such as kitchens and dining areas.

DIY Methods for Fly Control

Some people use DIY methods to try to reduce flies, especially for small infestations. For example, vinegar and dish soap traps can be used to catch flies, and strong-smelling herbs like basil or mint may keep flies away. Apple cider vinegar traps are also used to repel fruit flies. 

While these methods can help a little, they don’t solve bigger problems or stop infestations completely. Natural methods can help reduce flies for a short time, but they don’t fix the main cause of the problem or work well for bigger infestations. 

Professional fly control is the best solution. Learn more about Florida Pest’s residential fly control.

Fly Traps, Baits, and Sprays

Insect Light Traps (ILTs) can be effective for capturing flies indoors without using chemicals. For drain flies, specialized drain cleaners can break down organic material that serves as a breeding ground. Additionally, fly sprays and baits offer immediate relief by targeting adult flies in high-activity areas. 

However, residential products are often less robust than commercial-grade solutions. They may reduce the number of visible flies but often fail to address underlying infestations or hidden breeding sites effectively. If you want to eliminate filth flies from your home, professional pest control services are the most reliable option for comprehensive fly management. Experts at Florida Pest Control combine advanced fly treatments with preventative strategies to resolve all filth fly issues.

Preventing Filth Flies from Returning

Filth flies don’t usually come indoors until they have reached adulthood, so many of the exclusive efforts you can take center around keeping adult flies out. One of the best ways to keep your property free of flies is to limit development areas for flies to grow outside and to practice fly exclusion. Here are some of the main tips to limit flies and keep them outside:

Exclusion Methods to Reduce Filth Flies

We recommend:

  • Put in screens or vents wherever there is an exterior opening. 
  • All receiving doors should remain closed when not in use. Also, check for gaps or missing seals when doors are closed. 
  • Doors to garbage chutes should be closed when not in use. Make the route from indoors to the exterior dumpster as sealed off as possible. 
  • Monitor the timing of self-closing doors so they do not stay open for long periods. A common pest-proofing issue with public entryway doors is the astragal seal at the door base of where the double doors meet. Seals are available for pest-proofing the astragal seal.

Install trash receptacles with self-closing lids around the building exterior and empty them as frequently as possible. 

Sanitation Methods to Reduce Filth Flies

Reducing sanitation issues around your property is another way to limit flies. Here are a few ideas we recommend:

  • Keep the area around and under the dumpster as clean as possible. 
  • Clean the garbage chute and ensure it is free of debris. 
  • When the dumpster box is removed from the refuse company, request that it be cleaned before it is returned. 

Effective sanitation is crucial in preventing flies from returning. Regular cleaning and removing organic matter that attracts flies—such as food waste, rotting materials, and dead animals—can greatly reduce the likelihood of an infestation. 

Best Practices for Indoor Fly Prevention

Preventative measures include ensuring food is stored properly in airtight containers, cleaning up spills immediately, and maintaining cleanliness around food preparation areas. Make sure food is stored properly in airtight containers, reducing potential food sources for flies. 

How to Protect Outdoor Areas from Filth Flies

Outdoor areas are common breeding grounds for filth flies, so keeping them clean and free of organic material is essential. We advise proper waste management practices, such as securing garbage cans and dumpsters and removing compost or rotting vegetation regularly. 

Proper Waste Management and Disposal

Proper waste management and disposal is one of the most effective ways to prevent flies. Set up a regular waste removal schedule and ensure waste is securely disposed of. We recommend properly bagging organic materials like food scraps and manure and performing routine dumpster cleanings to eliminate potential fly breeding sites.

Filth Fly Control for Commercial Spaces

Filth flies are common in businesses in Florida during summer. Despite efforts to make sure your property is sanitary or equipped with exclusion tactics, fly infestations are still possible. 

Common Problem Areas in Businesses

Filth flies are commonly attracted to waste, decaying organic materials, and poor sanitation – meaning they’re attracted to kitchens, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. Areas like garbage bins, dumpsters, and drains can quickly become breeding grounds. In restaurants food storage areas and prep stations are high-risk zones. For warehouses or manufacturing facilities, spaces that store organic materials or have poor ventilation can also attract these pests. When this happens, give Florida Pest Control a call to help get flies under control.

Professional Solutions for Restaurants, Warehouses, and Facilities

Our professional approach combines advanced technology, strategic planning, and proactive prevention to ensure your business complies with hygiene standards.

Our service begins with a comprehensive inspection of your property to identify high-risk areas such as food preparation spaces, waste storage zones, drains, and loading docks. Once we’ve identified the sources of the issue, we design a customized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

We use Lumnia light traps (ILTs) in key locations to capture adult flies for effective and discreet fly control. These innovative, energy-saving traps provide a hygienic solution that aligns with food service demands and other sensitive industries.

In larger facilities, we may recommend installing air curtains to create a barrier that prevents flies from entering high-traffic doorways or loading areas. Additionally, we implement drain treatment solutions to eliminate breeding sites and address hidden infestations in sinks, floor drains, and other moist environments where flies thrive.

Why Healthcare Facilities Need Expert Pest Control

Doctor sitting on his desk smiling in his office | Florida Pest Control serving Gainesville, FL

In healthcare settings, constant foot traffic from patients, visitors, and staff, combined with cleanliness standards, poses unique pest control challenges. Rodents and insects are notorious for their ability to transmit diseases and infiltrate sterile areas – so they significantly threaten everyone’s health and safety. Effective pest management is a necessity in preventing these risks. 

If your healthcare facility doesn’t adhere to stringent pest control protocols it may face severe repercussions, including tarnished reputation and potential legal ramifications. Maintaining high pest management standards is crucial to the health and well-being of patients and to uphold the integrity of healthcare services. Professionals in pest control like Florida Pest Control have healthcare-specific extermination services to address these exact issues.

Common Pests to Watch Out for in Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities are hotspots for a variety of pests, each with its own risks and challenges:

  • Cockroaches: These pests are notorious for carrying many pathogens and thrive in the moist, food-rich environments typical of healthcare settings.
  • Flies: Easily attracted to food scraps and organic waste, flies are vectors for many pathogens, complicating maintaining a clean environment.
  • Ants: Although primarily a nuisance, ants can compromise sterile zones and potentially contaminate equipment and surfaces.
  • Rodents: Rats and mice can spread serious diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella and cause physical damage to healthcare facilities’ infrastructure, necessitating robust rodent control measures.
  • Bed Bugs: These pests are particularly troublesome in healthcare settings due to their stealthy nature and ability to spread quickly from room to room. 

Challenges of Bed Bugs in Healthcare Facilities

Bed bugs in healthcare facilities are a significant issue due to their effect on patient comfort and the potential to cause secondary infections through their bites. These insects are particularly adept at hiding and can increase rapidly through personal and hospital linens, clothing, and other fabrics. 

Managing bed bugs requires a comprehensive strategy that includes:

  • Routine inspections to catch infestations early.
  • Ongoing education for staff and patients on identifying and preventing bed bug infestations.
  • Professional bed bug extermination treatments to eliminate them effectively.

How Pests Get Into Healthcare Facilities

Pests typically enter healthcare facilities through open doors, improperly sealed windows, vents, and various structural gaps. Once inside, they find ample breeding grounds and hiding spots — particularly in food storage, laundry, waste disposal, and even patient care areas. Patient transfers and supply deliveries also serve as additional gateways for pests. 

Addressing these facility vulnerabilities requires a strategic approach to pest management that eliminates entry points and reduces pest attraction.

Expert Pest Control Keeps Your Healthcare Facility Clean

Florida Pest Control‘s commercial extermination services are designed specifically for the unique challenges faced by healthcare facilities. Our team fully complies with all health and safety regulations and provides expert extermination services that respect the sensitive nature of healthcare environments. 

By partnering with Florida Pest Control, your healthcare facility can safeguard its patients, staff, and overall reputation for a clean, safe, and compliant environment. Contact us today to discuss how our specialized pest control solutions can contribute to the excellence of your healthcare facility.

Understanding Bed Bug Prevention for Hotel Managers

bed bugs in bed with Florida Pest Control in Gainesville FL

The last thing a hotel guest wants to see when getting into bed for the night is bed bugs. In hospitality, the well-being and comfort of your guests are of the utmost importance, and bed bugs are an easy way to tarnish their experience and your reputation. With the constant flow of people coming in and out of your hotel, it may seem impossible to keep bed bugs out, however, there are some precautions you can take to help minimize your risk. Here’s what you need to know about bed bugs to keep your establishment as clean as possible.

How Common Are Bed Bugs in Hotels?

Bed bugs are a common issue at any hotel. As people come and go, bed bugs will hitchhike on a single traveler into the hotel and then begin an infestation with the new guests coming in. Bed bugs can thrive in any type of hotel environment and can occur in even the best-kept hotels. 

How Can You Prevent Bed Bugs as a Hotel Manager?

While completely preventing bed bugs is not likely, there are steps that you can take to protect guests and your reputation. By taking proactive steps and acting quickly when early signs are noticed, you can minimize the risk of a severe infestation. These steps include: 

  • Put insect-proof encasements on mattresses
  • Incorporate inspections into regular cleaning routines
  • Steam clean all upholstered furniture, including headboards
  • Keep guest rooms and common areas free from clutter
  • Monitor feedback from guests to see if anyone reports bed bugs
  • Coordinate with a commercial pest control professional

Signs of Bed Bugs in Hotels

As your staff cleans rooms after each guest, they should also be on the lookout for bed bugs. The faster they can catch an infestation, the more easily you will be able to contain it. Educate your staff on the signs of bed bugs in hotels, which include:

  • Visible Bugs: Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that can sometimes be seen crawling on mattresses, bedding, or furniture.
  • Dark Spots: Dark spots or stains on bedding, mattresses, or furniture may indicate bed bug fecal matter or blood stains left behind after feeding.
  • Eggshells and Shed Skins: Bed bugs shed their skins as they grow, leaving behind translucent eggshells and molted exoskeletons in areas where they hide.
  • Musty Odor: A sweet, musty odor may be present in rooms with a significant bed bug infestation, particularly in enclosed spaces like closets or behind furniture.

What to Do if Your Hotel Has Bed Bugs

Bed bugs in a hotel room can shock anyone who comes upon them. Taking fast action to slow the infestation is a must to prevent the bugs from getting out of control. Should the situation go beyond your abilities, it’s best to turn to professional bed bug exterminators. 

At Florida Pest Control, we’re proud to offer a wide range of bed bug removal services for hotel managers in Florida. We offer discreet services that will quickly contain the issue without alarming guests. If your hotel is experiencing an outbreak of bed bugs, contact us today!

Should You Be Worried About Dengue Fever in Florida?

Should You Be Worried About Dengue Fever c

Recently, the buzz around Dengue fever has grown, especially with the disease’s creeping presence into the United States. For those in Florida feeling uneasy about Dengue fever knocking on their doors, the outlook is promising: the risk is minimal.

Understanding the anxiety surrounding this issue, we’ve crafted a guide to arm you with crucial insights on Dengue fever, including its transmission methods.

How Is Dengue Fever Transmitted?

The disease spreads through the bites of Aedes mosquitoes carrying the infection. Contrary to some misconceptions, Dengue cannot be passed directly from one person to another. However, once a mosquito feeds on an infected individual, it becomes a vector for the disease, potentially infecting others. This transmission chain is common in areas where Dengue is widespread.

What is Dengue Fever?

Affecting over 100 countries across Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands, Dengue fever sees between 100 and 400 million new cases each year. Although many cases don’t show symptoms, approximately 500,000 individuals experience severe illness, and around 40,000 succumb to the disease annually.

Dengue fever symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Intense headache
  • Eye pain
  • Muscle and joint ache
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin rash, emerging two to five days post-fever
  • Minor bleeding episodes (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

Should You Be Concerned About Dengue Fever?

The likelihood of contracting Dengue fever within the United States remains exceedingly rare, akin to lottery odds. In 2023, Florida reported only two cases of local transmission, highlighting the remote risk.

Yet, these instances underscore the potential for mosquito-borne diseases to expand into new territories. Various theories exist regarding Dengue’s emergence in previously unaffected locations. For current statistics on Dengue fever within the United States, the CDC offers up-to-date information.

Mosquito Control Experts in Florida

While Dengue fever constitutes a major concern globally, its presence in Florida is notably low. If mosquito activity worries you, Florida Pest Control provides dependable mosquito management solutions. Our expertise ensures your environment remains secure against mosquito-related dangers, offering you tranquility.

What Are Some Common Pests Found In Warehouses?

Commercial Warehouse Pest Control with Florida Pest Control in FL

The large layouts of warehouse properties offer pests a wide selection of corners, cracks, drains, and other locations for hiding, feeding, and breeding. The open doors and loading docks easily invite pests in, and the constant shipments can transport new inhabitants of pests. With all the moving pieces of warehouse function, it can be easy to overlook an emerging infestation.

If you work in, manage, or own a commercial manufacturing facility warehouse, it’s essential to be aware of which pests could cause issues for you and your facility. Here are some of the most common pests found in warehouses and the problems they may cause:

Cockroaches

Potential problems: Cockroaches are potential vectors for bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Further, these pests leave pungent odors and unsightly spots on floors, walls, and equipment. Cockroaches live and thrive in the materials found in warehouses, including wood and cardboard boxes. They will usually come into warehouses or businesses via shipments and deliveries. Cockroaches can be difficult to find as they live in dark cracks and crevices. Unfortunately, this means that large populations can develop before they are noticed. 

Birds

Potential problems: High ceilings, rafters, and open beams make attractive nesting and perching spots for birds. Besides unsettling and distracting swooping and chirping, birds pose danger with their unsanitary droppings. These droppings can contaminate whatever it touches, including products and equipment. These droppings carry pathogens that cause numerous diseases. It’s important to consider that some bird species are protected and must be controlled and removed with those regulations in mind. 

Rodents

Potential problems: Rodents, such as rats and mice, can enter warehouses through cracks and holes the size of a quarter or dime, depending on exactly which rodent you’re dealing with. Rodents can reproduce at high rates, establishing large infestations over a short period. These infestations should be addressed quickly as rodents can cause several diseases and leave behind unhygienic droppings that contaminate products, and equipment. Droppings also threaten the safety and health of workers, visitors, and customers. Further, rodents are prone to gnawing, which can damage electrical systems, packaging, products, equipment, and structures. 

Flies

Potential problems: Flies can infiltrate your warehouse through open doors, windows, cracks, and other openings. Beyond being a nuisance, flies can carry pathogens that can cause disease and help spread foodborne illnesses. Flies are known to be difficult to eliminate as small fly larvae can develop and thrive in warehouse floor drains, as well as in trash and recycling bins. This is especially the case in areas with warmer weather, leading to summer months causing large fly infestations. 

Wildlife

Potential problems: Nuisance wildlife pests, like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and other small animals, often seek the warmth and shelter of warehouse properties. In addition to these animals disturbing workers and visitors, wildlife can leave behind unsafe droppings. They can also damage structures and property, as well as your business reputation. Wild animals can be aggressive when they feel threatened, so hiring a professional may be the best course of action.

Warehouse Pest Control Experts!

It’s vital to keep in mind that the presence of pests may violate compliance and regulatory standards in certain industries. Florida Pest Control is aware of the importance of warehouse standards and has expert knowledge in locating and removing all types of warehouse pests. Florida Pest Control offers effective, specific, and fast solutions to your needs. Our warehouse pest control solutions strive to cause minimal disruption to your operations, plus proactive prevention and monitoring strategies to help deter new problems from starting. Contacts us today to get a free estimate, and take pests out of your inventory.

Malaria in America: How Wary of Mosquitoes Should Floridians Be?

Man with headache in florida

Florida’s enchanting landscapes, warm climate, and abundant water sources are what many residents and visitors cherish. However, amidst the beauty, a hidden threat looms the risk of malaria transmission by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are one of the most serious pest issues for home and business owners in Florida, and for the first time in 20 years locally transmitted cases of Malaria have been confirmed in Florida and Texas. With the advent of these cases, the importance of mosquito prevention is at an all-time high. 

Malaria Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Malaria

Also known as a plasmodium infection, malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. There are many types of malaria parasites, some more harmful than others. The US cases have been identified as the P. Vivax malaria parasite, a strain that typically causes milder symptoms but can be fatal for pregnant individuals and children. 

What Are the Symptoms? 

Symptoms of Malaria are very similar to the flu: 

  • Fever 
  • Chills 
  • General feeling of discomfort 
  • Headache 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Muscle or joint pain 
  • Fatigue 
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • Cough 

Some people experience malaria “attacks” of chills, followed by high fever and sweating, then a return to normal temperature. Symptoms typically begin within a few weeks of infection, but some malaria parasites can lie dormant for up to a year. Any malaria case should be considered a medical emergency, so if you suspect you may be suffering from malaria, please seek medical treatment. 

How Can I Prevent Infection?

While there’s no way to ensure prevention of an infected mosquito bite, there are ways you can mitigate the risk:

  • Barriers such as doors and window screens at every entry point 
  • Repellants including DEET or picaridin 
  • Treatment and removal of standing water

Understanding Mosquitoes’ Role and the Need for Prevention  

Mosquitoes serve as carriers for malaria parasites, transferring the disease from infected individuals to healthy ones through their bites. In Florida, species like Anopheles quadrimaculatus and Aedes aegypti are known transmitters of this parasite. Aedes mosquitoes are particularly concerning, given their adaptability to urban environments and their involvement in the spread of other diseases like dengue and Zika.  

Malaria can lead to severe illness and even death, especially in vulnerable populations. Preventing mosquito bites reduces the risk of transmission and safeguards community well-being. To counter the threat of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, comprehensive prevention strategies are imperative. That’s where the experts at Florida Pest Control come in. 

Expert Care You Can Trust 

The highly trained professionals at Florida Pest Control have over 70 years of experience serving the residents of Florida. With a passion for providing quality service, and innovative solutions, our team is dedicated to keeping you safe and your home free from pests. For a free quote, call us today! 

How Do Rats Get Inside The Attic?

Rat on a piece of wood in the attic

Discovering unwanted visitors in your attic can be an unsettling experience for any homeowner. Among the numerous pests that may invade our homes, rats hold a notorious position, and their presence in the attic is a common problem faced by many. Understanding how these resourceful creatures gain access to your attic is crucial in addressing the issue effectively. 

How Rats Get Inside

Your attic may seem like a strange place for rats to invade, but infestations up high are more common than many people realize. Rats are excellent climbers – especially roof rats, which have extra-long tails that make it easy for them to balance. Once they climb up the side of your home, rats may enter your attic by:

  • Entering through cracks or gaps
  • Looking for soft spots or holes in your roof
  • Crawling through attic fans or vents
  • Looking for plumbing or wiring openings

Keeping your roof and siding in great condition is one of the best ways to prevent an upstairs invasion of rodents. You can also seal any existing openings with caulk to make it more difficult for rats to access your space. 

Signs You Have Rats in Your Attic

Identifying the presence of rats in your attic is crucial in tackling the issue promptly. The sooner you spot an infestation, the easier it will be to address the problem and avoid property damage or health risks. Here are some telltale signs that indicate a potential rat infestation:

  • Strange Noises: If you hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds coming from your attic, especially during the night when rats are most active, it’s a strong indication of their presence.
  • Foul Odors: Rats have a distinct musky smell that can permeate the air in your attic. If you detect a strong, unpleasant odor that persists despite your efforts to eliminate it, it could be a sign of a rat infestation.
  • Droppings: Rat droppings are a reliable indicator of their presence. These small, pellet-like droppings are usually dark brown or black and can be found near their nesting areas, along pathways, or near food sources. 
  • Gnaw Marks: Rats constantly gnaw on objects to keep their teeth from growing too long. Look for gnaw marks on wooden beams, wires, insulation, and other materials in your attic. 
  • Grease Marks: Rats have oily fur that can leave greasy smudges along their regular paths. These marks may be visible along walls, beams, or near openings where they enter and exit your attic.
  • Nesting Materials: Rats build nests using various materials like shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and plant matter. Check for nests tucked away in secluded corners or within insulation. Finding nests is a clear sign of a rat infestation.

What to Do if You Have Rats in the Attic

When faced with a rat infestation in your attic, it’s tempting to tackle the problem on your own. However, opting for professional rodent control services offers numerous advantages that make it the best choice for effectively eliminating these unwanted guests. Our services are eco-friendly ensuring your family is safe while the pest problem is dealt with, and with over 70 years of service, that’s a legacy you can rely on.