When people hear rustling noises coming from their attic, their first response is that they may have a rat or squirrel problem. Rarely do people think they may have a problem with bats. From time to time, bats become displaced from their natural home (a dead tree or a cave, for example) and end up residing in manmade structures where they can become a nuisance.
Bats are protected animals in the state of Florida. With this being said, what can be done to remove bats if they are in a building? The Florida Bat Conservancy and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommend exclusion of bat entry points and the use of one-way devices that allow the bats to exit the building, but not re-enter.
Bat exclusions cannot be performed year-round. From April through August, mothers may be rearing young. If a building were sealed with pups (baby bats) enclosed and no way for their mother to take care of them, they would die. For this reason, there is a window from Fall until Spring when bats can be excluded from buildings.
So, how do you know if you have bats in the belfry? Because bats are nocturnal, you won’t see them flying about during the day, but you may notice them emerging from openings at dusk. Rustling noises and squeaking coming from ceilings and walls may be heard. Staining may be seen around the openings that the bats are using to enter and exit the structure. Guano may also be found by the openings on ledges, sidewalks, patios, attic woodwork, etc.
In the event you suspect you have bats in a building, this is the time of year to address the issue. Contact us today! We can help.
Halloween brings with it creepy-crawly, scary creatures! People decorate their homes with store-bought cobwebs, fake spiders, rubber snakes, and plastic cockroaches. Even these harmless substitutes can make the faint of heart squeamish, let alone the real thing! Why are some people so afraid of spiders, bugs, or snakes? Just as we stated that “bats aren’t all bad” in a previous article, these creepy crawlers aren’t all bad either.
First off, let’s talk about the fear of spiders – arachnophobia. For many, the idea of walking through a cobweb causes goosebumps to appear. Where there are cobwebs, there are spiders…and one could possibly be crawling on you after you walk through its web! Yikes! Spiders want no more to do with you than you do with them. If threatened, they may bite you in defense, but more often than that, they will try to escape to a protected place. There is a group of spiders that you should steer clear of in Florida – They are the Widows. If these spiders were to bite you, depending on your overall health and sensitivity to their venom, you could become significantly ill. Most often, people think of the notorious Brown Recluse as a possible threat, but cases of this spider being an issue in Florida are usually due to people bringing recluse spiders back from out-of-state travel.
If spiders aren’t an issue with you, what about snakes? The fear of snakes is referred to as ophidiophobia (or ophiophobia). Maybe this fear is due to a snake’s beady eyes, its shiny scales, or flickering tongue? Although these characteristics don’t make the snake an ideal “snuggle buddy” like a cat or dog, we shouldn’t hold this against them. Snakes assist in insect, amphibian, reptile, bird, and rodent control. Without snakes, populations of rodents, for example, in an area could explode. There are even snakes, such as the Indigo and Kingsnake, that control other snakes (including the venomous ones).
Our last group for discussion is of the six-legged variety, the insects. The fear of insects, in general, is entomophobia. There are even names assigned for the fear of specific insects! For example, katsaridaphobia is the fear of cockroaches. There are a few species of cockroaches that can live in our climate-controlled homes and wreak havoc (the German cockroach is a good example), but most of the roaches we see would rather be outside. They don’t want to be in your home any more than you want them there. These outdoor roaches are beneficial in the wild as they help to break down organic material. Think of them as nature’s recyclers, rather than the creepy thing you find crawling on your bedroom wall at night. If spiders aren’t an issue with you, what about snakes? The fear of snakes is referred to as ophidiophobia (or ophiophobia). Maybe this fear is due to a snake’s beady eyes, its shiny scales, or flickering tongue? Although these characteristics don’t make the snake an ideal “snuggle buddy” like a cat or dog, we shouldn’t hold this against them. Snakes assist in insect, amphibian, reptile, bird, and rodent control. Without snakes, populations of rodents, for example, in an area could explode. There are even snakes, such as the Indigo and Kingsnake, that control other snakes (including the venomous ones).
Hopefully, if you suffered from arachnophobia, ophidiophobia, or entomophobia before reading this article, you feel a bit more at ease about these stereotyped bad guys. Sure, there are spiders, snakes, and insects you should avoid for health reasons, but they are the minority. The majority are beneficial in their natural environment and aren’t as spooky or creepy as people think.
When people hear the word bat, they either think of baseball or Dracula! Bats of the animal variety, with their leathery wings and tiny sharp teeth, seem to strike fear into the hearts of most people. Maybe this is because of a common misconception that all bats drink blood like the vampire bats in the Dracula movies. Actually, there are only three species of bats in the world that feed on blood and they reside solely in South America.
The following are more interesting facts about bats:
Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. Their wings are actually “hands” with elongated fingers and a leathery membrane.
70% of the world’s 1,000+ species of bats feed on insects. The remainder feed on nectar, fruit, lizards, birds, frogs, or even fish. All 13 species of bats found in Florida are insectivores (bug eaters).
Besides being natural pest controllers, bats help to pollinate plants and spread fruit seeds (carried in their nutrient-rich guano).
Speaking of guano, some bats can produce several times their body weight in droppings per week, depending on how much they eat. Bat guano is reported to be a great fertilizer, but like other excrements, there are hazards associated with handling the raw product.
Most bats prefer to roost in trees or caves. Unfortunately, when these roosting sites are not available, bats can take up residence in buildings and become a nuisance.
As you can see, bats aren’t the bad guys they’re made out to be. In the event you encounter a bat problem in your home, we have humane methods to remove the bats. This will not only make you happy, but the bats will benefit, as well
The months of July and August are often referred to as the “Dog Days” of summer. This term comes from ancient times where it was believed that Sirius the Dog Star would make temperatures even hotter when they align with the Sun. Although the Dog Star doesn’t actually increase the temperature during its appearance in the summer, I think we can agree it is hot-hot-hot outside! While doing any outdoor activities, be careful of overheating and insect stings.
There are two heat-related illnesses we must be aware of: Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion.
Heat Stroke
This is life-threatening. Symptoms are Hot skin, elevated temperature, disorientation, bizarre behavior, convulsions, rapid breathing, and pulse.
What to do? Seek medical attention immediately. Before help arrives, move the person to a cool place. Cool the person the best way possible. Place ice packs or damp rags on the neck and armpits. Fan the person. Slightly elevate their head and shoulders.
Heat Exhaustion
This occurs when you sweat too much and don’t replace body fluids. Symptoms are Heavy sweating, normal temperature, pale color, headache, dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
What to do? Move the person to a cool place. Elevate the legs. Cool the person with cool wet rags. Give water or Gatorade. Fan the person. Call for medical help if the person doesn’t improve in 30 minutes.
An old rhyme will help you remember which treatment is needed: “If the face is red, raise the head (heat stroke). If the face is pale, raise the tail/legs (heat exhaustion).”
Insect Stings
June, July, and August are the HOT months and the most active months for the Hymenoptera. Ants, Bees, Yellowjackets, and Wasps are hard at work foraging for food. They’re also looking for sources of moisture. Your favorite beverage in a chilled aluminum can is too much of an invitation to them. They will readily fly into the can and collect liquid to carry back to their nest. If you unsuspectingly take a drink while the insect is in the can, you may ingest it into your mouth, or worse, into your stomach. This is a very dangerous situation. You may be stung repeatedly before the insect dies. It’s hard to imagine how painful a sting would be in your esophagus or stomach!!
Each year several people die from Hymenoptera stings to the back of the throat. Their throat swells shut and they suffocate. If someone accidentally ingests a Hymenoptera and is stung in the back of the throat, the esophagus, or stomach, get immediate medical help!
Stay cool and be careful while enjoying the “Dog Days” of summer.
The beginning of a new school year presents certain problems we all have to deal with. One common problem is head lice. Let’s talk about how they spread, and what you can do about them.
How Do Head Lice Spread?
Head Lice can be transferred from person to person through personal contact or by sharing certain items such as combs, brushes, caps, clothing, etc. At school, children often play in close contact with each other and share many of these items. Since Head Lice don’t fly or have strong jumping legs like fleas, close contact is the primary avenue of spreading from host to host. It’s best that children are taught not to share personal belongings such as hats, brushes, and combs with other classmates.
When Are Head Lice Most Common?
August through November is normally the time when lice are transmitted. By December and January, Head Lice infestations are vast. Children should be inspected weekly for head lice during the early fall months of August through November.
On occasion, lice may fall off their host onto another surface; however, they cannot survive off a human for more than 24 hours. Therefore, they do not live for very long in furniture, carpet, beds, vehicles, etc. They want to remain on their host in order to survive.
How Do You Get Rid of Head Lice?
Head Lice eggs are called nits. They are very tiny, white, oval, and cylindrical in shape. Nits are glued by the female to the hairs near the scalp normally behind the ears and along the back of the neck. Nits must be removed by using a special fine-toothed louse comb. This is done by combing from the root to the tip of the hair and repeating until the entire scalp has been combed several times. A regular plastic comb will not remove nits.
One female louse will lay 6-7 eggs each day. A child could have several dozen lice living on his/her head in just a few weeks. You can see why weekly inspections during the school year are so important.
There are several over-the-counter products that can be applied to the scalp for the control of head lice. However, it’s important to note that nit removal is the key. This is because up to 80% of nits survive control products applied to the scalp.
Head lice are a medical problem. There’s no application that can be performed by a pest control company for the control of Head Lice.
Remember, children who are taught not to share personal belongings such as hats, brushes, and combs with other classmates and have weekly inspections performed are less likely to experience head lice during the school year.
With its warm, humid climate, Florida makes a terrific home for termites of all kinds. There are four basic groups of termites present in Florida. Subterranean termites require a moist environment. Dampwood termites require constant moisture and prefer water-saturated wood. In the case of the drywood termite, as its name indicates, it requires very little moisture in the wood it infests. There is also a fourth group of termites called conehead termites. This exotic termite can be found in isolated parts of South Florida. It requires a moist environment similar to the subterranean termite but performs its foraging and nesting in a unique manner.
So how can termites get into your home? One way subterranean termites find their way into buildings is through foraging. Most of the members of a subterranean termite colony get the job of looking for food to feed themselves and their nestmates. They will travel hundreds of feet to find cellulose material (wood, cardboard, paper, etc.) to take back to their nest. During their travels, they may stumble upon the wood members of your house and begin feasting.
Another way termites could end up infesting your home is through a process called swarming. As the population of a termite colony grows over time, winged termites called swarmers may be sent out to start new colonies elsewhere. You may have even noticed these swarmers flying in large numbers at certain times of the year. Different varieties of termites will swarm at different times – so you could see swarms throughout the year, even in fall and winter. However, most termite species will swarm in spring and summer.
Before we discuss some signs of termite infestation, we should understand the types of termites that could damage your home:
Subterranean termites – Subterranean termites (both native and Formosan) are very common in Florida. These pests live in the soil and will create mud tubes as they forage for food above the soil surface. The food might be a fallen log, scrap wood, or your home! As a result, it’s important to make sure you’re protected from these hungry pests before they cause damage to your biggest investment. Another way subterranean termites could establish themselves in your home is during their swarming season. Native subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring on humid afternoons. The Formosan subterranean termite (an introduced species) starts swarming in the spring and may continue to swarm into the summer. Their flights consist of tens of thousands of swarmers and tend to occur in the evening.
Drywood termites – Homes are also at risk of drywood termite attack. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termites need no contact with soil to survive. They can inhabit sound wood and have even been known to nest in wooden furniture! These termites generally swarm during summer evenings. Preventive treatments are available to protect your home from these pests; the alternative is waiting until you have an infestation and possibly having to fumigate your home!
Dampwood termites – Dampwood termites are not considered significant structural pests. They require such a high amount of constant moisture that structural infestations of these termites are rare.
Conehead termites – Conehead termites were first discovered in the early 2000s in Broward County. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been involved in an eradication program to keep this pest from spreading to other parts of Florida. Because of its limited area of known activity in south Florida, it is not yet considered a statewide pest.
Signs of Termites
If you have a termite problem in your home, you may notice this during the spring and summer months. As mentioned previously, this is the time of year many species of termites in Florida swarm to start new colonies. If your home is infested, you might find large numbers of termite wings from swarmers inside your home on windowsills, in light fixtures, etc. Many people mistake flying ants for termites, but the two have different characteristics when inspected closely.
In addition to swarming termites, subterranean and drywood termites also show more subtle signs of their activity.
Subterranean termites will usually leave a sign of their activity: the termite mud tube or dirt build-up in places where dirt should not be (such as inside walls, baseboards, window sills, etc.). Since these termites tunnel in and feast on wood, one way to check for subterranean termites is to look for buckling wood, warped wood, hollow-sounding wood, or even areas that appear to have water damage. Probing these areas may cause you to break into their tunnel, exposing dirt material and possibly the termites themselves.
Drywood termites will colonize directly inside wooden members, such as inside of walls or within the furniture. One of the first signs of a drywood termite infestation is the presence of their tiny fecal pellets. Drywood termites are better housekeepers than their subterranean cousins. In order to keep their termite tunnels clean inside the wood, they will create “kick out” holes to discard their fecal pellets. If you see small holes in furniture or walls, probe the area and knock lightly to see if fecal pellets fall out of the hole. Be on the lookout for additional pellets dropping from the hole after you’ve cleaned them up. If fecal pellets do reappear, you may have an active colony, especially if your home has never been fumigated.
Removing an Infestation
With termites, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth more than a pound of cure. The easiest way to avoid a termite problem is to protect your home from termites before you have a problem with them. Contact Florida Pest Control today to schedule a termite inspection to safeguard your home against termites.
While pets may be our best friends, they can have other “friends” we don’t necessarily want hanging around. Fleas are some of the worst friends your pet could have. They not only use warm-blooded animals as food but also cause allergic reactions with their saliva that can create itches that are scratched all the way into a scab.Fleas and ticks can quickly make life uncomfortable for pets and humans. So, how do we prevent these pests from inviting themselves into our homes?
1. Act Fast: Stop Fleas Before They Spread
If you are reading this article because you have a flea problem, then you need to move fast. Fleas take multiple forms – egg, larva, pupa, and adult form. If you don’t remove all forms of flea activity, then it will be a recurring problem. Contact our expert flea exterminators at Florida Pest Control to prevent fleas from taking over every part of your home. Prompt action minimizes the chances of infestation spreading, saving you time and effort in the long run.
2. Groom Your Lawn to Eliminate Flea Havens
Another common hangout spot for fleas is your lawn. Fleas can be found in the dirt and grass outside your home – usually in shaded areas frequented by your pet or perhaps wild animals. This creates a perfect initial contact point. Once fleas make the initial contact, they will be able to hitchhike on your pet and into your home. Once in your home, fleas have no problem feeding on you or your pet! Regularly mowing your grass, removing debris, and treating the yard with flea spray can help repel fleas from outdoor spaces.
3. Watch for Rodents: Hidden Flea Carriers
Rodents in your home are big enough problems already, but unfortunately, they don’t always come alone. Adult fleas spend most of their time on warm-blooded animals, and rodents definitely fall into that category. Therefore, the rodents that you find in your house may have special passengers they bring with them. Removing and preventing rodents from living in your home is an important preventive measure for fleas. Sealing entry points and keeping food sources secure can deter rodents and reduce the risk of flea infestations.
4. Care for Your Pets to Prevent Infestations
Since fleas prefer to feed on furry creatures, consistently providing your pet with flea control prescribed by your veterinarian will break the feeding cycle. Using a flea comb, flea collar, or vet-approved flea treatments can protect your pets from becoming a host to these pests.
5. Clean Your Home Thoroughly and Regularly
Cleaning and vacuuming your home is always a good strategy when concerned about fleas. Picking up fleas in the vacuum prevents them from spreading throughout your home. It’s also an easy way to pick up the various forms of fleas before they become adults. Also, it is important to target high-frequency areas for your pet, as these areas will have the highest concentration of the various flea life stages.
Don’t forget to empty vacuum bags or dispose of the contents immediately to prevent re-infestation. Washing pet bedding in hot water also helps kill fleas, flea eggs, and larvae.
If you have any concerns about a flea infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to contact Florida Pest Control today for your no-obligation consultation.
6. Seal Entry Points to Keep Fleas Out
Fleas can enter your home through cracks and gaps or even be carried in by wild animals. Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Sealing these entryways may help to keep fleas away and reduce the chances of other pests entering your space.
7. Use Preventative Flea Treatments Year-Round
Fleas thrive in warm and humid climates, making year-round flea and tick prevention essential for pet owners. Administering regular flea treatments, such as spot-on solutions, oral medications, or flea collars, can safeguard your pets and home from infestations. Consult your veterinarian for the best preventative options for your dogs and cats.
Even with preventative treatments, fleas can be persistent and challenging to eliminate entirely. If your home is experiencing a severe flea infestation or DIY treatments aren’t effective, contact Florida Pest Control for professional help. Our experts have the tools and expertise to address flea problems and restore your peace of mind.
8. Monitor High-Risk Areas for Fleas
Certain areas are more prone to flea activity, especially those frequented by pets or wildlife. Regularly inspect high-risk spots, such as pet bedding, rugs, furniture, and shaded outdoor areas. Using cedar chips in outdoor spaces or applying pet-safe flea sprays can help repel fleas.
9. Consult Professionals for Persistent Issues
If your flea problem persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to contact our professional flea exterminators. Our highly trained experts can assess the extent of the infestation, target all flea life stages, and apply effective treatments to rid your home of fleas for good. Professional services can also offer advice on long-term flea prevention.
Contact a local flea control specialist in Florida
To keep fleas away permanently, combine regular cleaning, lawn care, year-round flea and tick prevention for pets, and professional pest control treatments.
What stops fleas from biting you?
Using flea repellents, wearing long clothing, and applying flea spray to high-risk areas can help prevent flea bites. Treating pets and maintaining a clean home also reduces exposure to fleas.
What is the best way to prevent fleas?
The best way to prevent fleas is to treat your pets regularly, clean your home thoroughly, monitor outdoor areas, and consult Florida Pest Control professionals for persistent infestations.
What do fleas hate the most?
Fleas are repelled by strong scents such as cedar, eucalyptus, and citrus. Using cedar chips in your yard or adding pet-safe essential oils to cleaning routines can help keep fleas away.
What is a natural prevention of fleas?
Natural flea prevention methods include using a flea comb on pets, applying diatomaceous earth to carpets, and using cedar chips in outdoor spaces to repel fleas.
Can fleas live on human hair?
Fleas prefer animals with fur, such as dogs and cats, but in rare cases, they can bite humans and temporarily stay on hair or clothing. However, they cannot survive long on humans.
Many of us who work or play outdoors always seem to know when summer is right around the corner, because that’s when those annoying and usually painful bites occur from deer flies and yellow flies. These biting pests are among the most common types of flies in Florida, and their presence can swiftly turn a peaceful day outdoors into an uncomfortable, itchy, and painful ordeal.
Understanding these insects and how to protect yourself is key to enjoying the season. Ready to take preventative measures against biting flies? Learn more about deer flies and yellow flies with Florida Pest Control, the state’s residential fly control experts.
What Are Deer Flies and Yellow Flies?
Deer flies and yellow flies are both biting insects in the Tabanidae family. In their early stages, these pests are nectar feeders but become aggressive biters as adults, seeking a blood meal to complete their reproductive cycle.
Deer Flies in Florida: What You Need to Know
Deer flies (Chrysops) are medium-sized flies with dark bands on their transparent wings and striking, colorful eyes. They are most active in sunny environments, especially near ponds, swamps, or wooded areas. Female deer flies are the culprits behind those painful bites, as they use their sharp mouthparts to extract a blood meal essential for their reproduction.
Yellow Flies in Florida: Key Facts
Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus) are slightly smaller than deer flies. They are characterized by their yellowish body and bright green or golden eyes. Like deer flies, female yellow flies bite to obtain the nutrients they need to lay eggs. These pests are particularly aggressive during the late afternoon and thrive in warm, humid conditions, making Florida an ideal habitat.
How to Identify Deer Flies and Yellow Flies in Florida
Identifying deer flies and yellow flies is crucial for understanding how to avoid them and manage their bites effectively. These flies share similarities but also have distinct features and behaviors that set them apart.
Physical Characteristics of Deer Flies and Yellow Flies
Deer flies are easily recognized by their distinctive wing patterns and vibrant, multicolored eyes. Yellow flies, on the other hand, have a uniformly yellow body and translucent wings. Both species have strong, fast-flying abilities and can be quite persistent when seeking a host. While they share some similarities, each has distinct physical features that make them recognizable. Here’s a closer look at how to identify these pests:
Deer flies (Chrysops species):
Medium-sized flies with a body length of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Transparent wings with dark, distinctive bands or patterns.
Eyes are brightly colored and often display a metallic green or gold appearance with intricate patterns.
Body colors vary but typically include shades of yellow, black, or brown.
Yellow flies (Diachlorus ferrugatus):
Slightly smaller than deer flies, with a length of about 1/3 inch.
Uniformly yellow or golden body with translucent wings.
Eyes are vibrant green or golden, giving them a striking appearance.
Behavior and Habits of Biting Flies in Florida
These insects are known for their aggressive feeding behaviors and specific activity patterns. Both deer and yellow flies are most active during warm, humid weather, with their behavior largely influenced by the time of day and environmental conditions. They are often found in large numbers near wetlands, swampy areas, and other moist habitats.
Life Cycle of Deer Flies and Yellow Flies
From egg-laying to adult emergence, these insects undergo several distinct stages, each adapted to their swampy or moist habitats.
Breeding and Egg-Laying Habits
Females lay their egg masses on aquatic plants or over moist, swampy soil. A single female can lay up to 1,000 eggs, often clustering them on vegetation above water. Before breeding, male flies are usually the first to emerge and wait around for the females. When mating is completed, the female is ready to seek out a warm-blooded host. She injects an anticoagulant into the wound and then sops up the blood with her sponge-like mouthparts.
Development Stages: From Larva to Adult
A female deer or yellow fly tends to lays her eggs preferably on aquatic vegetation above water or saturated soil. She could lay as many as one thousand eggs.The eggs hatch within a week, releasing larvae that drop into the moist soil below and as the larvae hatch, they fall to the moisture below where they will feed on an organic matter they find in the wet soil. When the larvae are ready to pupate, they move to a drier area of the soil. After moving to drier soil, the flies enter the pupal stage for about three weeks before emerging as adult flies. Males typically emerge first, waiting to mate with the females.
Yellow Fly and Deer Fly Season in Florida
Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise for many, but it also creates perfect conditions for deer flies and yellow flies to thrive. These biting pests emerge in large numbers during the state’s hottest months, turning outdoor activities into itchy, painful ordeals if you’re not prepared.
In northern Florida, mosquito season usually starts in March, with the most mosquitoes appearing in late spring and summer. In southern Florida, mosquitoes can be active almost all year because of the warmer weather. They are worst during the rainy season, from June to October.
When Are Yellow Flies Most Active in Florida?
Yellow flies are most active from late spring through summer, typically between May and August. These pests are particularly aggressive during the late afternoon and early evening when the heat subsides. Their favorite feeding grounds include shaded, swampy areas and heavily wooded regions where they can wait for warm-blooded hosts.
Seasonal Patterns of Deer Flies in Florida
Deer flies follow a similar seasonal timeline. Activity normally begins in late May and continues through September. A female deer fly’s favorite feeding time is two or three hours after sunrise – and then again for a couple of hours before sunset, with activity peaking in sunny, humid weather. These particular pests prefer environments near ponds, swampy areas, or wooded trails, where they target humans, pets, and livestock with their painful bites. Planning outdoor activities earlier or later in the season, avoiding peak biting hours, and wearing protective clothing are some of the best ways to avoid these pesky flies.How Deer Fly and
Yellow Fly Bites Impact Humans and Animals
Bites from deer and yellow flies are more than just an annoyance— they can cause significant discomfort for humans and animals. The bites can be painful and often lead to itching, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
Symptoms and Reactions to Yellow Fly Bites
Yellow fly bites are particularly aggressive and painful. The fly’s saw-like mouthparts cut into the skin, allowing it to feed on blood. Common symptoms include:
Severe itching and irritation at the bite site.
Swelling and redness that may last for several days.
In some cases, allergic reactions characterized by excessive swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.
For pets and livestock, bites can cause restlessness and scratching, with swelling appearing near ears, legs, or other exposed areas. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your pet’s veterinarian.
How to Manage Deer Fly Bites
Managing deer fly bites effectively can help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. According to Medical News, here’s what you can do:
Clean the bite area: Wash the site with soap and water to prevent infection.
Soothe irritation: Cover with a cold washcloth to help with swelling and pain, and soothe inflammation.
Take oral anti-itch medication: Over-the-counter anti-itch medicines or pain relievers can alleviate severe itching.
Avoid scratching: Scratching can break the skin and lead to secondary infections.
Are Biting Flies in Florida Dangerous?
While relatively rare, yellow flies and deer flies in Florida can pose a health risk by transmitting diseases such as Tularemia. This bacterial infection can cause symptoms like fever, skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and in more severe cases, respiratory issues. If you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
Beyond disease transmission, the painful bites from these flies can lead to severe itching, swelling, and even allergic reactions in some individuals, further emphasizing the importance of prevention. If you’ve experienced an adverse reaction to a fly bite, contact a medical professional.
Taking steps to avoid bites, such as using repellents with DEET and wearing protective clothing, is essential to minimize the risks associated with these pests. For pets, protective sprays and fly-repellent covers can offer additional protection. For the best results, ask your pet’s vet for topical recommendations.
Our team at Florida Pest Control is dedicated to providing expert solutions for all types of pests—including those pesky biting flies. If you’re dealing with a fly infestation, contact us today.
How to Prevent Yellow Flies and Deer Flies in Florida
Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with yellow flies and deer flies. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce your exposure to these biting pests and make outdoor activities far more enjoyable.
Personal Protective Measures Against Biting Flies
Protecting yourself from bites begins with simple but effective strategies:
Dress smart: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and light-colored clothing to cover exposed skin and deter bites.
Use insect repellents: Apply products containing DEET, picaridin, or other effective repellents to your skin and clothing.
Avoid peak activity times: Limit outdoor activities during the late afternoon, early evening, or sunny mornings when these flies are most active.
Set up sticky traps: Use creative solutions like blue Solo cups or black beach balls coated with adhesive to attract and trap biting flies around your property. These low-cost traps are surprisingly effective in reducing fly populations.
While these tips can help you manage flies on a smaller scale, achieving full prevention often requires professional expertise. At Florida Pest Control, we utilize advanced tools like our eco-friendly Lumnia light traps to capture and reduce fly populations in your outdoor spaces.
Controlling Deer Flies and Yellow Flies in Your Environment
Managing the environment around your home can significantly reduce the presence of deer and yellow flies alike. One effective approach is eliminating standing water, such as swampy areas, ponds, or other stagnant water sources, where these flies breed and lay eggs. Ensuring proper drainage and maintaining dry areas around your property can disrupt their life cycle.
Another important step is to trim vegetation regularly. Keeping grass and shrubs well-maintained minimizes shaded habitats where deer flies and yellow flies like to rest and hide. Reducing these areas makes your surroundings less inviting for these pests.
Interested in learning more about how we tackle other fly species? Check out our article: Keeping Filth Flies at Bay.
Do You Have a Fly Infestation Problem? We Can Help.
Our team of professionals at Florida Pest Control assesses your property, identifies problem areas, and implements targeted solutions such as insecticide treatments or habitat modifications. Contact us today for help with deer flies or yellow flies.
If you know anything about kissing bugs, you know that they’re frightening pests that are responsible for most of the transmission of Chagas’ disease in the world. And if you know anything about Chagas’ disease, you know you don’t want it. With that in mind, we’ve put together some information you need to know about kissing bugs in Florida.
Are Kissing Bugs in Florida?
First of all, yes, you can find kissing bugs in Florida. Now you may be thinking, “Oh no, Florida has a native blood-sucking kissing bug? Tell me it isn’t so! Hide the children and hide the pets, grab the bug spray and install the bed nets!” Well, the good news is, it’s not quite that bad.
Although we do have the Eastern Blood-sucking Conenose (Triatoma sanguisuga) in Florida, it doesn’t possess the health concern as its cousins south of the border. Its cousin, commonly called Vinchuca (Triatoma infestans), is found in Central and South America and is the vector of the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite known as Chagas Disease. There are a few other blood-sucking kissing bugs that carry the disease down that way, but Vinchuca is the main culprit.
Eastern Blood-sucking Conenose Kissing Bugs naturally live outdoors and hide in dark crevices during the day. At night, they emerge in search of a blood meal from raccoons, possums, dogs, cattle, deer, or other mammals. If they enter a house, they seek out dark crevices such as cracks around doors and floors. They’ll even hide behind curtains…Any small dark area will do.
Why Are They Called Kissing Bugs?
You’re probably wondering how they got the name Kissing Bug. When they emerge to seek out a blood meal from a sleeping person, they will usually feed on the face typically near the mouth. Hence the name Kissing Bug. Is this freaking you out yet?!
If you’re all worried now about Blood-sucking Conenose Kissing Bugs infesting your home, fear not. You have a much better chance of getting a Bed Bug infestation. Although Florida does have these insidious creatures, home infestations are quite rare. Now, that should make you feel much better!
You may suddenly see holes in your plastic gas cans left outside. Some people have noticed holes in gas lines and gas tanks on their mowing equipment. The holes look as if these items have been shot repeatedly with a BB gun. If you look closely at the holes though, you may notice very small black beetles nested in them. These are the cause of the holes, and they are called Camphor Shot borers (Camphor Shoot beetles).
Camphor Shot borers are a type of ambrosia beetle. These beetles normally attack stressed-out trees, and not gasoline cans. So what does a stressed-out tree have in common with a gas can, you might be thinking? Ethanol. Trees emit chemicals when they become stressed or are injured. This triggers beetles and other pests to attack the tree. In the case of the Camphor Shot borer, they seem to be most attracted to alcohol. Much of the unleaded gas we have contains an alcohol called ethanol. The beetle can’t tell the alcohol in the gas can from chemicals emitted by a tree, so they dig on in! These beetles are usually most active in the months of March through June, so what can you do in the meantime to protect your gas cans from them? Basically, you will need to place the cans inside or cover them with something to impede the beetles’ attack. These beetles feed on a large range of trees, so chemical treatments are not advised.
