Expert Tips for Pest-Proofing Your Business

Busy Coffee Shop with Patrons at the Order Counter. Cafes and Restaurants are Common Breeding Grounds for Pests.

Feel safe with a pest-free building

Pest infestations are a constant concern for businesses, regardless of the season. Whether theyโ€™re harming your property, damaging your reputation, or jeopardizing the health of your employees and customers, these small intruders are always up to no good. The most effective way to address this issue is by preventing pests from gaining access to your property from the start.

Florida Pest Control stays on top of these challenges with exclusion services, a key element of our integrated pest management (IPM) program. These services are designed to prevent pests from entering your building, and restrict their ability to move if they do try to get their way in. By identifying the root causes of infestations, Florida Pest Control provides tailored, practical solutions to protect your business. Our skilled technicians will work closely with you to develop a customized plan that suits the specific needs of your business.

Problematic pests

Various pests can pose a serious threat to your business, and staying vigilant is key to avoiding infestations. Even a single misstep could make your establishment appear unsanitary or poorly maintained. Here are some of the most common pests to watch for:

  • Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for chewing through electrical wires, potentially causing fires, as well as damaging equipment and building structures. These agile critters can squeeze through extremely tiny openingsโ€”mice can fit through gaps as small as ยผ inch, while rats need a mere ยฝ inch.
  • Birds and Bats: Due to their ability to fly, these pests can spread noise, mess, and diseases like salmonella or rabies without an easy way to catch them. Birds can enter through openings two inches and smaller, while bats require just โ…œ of an inch to find their way inside.
  • Nuisance Wildlife: Squirrels, raccoons, and opossums can cause property damage and carry diseases. They often access buildings through open windows or vents. Itโ€™s especially important to keep an eye out for raccoon droppings, as inhaling too much could infect you with roundworm.
  • Insects: Pests such as cockroaches, brown marmorated stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles can easily tarnish your business’s image. Cockroaches are particularly concerning, spreading numerous diseases and requiring just a 1/16-inch gap to invade.

Effective Exclusion Solutions

Defending your business against pests begins with effective pest-proofing, your first and most essential line of protection. Florida Pest Solutions provides a variety of cutting-edge solutions, including the innovative Flexi Armourโ„ข product line, designed to shield your property from pest intrusions:

  • Flexi Armour Seal: A hybrid material combining a polymer blend with stainless steel, ideal for sealing structural gaps and openings. It bonds to nearly any surface and can be painted after curing.
  • Flexi Armour Shield: A robust proofing tape with a stainless mesh core, perfect for sealing small holes and cracks. It leaves no residue when removed and stands up to nearly all weather conditions.
  • Flexi Armour Dock: Made from Kevlar, steel mesh, and flexible gap-filling material, this product is designed to block rodents from accessing dock leveler gaps while adapting to movement.
  • Flexi Armour Doors: Durable extruded rubber with a knitted mesh core, expertly engineered to seal gaps between doors and floors, which prevents rodent entry.
  • Flexi Armour Expansion: Combines flexible stainless steel mesh with a self-leveling compound to securely seal expansion joints and deter rodent chewing.
  • Flexi Armour Ground Mesh: A durable, anti-corrosion barrier that protects your property from underground pest invasions.
  • Flexi Armour Weep: A flexible, stainless steel knitted mesh tube that can be customized to block wall cavities and prevent rodents from entering.
  • Rentokil Dual Autogate: A state-of-the-art rodent detection device that integrates with the PestConnect system. This connected network uses advanced traps, bait stations, and monitors to detect, capture, and humanely remove rodents.
  • Vent Caps: Designed to cover vents and keep larger pests out while maintaining airflow efficiency.

Our solutions are designed to provide reliable, long-lasting protection for your business against pests while maintaining efficiency. Contact us today to ensure your buildings receive the best possible treatment plan.

Perks of pest control investment

Our pest control services provide numerous benefits for you and your business. With effective pest-proofing strategies, you can block pests from entering your property and stop them from roaming freely within the building. In addition to restricting their movement, pest-proofing offers other significant advantages, including:

  • Providing continuous protection against pests
  • Minimizing the need for chemical pesticides
  • Preventing infestations from neighboring areas
  • Saving time and money by reducing the risk of expensive infestations

No matter the situation, Florida Pest Control is here

Since 1949, weโ€™ve been building our expertise in pest management, growing our 70 years of mastery. Every day we deliver effective solutions that protect businesses from a wide range of pests, even in challenging situations.

Florida Pest Control began its journey in Gainesville and has since expanded across the state, blending deep local knowledge with professional pest control expertise to craft tailored treatment plans that meet the unique needs of your business. With cutting-edge pest control techniques and a dependable team of specialists, weโ€™re ready to provide fast and consistent service. Contact us today to learn how we can help!

Enjoy a Pest-Free Holiday Season with These 5 Tips

rat walking on snow on a cold winter day

The holiday season is all about enjoying time with family, friends, and cozy decorations. But nothing ruins the cheer faster than finding out pests have moved in! Professional pest control services are the best way to keep your home pest-free during the holiday season. When experts treat your home, they donโ€™t just target the pests you seeโ€”they get rid of the hidden ones too. This means fewer surprises and more time to enjoy your decorations and celebrations.

There are a few simple steps you can take to help keep pests out this holiday season. Read on to discover easy tips to help keep your home pest-free this holiday season, so you can focus on making memories.

  1. Inspect Decorations for Pest Activity

    When you bring out holiday decorations, give them a quick check before setting them up. Boxes stored in attics, basements, or garages are prime spots for spiders, insects, or even rodents to make themselves at home. Look for signs like droppings, spider webs, or chewed materials. If you spot anything unusual, carefully clean out those decorations before using them.

  2. Check Foliage for Signs of Pests

    Adding natural touches like wreaths, trees, and garlands can make your home feel festive, but they can also bring pests inside. Before bringing fresh greenery indoors, give it a good shake and inspect it thoroughly. Look for any tiny insects or webs hiding in the branches or leaves.

    For Christmas trees, you can shake them vigorously outdoors to help remove any clinging bugs. Many tree lots even have mechanical shakers that get rid of loose debris and any pests before you take your tree home. This small step can make a big difference in keeping bugs out of your home.

  3. Remove Potential Hiding Spots

    Harborage is any place where pests can hide, and they love clutter. During the holidays, itโ€™s common to have extra boxes, bags, and piles of wrapping supplies lying around. These spots are perfect hiding places for rodents and insects. Make an effort to keep your living spaces organized and clutter-free, especially in areas close to the kitchen and pantry where food is stored.

    Take a few minutes each day to tidy up. Clear out any piles of paper or bags, and make sure holiday packaging materials are stored securely. By keeping your home organized, youโ€™ll make it less inviting for pests looking for a place to settle in.

  4. Wipe Up Food Spills Promptly

    Food is one of the main attractions for pests during the holiday season. With all the cooking, baking, and snacking going on, itโ€™s easy to overlook small spills and crumbs. Unfortunately, these leftovers are a feast for ants, cockroaches, and rodents.

    After meals, take a few minutes to wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and clean up any spills. Make sure garbage is securely closed and taken out regularly.

  5. Keep Your Decorations Stored Safely

    Once the season is over, itโ€™s time to put everything away in a way that keeps pests out. Instead of using cardboard boxes, switch to bins with tight-fitting lids to store your decorations. This can make a big difference, as containers are much harder for pests to access.

Make Your Holidays Merrier with Expert Pest Control

The holidays are already busy enough, and pest problems shouldnโ€™t add to the stress. Thatโ€™s where the team at Florida Pest Control steps in! For over 70 years, we’ve protected homes and businesses with innovative technology and customized pest management solutions. Get in touch with us today, and weโ€™ll start with a free quote to get you on your way to a pest-free home.

Winter Pest Prevention: Keep Mice, Rats, and More Away

Rodent walking on snow

Winter is the perfect time for family gatheringsโ€”but also for pests to invade your home. As the weather cools, mice, rats, and other pests seek the warmth and shelter of your living spaces. Florida Pest Control is here to help you identify pest hotspots and take preventive steps to keep your home pest-free.

 

Why Do Pests Invade Homes in Winter?

When temperatures drop, rodents, cockroaches, and spiders look for warmth, food, and shelterโ€”often finding it in homes. The colder months bring scarcity in natural food sources, driving pests indoors. Once inside, pests target less-disturbed areas like attics, basements, or behind appliances.

Rodents, in particular, pose multiple risks, including health concerns, structural damage, and food contamination. Given these risks, itโ€™s important to seek professional pest control assistance at the first sign of rodents on your property. Risks include:

  • Rodents can spread diseases such as hantavirus and salmonella.
  • Their gnawing can ruin wires, insulation, and even wooden beams.
  • Pathogens from rodents and pests can render stored food unsafe.

 

Which Pests Are Common in Winter?

In Floridaโ€™s mild winters, rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels are primary invaders. Additionally, you may encounter cockroaches, spiders, or even occasional wildlife like bats. Rodents are especially crafty, squeezing through openings as small as a dime and scaling walls or pipes with ease.

 

Signs of an Infestation

Worried about pests already inside your home? Look out for these signs:

  • Droppings: Found in pantries, basements, or corners.
  • Scratching Sounds: Listen for activity in walls or ceilings.
  • Damage: Gnawed wires, shredded paper, or chewed wood.
  • Unusual Odours: Foul smells in hidden or less-used areas.

 

How to Prevent Pests This Winter

 

Pest Hotspots Inside Your Homeย 

Kitchen

Your kitchen is a prime target for rodents and pests looking for easy access to food. From crumbs on the counters to open containers, your kitchen can quickly become a buffet.

  • Wipe down surfaces and clean up spills immediately.
  • Store food in airtight containers to prevent access.
  • Empty bins daily to remove tempting food scraps.

Attic

Warm and dry attics are ideal nesting spots for rodents. They can damage insulation and even gnaw on wires, creating potential fire hazards.

  • Seal gaps in the roof and repair damaged tiles.
  • Store items in durable plastic bins, not cardboard.
  • Inspect cables and insulation regularly for signs of gnawing.

Garage

Garages often serve as an entryway for pests looking to move indoors.

  • Fill gaps to prevent access to the outside.
  • Keep food or pet supplies stored in sealed containers.
  • Ensure doors to the main house are sealed tightly.

ย 

Pest Hotspots Outside Your Home

Garden

Rodents and other pests love garden debris and compost piles.

  • Store compost in a tightly sealed container.
  • Remove leaves, rubbish, and overgrown vegetation near your home.
  • Trim shrubs and trees to eliminate pest pathways.

Outdoor Bins

Food waste in bins can attract pests if theyโ€™re not sealed properly.

  • Avoid overfilling bins and use tight-fitting lids.
  • Wash bins regularly to remove odors.

Air Vents and Gutters

Rodents can use vents and gutters as entry points or nesting spots.

  • Inspect vent covers for damage and replace them if needed.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and debris.

 

What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If you suspect pests in your home, donโ€™t wait. Look for droppings, nests, or unusual sounds in walls and ceilings. DIY solutions may not completely resolve the issue. Florida Pest Control offers expert pest management services designed to eliminate infestations quickly and safely.

Call Florida Pest Control today to schedule a free inspection and take back your home this winter!

 

 

 

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!

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.