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Avoiding Spring Insect Swarms

A swarm of termites in Florida

The warmth and humidity of spring in Florida draws many species of insects out of their winter habitats to feed and reproduce. Some of these insects are merely a nuisance but some of them can harm people or property. Learn which insects to watch for and what you can do to protect yourself and your home.

Insects That Swarm in Spring

Lovebugs: These small black flies with a red thorax and head are common in Florida during the spring and fall. They are known for their mating swarms, during which large groups of lovebugs can be seen flying together. While they are harmless to humans, their swarms can be a nuisance for drivers and can cause damage to cars if not cleaned off quickly.

Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a year-round problem in Florida, but their populations tend to peak in the spring and summer. Female mosquitoes swarm to find a mate and a blood meal, which they need to lay their eggs. Mosquito swarms can be a nuisance for people spending time outdoors, and they can also spread pathogens like West Nile virus and Zika virus.

Termites: Termites are known for their swarming behavior in the spring. In Florida, where the climate is warm and humid, termite swarms can occur as early as February or March. Homeowners should be vigilant for signs of termite activity, as they can cause serious damage to wooden structures.

Ants: Several species of ants are common in Florida, including fire ants, carpenter ants, and Argentine ants. In the spring, these ants may swarm to start new colonies. While they are not usually harmful to humans if not provoked, they can be a nuisance.

Bees: Several species of bees are active in the spring, including honeybees and carpenter bees. Swarms of bees can be dangerous for people who are allergic to bee stings, and homeowners should take care to remove any bee nests or hives near their homes. Particularly carpenter bees, which bore into wood to nest and can do significant damage to wooden structures.

Ways to Thwart Swarming Insects

There are several steps you can take to keep swarming insects away. Here are a few tips:

Eliminate sources of standing water: Mosquitoes and other insects are attracted to standing water, which they use for breeding. Remove any standing water from your property, including in bird baths, flower pots, and other containers.

Be cautious when eating or drinking outside:: Numerous insects, especially wasps, are attracted to food and sugar. If you have a barbecue or picnic, clean up promptly. Put leftovers in sealed containers. Ensure that sugary drinks are covered or sealed.

Maintain your lawn and landscaping: Keep your lawn and landscaping well-maintained to reduce the likelihood of insect infestations. Remove any dead or decaying plant material, and keep bushes and trees trimmed away from your home.

Consult a professional pest control company: If you’re dealing with an insect infestation, contact a professional pest control company, like Florida Pest Control. We can identify the type of insect and recommend the most effective treatment options so you can get back to enjoying your yard or outdoor space this spring.

Core Aeration is Essential for Lawns in Florida

how core aeration works graphic - keep pests away from your home with florida pest control
We may not be in the clear regarding cold temperatures, but it never hurts to plan ahead when preparing your lawn for springtime. An important part of getting a lawn ready for its growing season is core aeration. We perform this service during the turf’s growing season (March through October in most of our service locations).

The process of core aeration involves extracting plugs of soil from the lawn. There are many benefits to core aeration, such as:

  • It allows water, oxygen, and nutrients (such as fertilizer) to move easily down to the root zone.
  • It reduces compaction which helps the roots to grow deeper and thicker, increasing the health and vigor of the turfgrass.
  • It reduces excess thatch. Thatch is a layer of organic material between the grass blades and the soil. When it becomes excessive, it can promote pest issues.

As you can see, anyone interested in having a healthy stand of turfgrass should have this service performed, especially in conjunction with a fertilizer application. The benefits speak for themselves! Contact us if you’d like to have your lawn aerated in the spring.

TAP Out with Pest Control Insulation

a cluster of ants gathered on the floor - keep pests away from your home with florida pest control

Pest control in Florida is an ongoing process. You might already know some of the helpful habits that can help deter any unwelcome guests from infesting your home. By clearing out clutter and keeping your food supply stored in airtight containers, you limit the appeal of your home to a variety of pests. These are the kinds of precautions you can take throughout the year – but what if there was an extra layer of defense you can take with no added effort? And what if this defense could actually make your home more comfortable and even more efficient? All of that is possible with TAP® Insulation, a service offered by the team at Florida Pest Control. Curious about why a pest control company would install insulation? Keep reading to learn more!

What is TAP® Insulation?

TAP stands for Thermal, Acoustical, Pest Control Insulation. Unlike batting or spray foam, TAP comes in the form of loose-fill cellulose that can easily be blown into the walls of new buildings or the attics of existing homes. Once it settles, it activates a very special superpower. Because TAP is treated with Boric acid, a naturally occurring mineral that cannot harm pets, children or adults unless ingested in large quantities. But when insect pests come into contact with it, they end up ingesting it through grooming themselves or other people. Insect pests are unable to pass Boric acid, and they eventually die of malnutrition or dehydration. And, with that, you’ve stopped a soon-to-be infestation without you having to do a thing.

While it is unable to kill rats or rodents, TAP can effectively control a wide range of pests. This covers ants and termites (especially Formosan termites), all the way up to snails, roaches, and many varieties of beetle. And that’s only the beginning of how TAP can make your home a more comfortable place to live.

Benefits of TAP® Pest Control Insulation

In addition to being a constant, effective pest fighter, TAP is a quality insulator. That’s because the cellulose that it’s made of slows the transfer of heat and leaves you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It can even do a passable job of absorbing noise from outside the home – not as well as spray foam, but better than fiberglass batting. Many of our clients love the reliability of TAP insulation, and how it remains effective nearly perpetually after the initial installation.

Of course, it isn’t a perfect insulator in all conditions. Cellulose is especially vulnerable to rot and moisture damage, so to care for it you need to make sure your attic isn’t experiencing moisture intrusion or a leaky roof. As long as that’s the case, you can enjoy an eco-forward insulator that’s made primarily out of recycled material.

TAP® Insulation From Florida Pest Control

There’s a lot to like about TAP insulation. Not only will it kill pests for as long as it’s kept intact, but it’ll also actually save you money. You’ll spend less on your monthly HVAC bills since your furnace and A/C will be able to function better and with less energy. And that’s not to mention the cost saved on pesticide treatments you won’t need. Don’t get us wrong, if you still need residential pest control we’re happy to help. But we’d rather have your house keep itself pest-free on an ongoing basis. Contact us to schedule an estimate for TAP Insulation.

Rodents in My Insulation?

rat waiting on wooden table

Rodents of any kind cause a mess wherever they go. You know the signs of infestation – piles of droppings and splotches of urine, scratching in your walls or above your head at night. And if you’re here, you probably know that you can call a technician from our team to eradicate a mouse or rat infestation if one were to form in your home. But did you know that there’s more to recovering from rodent swarms than a quick phone call and a simple procedure?

If mice or rats make their way into the insulation in your walls or attic, they can cause a very big and very costly problem. Let’s talk about that more below and see how Florida Pest Control can help.

Why Do Rodents Nest in Insulation?

Rodents, wherever they go, are just looking for a source of food and a place to nest. And homes across Florida have both of that in spades. At the same time, though, they want to be relatively hidden from any human onlookers, which is why they flock to spaces like your attic and the void between walls.

These spaces are likely already insulated, which is just one more appeal for rodents in the home. Insulation – especially fiberglass insulation – is warm and pliable. It’s very easy to gnaw into and eat or tear off to build a nest. As rats and mice do this, they leave gaps in the wall of insulation, as well as droppings that linger long after they’re gone. So how are you supposed to repair this damage?

Insulation Infestations

More bad news: there is little you can do to insulation that has already experienced rodent damage. The only option you really have is to remove and replace, and we do not by any means suggest you do that on your own. Rat and mice droppings can contain traces of Hantavirus, a deadly flu-like disease that will spread into the air if the droppings are mishandled. A professional has the training and equipment to remove infected insulation safely.

In terms of replacement, there is no insulation material that’s entirely rodent-resistant. TAP® insulation, which we offer as a service, contains enough boric acid to kill smaller pests, but may not work on larger mice and rats. The best way to avoid having to pay to recover from rodent infestations is to keep them from starting in the first place.

Avoiding Rodent Nests in Florida

As we speak, there may be vulnerabilities in your home that leave the space open for all manner of pests. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for rodents and other pests to take over before taking action. Florida Pest Control specializes in rodent exclusion, and we can send a technician to your house with the intention of finding and remedying the spots in your home where rats or mice could get in. When we’re done you will no longer have to worry over every scratch or strange smell. Florida Pest Control is here to make your life, and your home, clean and pest-free. To get started, contact us today!

Signs of Bats

bats hanging upside down in attic

Florida is no stranger to bats, with 13 species that call our state home either on a seasonal or year-round basis. All of the native Floridian bats are insectivores, but that doesn’t mean you want them taking up residence in your property. Though the natural roosting sites for most of these bats tend to be in caves or in the hollows of trees, when it gets cold they will look for a warmer place to roost – and manmade buildings are prime real estate. But what are the major signs of bats in Florida properties, and who can you call to treat their presence in your home or business?

Sunrise, Sunset Sightings

Since bats are nocturnal, you aren’t going to see them flying around in the middle of the afternoon. They’re out in the dusk and dawn, and if you see one the odds are good of others being nearby. With that being said, if you’ve noticed bats around your property in the early morning or evening, there’s a real possibility that they might be circling around your attic as homebase. The same applies if you find dead or dying bats around your property.

Dropped Droppings

This is by far the easiest and most unpleasant sign of bats in Florida. Bat droppings, or guano, accumulate quickly around the entry point of a bat infestation. They’re dark-colored and pebbly, and they carry a very strong smell akin to ammonia. You may also find them inside, gathered on insulation and in the corners of the attic, or they may be outdoors on any decks, porches or windowsills on your property.

Chirping Commotion

It’s common knowledge that bats echolocate to help them see. The same small chirps that function as their sonar are also used to communicate throughout the night. These sounds will be most active when the bats are active, meaning from sunset to sunrise. And, while bats are silent flyers, if they get stuck in some part of your home’s interior they will scratch and slam against the drywall to try and get out. If you’ve been hearing lots of chirping, fluttering and scratching inside your walls or above you, especially at night, the odds are good that you have a bat infestation.

Got Grease?

A little-known fact about bats in Florida is that their skin excretes a dark, resin-like grease. That means that, wherever they squeeze in to make their way into your property, they’ll leave a stain around the entry point. You might find these marks along your roof, walls and other crannies around the building. This is something that’s completely unique to bats as opposed to rodents and other larger pests.

Repeat Offenders

Bats, like most humans, are creatures of habit. Have you had a bat infestation in the past? Did you do anything to treat it? If you’ve had bats before, even if you successfully removed them, if you didn’t take care of how they got in they will likely come back next season. They might even choose to nest their yearly pups in the corner of your attic or chimney. This is all avoidable if you find an exterminator that can safely get bats out and keep them out.

Bat Control for Homes and Businesses

If you have bats on your Florida property, it’s easy to think you have nowhere to turn. Bats are protected animals, after all, and attempting to handle them yourself can be messy in more ways than one. Florida Pest Control specializes in the humane removal of both seasonal and year-round bat varieties, and after we relocate the infestation in your attic, we can take the proper exclusion efforts to keep more from getting in. Bats in Florida aren’t known for attacking, but they carry disease and bacteria, and while they’re good for the ecosystem they have no place in your home or business. So, if you have a bat infestation you need taken care of, trust Florida Pest Control for bat control and removal.

A Beginner’s Guide to Florida Lawn Care

Feel lost when it comes to Florida lawn care? No need to worry! Even in Florida’s hot and humid climate, it doesn’t need to be confusing or difficult to keep your grass green and healthy. You just need to keep a few tips in mind to ensure your lawn has everything it needs to thrive.

In this beginner’s guide to lawn care, the experts at Florida Pest Control break down exactly what you need to know to grow lush, healthy grass:

How to Water Your Lawn

With how much sun our area gets, proper watering is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy lawn. Without enough water, your grass will turn brown or die off. On the flip side, too much water can cause rot, fungus growth, and mold. 

Watching for wilt is one of the best ways to determine how much you should be watering your lawn. If you start to notice long-lasting footprints or blades that are folding lengthwise, your lawn likely needs more water. Meanwhile, excess runoff or a spongy texture are both signs that you’re overwatering.

It’s also crucial to keep these watering tips in mind as you devise your irrigation plan:

  • Avoid fungus, evaporation, and other issues by watering between 3-9 AM.
  • Change your watering frequency based on the season and weather conditions.
  • If there is a water restriction, always comply with local ordinances.

Tips for Mowing Properly

If you want to keep your lawn looking tidy and uniform, it’s important to know how to properly mow your grass. Mistakes during mowing could damage your lawn and prevent the grass from growing healthily. To get great results when mowing your lawn, follow these three tips:

  • Regularly sharpen your blades: If your grass is dented, bent, or torn after mowing, your mower blades are likely dull. Sharp blades will create a neat, clean cut that is easier for the grass to heal. For most lawn mowers, it’s recommended to have the blades sharpened after roughly 20-25 hours of use. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or get professional help when sharpening the blades. 
  • Don’t cut the grass too short: Short grass blades may not be able to photosynthesize properly, which could inhibit growth and even lead to death. Generally speaking, taller grass grows faster and has a healthier root system. While each type of grass in Florida has different needs in terms of height, most need to be at least 2 ½” tall to stay healthy.
  • Find the right mowing frequency: Mowing too frequently will not only waste your time, but it could even damage your lawn by keeping your grass too short. Most fast-growing lawns only need to be mowed once per week, but you should keep track of your lawn’s growth rate to find the right frequency. 

Control Weeds

Weeds are more than just an unsightly problem. They can also prevent your lawn from getting enough water or nutrition, which will make the grass more susceptible to death or disease. Though at-home weed control can be time-consuming and ineffective if you’re not experienced, identifying a weed problem early on can help you get timely treatment. Watch out for these common Florida weeds:

  • Crabgrass
  • Burnweed
  • Spurge
  • Chickweed
  • Bull thistle
  • Dollarweed

Watch for Pest Infestations

A pest problem can cause serious and long-lasting damage to your lawn. By feeding on grass roots and blades, they can ruin existing grass while inhibiting new growth. Additionally, lawn pests can be incredibly difficult to eradicate once they’re fully established. Here are some common signs of lawn pest infestations to look for:

  • Dirt mounds or burrows
  • Dead patches or strips
  • Damaged grass blades
  • Eggs or live insects

If you notice an infestation in your lawn, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Attempting outdoor insect control on your own can be time-consuming, expensive, and ineffective. A pest control expert will be able to provide customized solutions to get rid of the pests quickly while preventing future infestations from targeting your lawn. 

Aerating for Stronger Grass

Aerating is a great way to promote healthier growth throughout your lawn. By using special equipment to poke small holes in the surface of the grass, you will reduce soil compaction while exposing the roots to oxygen and other nutrients. While it’s typically best to aerate in the fall or spring, each yard has different needs. A professional can help you determine the best timing for aeration.

Lawn Care Tips for Each Season

Florida lawn care means adjusting to the changing weather throughout the seasons. When you take the right steps to adjust for more sunshine or rain, your grass will continue to look green and healthy. Try implementing these seasonal tips:

Spring

Spring marks the start of the growing season, so you will want to make sure your grass has everything it needs to flourish. Now is a good time to:

  • Aerate and fertilize
  • Sharpen your mower blades
  • Adjust your watering schedule as needed

Summer

Florida summers are hot and humid, which can stress your lawn if you don’t take the right steps. To keep your lawn healthy through the heat, keep these tips in mind:

  • Increase your watering frequency as needed.
  • Keep an eye out for pest infestations.
  • Stick to a regular mowing routine.
  • DO NOT fertilize during the heat.

It’s also important to note that June 1st marks the beginning of hurricane season. Should a storm hit, your lawn will likely sustain a little bit of damage. To increase the safety of your yard and limit damage, be sure to prune nearby trees and store your tools indoors. 

Fall

As fall approaches and temperatures drop, your lawn’s growth will begin to slow down. Now’s the time to prepare your grass for winter. Try following these steps to keep your lawn healthy during fall:

  • Cut down on your mowing and watering as needed.
  • Regularly rake away leaves or debris.
  • Aerate and apply a layer of topseed.

Winter

Most Florida lawns do not become fully dormant in the winter, because the weather is still warm and sunny. However, their growth rate will slow significantly. For this reason, you won’t need to water or mow as frequently – if at all, depending on the weather. In order to protect your lawn at this time of year, prevent trampling by reducing foot traffic. 

Benefits of Professional Lawn Care

Taking care of your lawn can become a pretty time-consuming task, especially if your yard is large, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Lawn care professionals have the tools and expertise needed to keep your grass looking green and healthy all year long. That way, you can enjoy a gorgeous lawn without having to spend hours toiling outside. 

If you want to see how professional lawn care can transform your yard, turn to the experts at Florida Pest Control! From insect and weed control to pH balancing and fertilizing, our Lawn Care Program is designed to keep your grass healthy and beautiful through each season. Our experienced technicians are committed to providing you with exceptional services and outstanding results. Just contact us today to get your free quote!

Fall Pests That May End Up in Your Home

Closeup of House Spider Inside a Home, Against a White Wall

If you’ve noticed an increase in insects in and around your home in the fall, it’s not your imagination, and it’s not just you. It’s the result of pests trying to get out of the cooler weather. Some pests migrate even further south than Florida, some burrow in or under debris, while others just try to get into our homes. 

The scientific term for this phenomenon is overwintering. Overwintering refers to insect behavior in the winter months when they find shelter, migrate, and/or hibernate.

There are several types of pests known to try to get indoors, from insects to rodents. The most difficult fall pests to get rid of are the ones you can’t see because they’re now in the attic or behind your walls. Some of the pests most likely to end up in your home this fall include: rodents, termites, wasps, spiders, and Jadera bugs. 

Read on to learn more about these common pests that may try to get into your home this fall and winter.

Rodents

You probably know that squirrels are excellent climbers but so are roof rats and mice. Most rodents can climb up trees and get onto your roof via nearby branches, fences, and or even by climbing a drainpipe!  

From there, it’s easy to get into your attic and make a nest to stay warm for the fall and winter. If you hear scratching or gnawing noises from up above or inside the walls, you likely have rodents inside your attic or wall voids starting to make themselves at home. 

Termites

Termites are considered to be the most destructive pest in America. The estimated annual cost of termite damage and termite control efforts in the US is up to $30 billion. Termites are always looking to enter your house as a food source. 

So, what’s different about fall and winter? Subterranean termites, the most destructive species, tend to burrow deeper into the ground to stay warm in the winter. This means you’re less likely to discover a subterranean termite infestation until the spring. During that time, termites could cause a great deal of damage. Once termites can get into your home, they will consume wood and anything else that contains cellulose. 

Signs you may have termites in your home include: 

  • Blisters on painted walls
  • Hollow-sounding wood
  • Mud tunnels in your crawlspace
  • Chewing sounds
  • Unexplained pinhole-sized holes

Wasps

Wasp colonies as a whole don’t overwinter; the regular workers do not survive, and the colony is rebuilt annually. However, fertilized queens overwinter outdoors in hollow logs, stumps, or under leaves. They can also overwinter on or in structures, including the attics or siding of homes. 

The most common way for wasps to get in is through attic vents that aren’t screened. It’s always best to ensure that your attic is as sealed as possible to prevent wasps and other pests from entering. It’s possible for the queen to start her new colony in your attic next year, which can mean a large nest of stinging insects to remove. It’s best to prevent that from happening right from the start this fall! 

Spiders

Some spider species are dangerous, such as the black widow or brown recluse. And these spiders will seek shelter anywhere they can, including inside your home, under rocks, or in building cracks. 

Once they find shelter, they go through a process called diapause. In diapause, they slow down their bodies and become dormant – similar to hibernation. So, just like other mentioned pests, prevention is key to keeping spiders out in fall and winter. You’ll want to seal any cracks, declutter, and call pest control.

Jadera Bug

Also known as red-shouldered bugs, Jadera bugs are often confused with lovebugs. In the fall, these bugs seek shelter to stay warm for winter – to later then re-emerge in April.

Jadera bugs prefer to stay in plants, such as trees, cotton, and soapberries. They’re more of a nuisance than anything, but it’s best to prevent them with home prevention and professional services.

Keep Pests Out of Your Florida Home With Pro Extermination

Florida Pest Control has been providing Florida with trusted pest control services since 1949. If you have any of these fall pests in your home, Florida Pest Control can help get them out and keep them out. We also offer services to help prevent these pests from entering your home.

Contact us today for a free service quote!

Watch Out for Florida Chinch Bugs

Chinch bug damage in grass

Here in the Florida summer, chinch bug infestations are a commonly occurring problem. These insects tear through our lush turf grasses and leave them a patchy, brown mess. If you are a long-term Florida resident, you surely know that these pests are no fun to deal with.

Since these bugs are so good at hiding, it can be hard to tell if you’re hosting them on your property until they’ve already worsened the condition of your lawn significantly. So, what can we do to prevent chinch bugs in our yards? Read on for advice from the lawn pest experts at Florida Pest Control!

How Do I Know I Have Chinch Bugs?

A chinch bug problem is hard to assess until its presence is obvious in many cases. Because these bugs are so small, it’s important to be able to tell both what they look like and how their damage appears:

  • Chinch bug appearance: Thes bugs are usually about ⅛” – ¼” in length. They are brownish-red to black in color with six legs and a pair of lighter wings that fold over each other across their backs.
  • Chinch bug damage: Although chinch bugs will also go after leafy debris, thatch, and agricultural crops sometimes, you’re most likely to find them attacking your lawn. When they eat away at our grass blades, they inject a toxin into the plant that inhibits future growth and leads to a yellowing or browning surface appearance. They prefer to eat grass that sees more sunlight.

What to Do to Control Chinch Bugs

If you suspect you have chinch bugs because of recent damage to your lawn, you can try something called the “floatation method” to substantiate your claim. Cut out the bottom of a metal can and press it down 3 inches into the soil of a damaged part of your lawn. If you consistently pour water into the can over 5 minutes, any chinch bugs below will float to the surface.

Whether or not this reveals a chinch bug infestation, we recommend taking these three steps to prevent lawn pest infestations:

  1. Install an irrigation system to make sure your lawn’s water intake is regulated in accordance with slope, sunlight, and species
  2. Fertilize your lawn with a slow-releasing nitrogen fertilizer (or a different type depending on what kind of grass you have)
  3. Team up with your local lawn pest exterminators to set up a prevention or removal plan

Get Rid of Chinch Bugs in Florida

If you want to get rid of chinch bugs and restore your lawn to its beautiful state today, reach out to your local pest control company. At Florida Pest Control, our technicians are trained to assess every lawn for a long list of factors to determine the best way to progress with an integrated pest management plan. We can make sure your lawn stays free of chinch bugs and all other lawn pests every summer. For a free quote, reach out today!

How to Get Rid of Ants Infesting Your Bathroom

All kinds of ant species run rampant in Florida. Our hot and humid climate allows for many varieties of ants to proliferate and thrive, building colonies in our yards and sneaking into our homes for food and water. Additionally, our climate allows ants to survive and thrive all year long. This makes it crucial to know how to get rid of ants when they get inside.

One of the most commonly-infested rooms in the home is the bathroom—you’re probably here because you have ants in your bathroom right now. If this is the case, read on for ant removal advice from our expert exterminators at Florida Pest Control!

Why Ants Infest Bathrooms

Ants commonly infest bathrooms because of the consistent water and moisture sources that they can find there. Small puddles of water pool in your sink, in your shower, and on your floor, inviting ants to gather for a drink and push onward to look for food. Carpenter ants commonly infest bathrooms for the damp wood they find to tunnel through, but you’re likely to find any of several species of common Florida ants in your bathroom. These are the ways they usually make it inside:

  • Ventilation systems
  • Holes around plumbing fixtures
  • Open windows and doors
  • Cracks in the foundation and walls

It is also possible that the ants in your bathroom have traveled there from another room in your home, so make sure you try to find the source of their trail before determining that your bathroom is the main issue at hand.

How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Bathroom

Finding the source of the ant trail is the most important part of ant control because the only way to ensure that ants don’t come back is to take out their colony. Unfortunately, this can be a difficult task when ants find their way into your home through walls, pipes, and vents. This makes ant prevention a helpful measure to take because it’s easier to keep ants out in the first place than to get rid of them. Here are some ant prevention strategies we recommend:

  • Check that your windows and doors can shut completely
  • Seal any cracks leading inside your home with a silicone-based caulk
  • Move mulch away from your siding and trim plants so they don’t touch your home
  • Make sure that your bathroom is well-ventilated
  • Look for and replace water-damaged wood

Best Way to Get Rid of Ants in Florida

Ants in Florida can attack your home from every angle and build inconspicuous colonies that take far too long to find. That’s where the help of a trained ant exterminator is necessary. At Florida Pest Control, our ant control team is trained to tackle any kind of ant infestation you might be dealing with. Using top-of-the-line products backed by tested strategies, we will have your home ant-free in no time. Contact us today for a free quote!

10 Tips to Help You Pest-Proof Your Backyard

Servicing a yard in Florida - Florida Pest Control

Spring and summer are cherished seasons for the sunshine and warmth that they bring, but there’s no harder time to avoid pest problems than during post-rainfall warmth. Here in Florida, our climate accounts for pest infestations all through the year, making it hard to enjoy a nice day relaxing in your backyard. You have to take constant measures to ensure that pests don’t take over your property, and we’re here to help you direct your efforts. Read on for advice on pest-proofing your backyard with the exterminators at Florida Pest Control!

Top 10 Tips for Backyard Pest Prevention

Florida is home to so many different types of pests that it is crucial to have a wide-reaching pest prevention plan for your backyard. Here are our top 10 backyard pest control tips:

  1. Trim trees and bushes: Overgrowth of plants and trees can create shaded hiding places for many kinds of pests. Trim your trees, bushes, and shrubs often to prevent this.
  2. Mow your lawn often: Overgrowth can lead to bountiful opportunities for pest shelter and trap in excess moisture for bugs to hydrate with. Mowing once a week can prevent this.
  3. Prevent stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in still water pools. Check for pooling rainwater in gutters, planters, tarps, and more, and get rid of it with a cover or by pouring it out.
  4. Get rid of yard waste: Piles of yard waste can serve as temporary shelters for pests of all sizes. Get rid of yard waste as often as you can.
  5. Dethatch your lawn: Thatch is helpful for lawn temperature regulation, but too much can create many kinds of common lawn pest problems. Dethatch to prevent pests and keep your lawn healthy.
  6. Use garden nets: Garden netting can prevent wild animals and insects from venturing into your yard to eat your plants.
  7. Store firewood carefully: Firewood can lead to termite problems that eventually seriously affect your home. Keep your firewood elevated and distanced from your home.
  8. Water your lawn properly: Using an irrigation or sprinkler system can help prevent the pest problems that come with both overwatering and underwatering.
  9. Seal and distance waste bins: Pests as small as wasps and large as raccoons will forage for food in your trash cans. Seal them if possible, but be sure to keep them far away from your yard.
  10. Hire an exterminator: An exterminator can figure out the reason for your backyard pest problems and put a stop to them.

Pest Control for Your Backyard in Florida

To ensure that your backyard stays pest-free all through the spring and summer, it’s important to work with a professional exterminator with experience in our region. Our team of technicians at Florida Pest Control is well-versed in the many strategies it takes to prevent and get rid of all kinds of common Florida pests. Get in touch today for a free quote!