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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 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. Hereโ€™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 doesnโ€™t stop after the initial service. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure your space remains protected.

 

Need a Pest Control Estimate?

 

Are Florida Pest Controlโ€™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.ย 

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!

5 Commercial Rodent Prevention Tips

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.

Keeping rodents out is important regardless of what kind of business you run. Whether you work in hospitality or warehousing, rodents are a hazard. They destroy property, chew through wiring, and can spread disease. Theyโ€™re also hard to avoid; rats and mice rely on humans for food, water, and shelter, and are very good at moving unnoticed. You could have a rodent infestation without even knowing it!

If youโ€™re dealing with a rodent problem, call the pros at Florida Pest Control to set up a personalized control plan. While youโ€™re waiting, here are five rodent prevention tips you can try to keep rodents out of your commercial property.ย 

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps

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 buildingโ€™s exterior to prevent rodents from getting inside. Remember that rodents donโ€™t need a lot of space; anything they can get their head through, they can pull the rest of their body through. Also, theyโ€™re excellent chewers, so if a gap isnโ€™t big enough, they can gnaw until it is. Their teeth are unexpectedly strong โ€“ theyโ€™re harder than human teeth and even some metals.

Expanding foam sealant isnโ€™t enough for large gaps, like the ones between floor expansion joints. As you might guess, rodent teeth wonโ€™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.ย 

Another simpler idea is to check the weather stripping on your doors. Itโ€™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? Thatโ€™s because keeping your trees and shrubs trimmed reduces rodent harborage โ€“ 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.

Need a Pest Control Estimate?

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. Thatโ€™s why itโ€™s important to check over each incoming shipment for signs of rodents. Even if your inventory isnโ€™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 donโ€™t need your inventory for food or nesting materials, theyโ€™ll still chew it.
  • Droppings. Self-explanatory; rodents eat, so theyโ€™ll leave droppings behind.
  • Spilled items. Since rodents chew anything they can get their teeth around, theyโ€™ll chew through packaging and spill food or small items.ย 

Rodents are right at home just about anywhere โ€“ 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 arenโ€™t picky about food. Human garbage cans have everything they need; food, water, and shelter. Plus, theyโ€™re unlikely to be disturbed there โ€“ except on garbage collection day, of course. So, how do you keep rodents from setting up shop in your dumpster?

Thereโ€™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 โ€“ paper, plastic, cardboard, and more are fantastic sources of nesting material.

And, of course, make sure all garbage makes it into the containers and doesnโ€™t pile up next to it. Mice and rats will gladly make a meal out of litter!

5. Monitored Traps and 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.ย 

Regularly inspecting your property for signs of rodent infestation is also an important part of prevention, but thereโ€™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 โ€“ and theyโ€™re prime rodent territory.ย 

A comprehensive inspection from the Florida Pest Control team is a great choice โ€“ even if you donโ€™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, thereโ€™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 youโ€™re in need of a routine inspection or youโ€™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!

Keeping Filth Flies at Bay: Sanitation and Exclusion Tips

commercial dumpster outside business

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.ย 

How to Prevent Filth Fly Issues

Filth flies donโ€™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

  • Put in screens or vents wherever there is an exterior opening.ย 
  • All receiving doors should remain closed when not in use. Also, check for gaps or missing seals when doors are closed.ย 
  • 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.ย 
  • 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.ย 

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.ย 
  • Clean the garbage chute and ensure it is free of debris.ย 
  • When the dumpster box is removed from the refuse company, request that it be cleaned before it is returned.ย 

Should You Be Concerned About House Flies or Filth Flies?

Filth flies 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.ย 

Fly Control Services You Can Trust

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. When this happens, give Florida Pest Control a call to help get flies under control!ย 

Expert Commercial Fly Control for Florida Businesses

Lumnia commercial fly light trap mounted on a wall

If you’re a Florida business owner dealing with surprise visits from flies, you know all too well that these pests are much more than a minor disturbance. Fly infestations risk tarnishing the reputation you’ve meticulously cultivated, and could even invite unwanted scrutiny from health regulators.ย 

But there’s no need to worry โ€” our hassle-free commercial fly traps are the answer youโ€™ve been searching for. At Florida Pest Control, we believe fly pest control should provide businesses top-notch services for a cleaner environment. Our premium range of commercial fly traps from the Lumnia line is not only effective but also discreet. They’re designed to eliminate troublesome flies quietly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on what you do best โ€” running your flourishing business.

Finding the Ideal Fly Trap for Your Business

Sifting through the numerous fly trap options may seem overwhelming. However, the key is to select a trap tailored to your business’s specific demands. Here’s what to look for based on where you want to install them:

  • Ceiling-Mounted Traps: Designed for ample spaces, these traps work from above, safeguarding your environment without being obtrusive.
  • Wall Sconce Traps: These ingenious traps offer the dual benefit of dรฉcor and defense, camouflaging within your establishment’s ambiance while keeping flies at bay.
  • Freestanding Traps: Perfect for dynamic spaces, these movable traps can be transported to target areas as required โ€” no wall space needed.
  • Wall-Mounted Traps: Simple to install and efficient in action, these traps serve as steadfast sentinels against fly intrusions.

How to Select a Fly Trap

Each business has its unique products or services and, alongside it, distinct needs for managing flies. Whether you manage a restaurant, office suite, or healthcare facility, choosing the right trap involves a mix of effectiveness, extensive area coverage, and minimal maintenance โ€” all while maintaining discretion. At Florida Pest Control, we are passionate about guiding you toward the ideal choice for taming those winged pests.

Lumnia LED Commercial Fly Trap Series

Allow us to introduce the innovative Lumnia Fly Trap series โ€” a perfect fusion of leading-edge LED technology with the trusted methods of UV fly trapping. Within the Lumnia lineup, you’ll discover:

  • Robust Longevity: These traps are built for durability, which means less worry about frequent changes.
  • Eco-Friendliness: They pack a punch against flies whilst being eco-friendly.
  • Smaller Carbon Impact: Every trap you install is a step forward in championing greener business practices.
  • Energy-Savings: Embrace fly control with a sustainable twist, resulting in reduced energy costs and an eco-conscious operation.
  • Extensive Reach: Commanding a wide area of defense, up to 2,690 square feet, ensures that no-fly wanders unnoticed.
  • Swift Impact: Observe a noticeable reduction in fly activity in no time at all.

All-Around Fly Control Strategies

Flies should never be a hindrance to your business’s progress or smudge its reputation. Pair our exceptional commercial fly traps with expert fly management strategies for the most potent defense. With over 75 years of expertise in pest management, Florida Pest Control is eager to support you with optimal trap installation and demonstrate effective fly elimination techniques.

Ready for a cleaner, more welcoming business atmosphere? Get in touch with us today for a complimentary service quote!

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 โ€“ so they significantly threaten everyoneโ€™s health and safety. Effective pest management is a necessity in preventing these risks.ย 

If your healthcare facility doesnโ€™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.ย 

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.ย 

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 โ€” particularly in food storage, laundry, waste disposal, and even patient care areas. Patient transfers and supply deliveries also serve as additional gateways for pests.ย 

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.ย 

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. Hereโ€™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.ย 

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:ย 

  • 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, itโ€™s best to turn to professional bed bug exterminators.ย 

At Florida Pest Control, weโ€™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, itโ€™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.ย 

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. Itโ€™s important to consider that some bird species are protected and must be controlled and removed with those regulations in mind.ย 

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 youโ€™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.ย 

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.ย 

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!

Itโ€™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.ย 

Malaria Frequently Asked Questionsย 

What is Malaria?ย 

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.ย 

What Are the Symptoms?ย 

Symptoms of Malaria are very similar to the flu:ย 

  • Feverย 
  • Chillsย 
  • General feeling of discomfortย 
  • Headacheย 
  • Nausea and vomitingย 
  • Diarrheaย 
  • Abdominal painย 
  • Muscle or joint painย 
  • Fatigueย 
  • Rapid breathingย 
  • Rapid heart rateย 
  • Coughย 

Some people experience malaria โ€œattacksโ€ 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.ย 

How Can I Prevent Infection?

While thereโ€™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 pointย 
  • Repellants including DEET or picaridinย 
  • Treatment and removal of standing water

Understanding Mosquitoesโ€™ Role and the Need for Preventionย ย 

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.ย ย 

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. Thatโ€™s where the experts at Florida Pest Control come in.ย 

Expert Care You Can Trustย 

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!ย 

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.ย 

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 โ€“ 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.ย 

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.ย 
  • 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.ย 
  • 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, thatโ€™s a legacy you can rely on.