Pest Prevention Archives - Page 5 of 7 - Florida Pest Control - Pest Control and Exterminator Services

Ouch! Something’s Biting Me!

What mites look like in Florida - Florida Pest Control

One of the most universally loathed feelings is the sensation of a bug crawling up your leg or your back, out of sight. You quickly jump to swat it away, and sometimes you make contact with a critter, but sometimes there’s nothing there at all. This leaves you wondering whether there’s a pest lurking somewhere close by or your imagination is making you believe that there is.

Florida residents know that there are a lot of different bugs that could be biting during the summer. Read on for Florida Pest Control’s expert advice on bug bite identification and our regional conditions that could trick you into thinking you have bug bites.

Bugs that Bite in Florida

Florida is home to more pests than almost any other state in the country. Our wet, subtropical climate creates the perfect environment for insects and arachnids of all kinds to thrive. Because of this, Floridians are subject to all kinds of bug bites each year. Here are five of the most common types of bites that we experience here:

Bed Bugs: Bed bugs come out of hiding during the night to bite us while we sleep. They bite us in zig-zag patterns across our exposed skin, leaving tiny, bright red bumps.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are so light that you often won’t feel them on your skin until the bite mark appears. They start as a raised white welt and recede into an itchy, pinkish-red bump over the next few days.
Ticks & Fleas: People often pick up tick and flea bites in heavily wooded or vegetated areas. Flea bites are tiny and of a light red color, but ticks lodge into your skin and stay there for up to two days sometimes.
Midges: Also known as “no-see-ums,” biting midges are only about 1-3 mm long. They leave tiny bite marks that are very itchy.
Mites: Mite bites have raised white centers with a bright red ring around them. Sometimes they are harmless, but they are also able to cause swelling, itchiness, and sharp pain.

Conditions that Cause Itchiness

Certain conditions of the environment around you and your body’s reaction to them can cause skin symptoms that resemble bug bites. Redness, itchiness, and pain are all related to pest-related and unrelated skin issues. These are a few other reasons why your skin could feel worse than usual:

Low humidity: A stark drop in humidity can cause your skin to become dry. It will also increase static electricity, so part of your skin or hair can be made to move in a way that feels like a bug crawling.
Skin allergies: Changing your detergent, soap, perfume, deodorant, or any other topical product can result in a skin allergy. Red bumps and rashes that result from these changes can feel and look like bug bites.
Clogged air conditioning filter: A clogged air conditioning filter can actually result in more particles in the air due to an excess expulsion of trapped dust and debris. This can lead to irritated skin and rashes that might look like bug bites.

How Florida Pest Control Handles Biting Bugs

If you’re sure that you have an infestation of biting pests in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to have them handled by a professional pest control company. At Florida Pest Control, we train our technicians with an emphasis on IPM principles, meaning that we integrate eco-friendly solutions and preemptive pest control strategies into our priorities. No matter what kind of pest you’re dealing with, contact us today for a free quote!

What’s the Difference Between Bee Stings vs Wasp Stings?

What honey bees look like in Florida - Florida Pest Control

Most people have dealt with a wasp or bee sting at one point or another. It is widely known that their stings are painful, but not everyone knows about the serious side effects that they can cause in cases of allergic reactions.

If you need help identifying the stinging insects in your yard in Florida, look no further than Florida Pest Control. It is important to be able to tell apart bees and wasps to ensure that you are aware of the side effects that you might be in danger of.

Wasp vs Bee Stings in Florida

Bee stings and wasp stings can feel almost the same in some cases, but the processes of their stings are quite different. There are three main differences between bee and wasp stings:

Stinger: When a bee stings you, it ejects its stinger into your body, rendering it unable to sting again. On the flipside, wasps’ stingers remain intact. They can sting you many times in a row.
Volume: Bees sting just once, but inject all of their venom into their victim. This usually totals 50 micrograms of venom. Wasps only inject 2-15 micrograms of venom per sting, but they can issue many stings in a short amount of time.
Venom: Wasps and bees have different allergens in their venom. Despite this, though, their stings both result in the release of histamine in our bodies, which causes a breakout of hive-like patterns on the skin.

Do Bee and Wasp Stings Cause Allergic Reactions?

It is possible to develop an allergic reaction to both wasp and bee stings. You might be allergic to one and not the other, both kinds of stings, or neither. Bee and wasp stings usually only result in mild symptoms, like:

Pain and soreness
Swelling
Itchiness and redness

Unfortunately, severe allergic reactions occur more commonly than many people expect. Thousands of people visit the emergency room annually for complications resulting from anaphylaxis, the most dangerous reaction that results from bee and wasp stings. The most serious symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue
Vomiting
Fainting
Pain and itchiness all over the body

Wasp and Bee Control in Florida

Bee and wasp stings should be taken very seriously. It is possible to experience an allergic reaction to a sting without experiencing severe symptoms in the past. If you can’t tell which kind of stinging insect is inhabiting your yard in Florida, ask your local pest control company. Our experts at Florida Pest Control can identify any type of bee or wasp on your property, locate their nest, and remove it safely and promptly. Contact us today for a free estimate on nest removal services!

bees wasps

Fire Ants in Florida: What You Need to Know

Fire ants, often called “red imported fire ants” originate from Brazil and it is believed they were introduced to the United States around 1940 via shipping containers. Because these pests can pose a serious threat, it’s important to know how to recognize them as well as how to stay safe from their painful stings. Learn more with the ant control experts right here at Florida Pest Control!

Are There Fire Ants in Florida?

Yes, there are fire ants in Florida. Fire ants’ range stretches across most of the southeastern United States.

Are Fire Ants Dangerous?

These small, yet powerful, insects bite and sting approximately 14 million people each year. For most people, fire ant bites are not a big deal. They will hurt but you are unlikely to need medical attention. However, for those hypersensitive to bug stings, the venom from these ants can be life-threatening. Additionally, getting large numbers of bites can be highly dangerous to people. If you’re ever attacked by fire ants and start feeling tightness in your chest, difficulty breathing, or onset of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care.

What Do Fire Ants Look Like?

Fire ants measure from 1/8 – ¼” and are a dull red color. Fire ants are most known for their stinger, which in accordance with their aggressive nature, can lead to bad encounters. Fire ants are best recognized by two bumps that they have between the abdomen and thorax.

The easiest way to identify fire ants is through their mounds. These mounds range in size—some are small bumps, others can be up to 18 inches high. If you run into a fire ant mound, it won’t feature an opening on the top like other ant mounds. A mound that is about 7 inches high can house over 200,000 ants, which is precisely why these ants pose such a huge threat.

5 Facts About Fire Ants

Fire ants differ from your typical house ant in a number of ways. The most important things to know about these potentially dangerous pests include:

If a fire ant mound is disturbed, they will attack as one unit. When disturbed, the ants will begin spilling out ready to attack—and each ant will sting repeatedly.
To begin a fire ant colony, queen fire ants mate with males, killing the male in the process, and fly to the site at which she’ll begin the new colony. The queen will lay up to 800 eggs per day, growing the colony to an average size of 100,000 to 500,000 ants.
Fire ants don’t bite—they sting! Their stings can result in a burning sensation, hence their name. The sting site may swell and itch. A small pustule sometimes develops where the stinger enters the skin.
If fire ants get on you, it’s important to quickly and repeatedly brush them off your skin. The ants can latch on tight, meaning shaking won’t repel them. If you develop symptoms from fire ants, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Fire ants typically nest outdoors in open areas. Parks and fields are usually primary targets, but yards can be as well. The mounds are often found lining your grass and concrete, and they typically form on humid days.

Fire Ant Control in Florida

Trying to get rid of a fire ant mound yourself is dangerous. Their colonies extend far under the ground and feature multiple queens. If you have noticed a fire ant mound grow in your yard, the safest and most effective solution is contacting your local ant control experts to get rid of them.

ants fire ants

4 Tips to Prevent Summer Lawn Pests

Grubs are a common summer lawn pest in Florida lawns - Florida Pest Control

Here in Florida, maintaining a healthy and lush lawn doesn’t come without its troubles. With our climate, it can be difficult to keep a lawn in good shape throughout the seasons—especially in the warm summertime. To make matters worse, lawn pests are a common nuisance dealt with by homeowners all year long. Lawn insects target grass and yards that are unkempt and unhealthy to begin with, making it all the more important to take proper care of your lawn and grass. The lawn care experts at Florida Pest Control are dedicated to helping our customers achieve a green, healthy lawn. We’ve provided our top 4 tips to prevent summer lawn pests to assist you.

Summer Lawn Pests in Florida

Florida is home to many types of pests, including a number of lawn pests! These insects commonly live just under the grass in your lawn, making it difficult to notice them until they’ve done their damage. Here are the most common lawn insects in our region during the summer:

Sod webworms chew through small areas of grass. They create tunnels out of their silky web that will run under the grass. Signs to look for include raggedly-chewed grass and smaller brown spots- around the size of a baseball.
Armyworms are small caterpillars that grow into moths. The females lay up to a thousand eggs at once in patches of fresh grass. These can hatch as quickly as 2 days. To spot these guys, you’ll want to look on the outside of dead or damaged grass areas.
Chinch bugs attack your lawn by sucking the liquid out of grass blades. In doing so, patches of grass on your lawn will dehydrate, turn yellow, then brown and die.
Mole crickets feed on and chew through the grassroots, causing your grass to die off. When dealing with mole crickets, your grass will feel spongy when stepped on and be covered with brown patches.
Grubs are beetle larvae that remain dormant through the winter. In the spring, they make their way toward the surface to feed on grassroots.

Top Tips For Lawn Pest Prevention

The key to lawn pest control is prevention. The key to preventing lawn pests is taking care of your yard! To ensure your lawn is healthy, thriving, and pest-free, follow these tips:

Learn how to properly mow your lawn. Long grass that is never cut will attract all types of pests and weeds. Mowing your lawn in a timely manner will deprive lawn insects food and shelter.
Avoid over- or under-watering your lawn. Pests of all kinds love moisture. If your lawn is soggy from overwatering, you are sure to create a haven for lawn pests. Learn how to properly irrigate your lawn depending on the season.
When you see weeds, remove them! Wild, unkempt weeds attract a number of insects and pests. Weeds also negatively affect the health of your grass, leading to a number of diseases and problems.
Fertilize your lawn as needed. Similar to your irrigation system, failing to fertilize your lawn correctly can lead to a plethora of problems. A lawn made unhealthy due to over-fertilization can contribute to pest problems.

Your Local Lawn Pest Control Experts

At Florida Pest Control, we know how frustrating it can be to diagnose your lawn problems. If you think you have a lawn insect problem, our lawn care experts can help. Contact us today to get started!

armyworms chinch bugs grubs lawn pests mole crickets sod webworms

Pest Control is an Essential Business

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Dear Valued Customers,

As communities around North America band together to determine the best course of action to stop the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to reach out to let you know how Florida Pest Control is planning to move forward during the coming weeks.

As it always is, our mission is to protect and enhance lives by providing safe, reliable pest control to keep your homes or businesses pest-free. As such, we want you to know that we are here to serve you and are conducting scheduled services without interruption.

With many cities and states ordering shutdowns of non-essential businesses, in most areas, Florida Pest Control is able to continue operations because pest control is considered an essential service critical to the protection of public health. Rodents and insects that can invade your home and yard can carry and spread diseases to you, your family, and your pets. In addition to homes, we also provide pest control to businesses that serve the public, such as hospitals and grocery stores, as well as critical organizations in the supply chain, such as pharmaceutical facilities, food processing, and consumer goods manufacturers.

Our Pest Specialists remain equipped with all needed materials to ensure that your service is conducted safely. In this time of heightened awareness, we are also taking the following additional steps:

Our business is adhering to U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus, including enhanced cleaning schedules at our offices.

We continue to regularly update and reinforce with our Colleagues the increased need for safety, sanitation, and hygiene measures, such as frequent hand washing.

Our teams are closely monitoring the need for additional resources in our branches in the event of increased call volume.

We’ll continue monitoring the situation and provide additional information should it become necessary.

Thank you for your continued business with Active. As your local pest control experts, we believe in the importance of community and are committed to working with our customers to ensure that their homes and businesses are protected from pests, even in these times of uncertainty.

Sincerely,
John Myers
President & CEO
Florida Pest Control

Winter Cold and Frost Damage

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It seems that winter is almost over! In the past, some parts of Florida have experienced freezing temperatures well into April. So, there’s still plenty of time for some freezing cold winter nights that could take a toll on your lawn and shrubs.

With all that being said, if you suspect your lawn has received some cold or frost damage, there are some steps you can take to determine the extent. Start by raking the dead areas to expose the base of the grass. If it’s cold damage, all parts of the grass will be dead all the way down to the roots. With frost damage, the base of the grass will still be green. Frost-damaged grass should recover when the spring warm-up rolls around. Any areas that have died should be renovated to prevent weeds from taking over.

A heavy layer of leaves still left on the grass can promote disease, so these leaves should be raked up or mowed. Mowing the leaves will allow the smaller pieces to decompose faster and return nutrients back into the soil.

Don’t be tempted to remove or prune a shrub that may appear dead or damaged from the cold. The brown leaves are just a sign of what is happening on the surface of the plant. If you scrape a small section of a branch, you’ll reveal what’s going on below the bark. If it’s green at the cambium layer, which is just below the bark, the branch is still alive. If it’s brown, then that part of the branch is dead.Some branches may fail to show signs of life in the spring while other branches are sprouting buds. If this occurs, you should prune back the dead branches on the shrub. If you have plants that don’t respond in the spring, replacing those plants is recommended. Now is a good time to transplant shrubs while they’re still dormant. Transplanting during dormancy will help prevent the plant from going into shock, allowing a smoother transition into the spring greening.

Spring is a great time to fertilize your shrubs. Your shrubs will be healthier, look better and the fertilizer may even help in resisting next year’s cold weather. Florida Pest Control has a wonderful program that controls pests on your shrubs and fertilizes your shrubs, as well. For more information, contact us. Your shrubs will thank you for it!

Spanish Moss and Your Florida Landscape

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This is a very good time of year to evaluate the condition of your trees concerning the amount of Spanish moss they may have. Most will agree that a large oak tree draped with Spanish moss is a familiar image of the “Old South.” However, in many cases the limbs are heavily laden with moss and many twigs have no leaves because the moss is competing for space on the limb. The tree may be struggling and the moss is contributing to a slow decline. Consider the following moss facts:

Spanish moss is an air plant.
Just like other air plants, Spanish moss receives its nourishment through photosynthesis and rainwater, not from the plant it’s attached to.
Moss will not kill the tree; however, it will compete for space on limbs and twigs.
Because moss adds considerable weight to limbs and twigs, broken limbs can occur, especially when the moss is wet.

So, how much moss is too much moss? How much is acceptable? That decision is entirely up to you. Florida Pest Control can apply a product that will control Spanish moss. This treatment is less expensive and more complete than hand pulling. If your trees are overwhelmed by Spanish moss and you’d like them treated, contact us.

Brown Recluse Spider, Probably Not!!

Did you know there are no brown recluse populations in Florida? Still, there have been an overwhelming number of reported brown recluse spider bites in the last decade.

The size of the brown recluse spider may vary, however the average size of an adult with its legs extended is about the size of a quarter. Their most prominent characteristic is the violin shaped mark on the back of the head. However, there are other spiders with similar markings such as the male southern house spider. The brown recluse has six (6) eyes (three sets of two) while most other spiders have eight (8), arranged in various ways depending on species.

Although recluse spiders have been collected in our state (less than 15 ever collected), the evidence shows they do not survive and reproduce here. While experts still debate over the actual range of this spider, the majority agree its bite is over-diagnosed.

The natural range of the brown recluse is the central Midwestern states. It extends as far north as Nebraska and East to Ohio. The southern boundaries are primarily Texas east to Northwest Georgia.

But still, people from outside these areas believe the brown recluse inhabits their area. Everyone has a cousin or a friend of a friend who has been bitten by this spider. Or have they?

There are many conditions that can cause necrotic wounds and all too often, are misdiagnosed as brown recluse bites. Some are disease related in which a spider or an insect was not even involved. Others are bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections. In one case a woman was being treated for a spider bite, yet the spider bite therapy was ineffective. Further screening found that is was a fungal infection called sporotrichosis. Even if a spider or any other insect is suspected, the physician should first consider the ones that seek mammals for blood meals. The bites from ticks, fleas, bedbugs and conenose bugs can cause a variety of reactions. Tick transmitted Lyme disease can cause the “bull’s-eye” pattern which is characteristic of a brown recluse bite.

In conclusion, not all so-called “brown recluse spider bites” are indeed brown recluse spider bites! In order for a physician to give accurate diagnoses, wouldn’t a specimen culture taken from the wound determine more accurately the source of the necrotic infection? This is a question one should ask their physician if a brown recluse spider bite is suspected.

Most Common Bugs Found in Florida

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When the weather is warm, we all want to go out, be adventurous, soak up some sun and enjoy the great outdoors. But when the weather is warm and especially rainy, it’s also when some of our most common bugs come out to play. We’re going to talk about the 5 most common bugs you’ll find this season so you can learn how to protect yourself against them.

Ticks

There are over 80 species of ticks in the US alone, and they can cause serious illnesses such as Lyme disease. They appear commonly on your pets so it’s good to have them treated and to carry tick repellent with you when staying outside for a long time.

Fleas

Fleas are most prevalent during the spring and summer, and with Florida’s warm climate year-round, they thrive. The hotter it gets, the more they become a problem in your home, so it is best to take care of them early on. Just like ticks, you can find these on your pets, so it’s best to treat them right away and frequently.

Ants

If you live in Florida, even if your home is as clean as possible, these pesky little creatures are quick to invade at the sight of the smallest crumb. Although there are numerous types of ants, the most common you will find include Carpenter ants, Red Imported Fire ants, Big-headed ants, and Rover ants.

Roaches

Just like us, roaches don’t like to be outside when it’s too wet or dry, too hot or cold. When we have extremes in weather, you will most likely see one of these 6-legged menaces in your home. In the case of larger outdoor roaches, making sure gaps and cracks in your home are sealed will help to keep them from entering uninvited.

Termites

Every year, termites cause over $1 billion worth of damage to homes across the US by eating parts of them! The 2 main types of termites that damage homes are the Drywood termite and Subterranean termite. Drywood termites can live their entire lives inside wood whereas Subterranean termites generally need some contact with the ground.

If at any point you find yourself having a problem controlling these or any other pests, be sure to give us a call. We’ll send one of our experts out to your property and help you get rid of the problem once and for all.

How to Keep Bugs Out of Your Home

If there’s one thing Floridians know, it’s that the heat outside can be brutal. If there are two things Floridians know, the second is usually that bugs are abundant. While there may not be much you can do about the heat – aside from staying in the A/C – there are some tips and tricks you can use to help make sure bugs won’t be bothering you inside of your home.

Why Do Bugs Enter Your Home?

Pests are always searching for a place to thrive, and your home can provide a safe and comfortable environment. Bugs enter homes for various reasons, from finding food sources to seeking shelter from the elements. By identifying entry points and understanding what attracts bugs, you can better prevent a bug infestation before it starts.

Common Attractants Inside Your Home

Bugs are often drawn indoors by food, moisture, and shelter. Here are some common causes of bugs in your home:

Crumbs: Even the smallest crumbs or food particles left on counters, floors, or in hidden corners can attract a variety of pests. Ants, roaches, and even rodents can be drawn to these food remnants.
Pet food: Leaving pet food out overnight or in an open container can invite bugs into your home.
Spills: Food and drink spills, whether they’re sweet or savory, create a sticky mess that can quickly attract pests like ants, fruit flies, and cockroaches. Even spills that seem small can become a food source for insects.
Standing water: Bugs, especially mosquitoes and cockroaches, are attracted to moisture. Leaky pipes, standing water in sinks, and even wet towels or dishcloths can create a perfect environment for pests.
Trash and garbage: Garbage is one of the top attractants for pests like ants, roaches, and rodents. Leaving trash in open bins or failing to take out the garbage regularly can invite a variety of bugs into your home.
Clutter: Piles of paper, clothing, or boxes can provide shelter for pests. Cluttered areas, especially in basements, attics, or storage rooms, make it easy for pests to hide and breed.

Environmental Factors That Encourage Bugs

Certain environmental factors make it easier for bugs to thrive in your home. Areas with poor drainage or standing water attract mosquitoes and other pests seeking moisture. Filth flies, such as house flies and drain flies, are often attracted to environments where waste and decaying organic matter are present.

Homes located near wooded areas or large shrubs can also experience an influx of insects, as plants provide shelter and food for pests like ants, spiders, and beetles. And homes with unsealed cracks in foundations or walls create easy access for pests such as ants and termites. Pests often seek shelter in these gaps, especially during extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or cold.

Seasonal Variations in Bug Activity

Here in Florida, pests remain active throughout the year, but their behavior shifts with the seasons.

Spring & Summer: Peak Pest Season – As temperatures rise, bugs become more active. You are more likely to see mosquitoes and ants, particularly fire ants. Spiders are also often found indoors seeking shelter due to increased humidity, and termites are especially active in the spring. Of course, Florida’s flies are a particular nuisance during the summer months.
Fall: Transition and Preparation – As the weather cools, many pests seek warmth and shelter indoors. Cockroaches may enter your home to escape the cooler temperatures. Fleas remain active as long as it’s warm, often hitching a ride on pets, but they tend to peak in the fall. Millipedes also like to come out during this time, especially after periods of heavy rain when soil is moist.
Winter: Cooler Temperatures and Hidden Pests – Though Florida’s winters are mild, some pests still seek warmth inside. Silverfish, which thrive in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens, can be found inside year-round, but may be more noticeable during the winter. Spiders are less active outdoors in winter, but may still hide indoors, particularly in corners or clutter.

At Florida Pest Control, we offer regularly scheduled inspections to help you maintain your home year-round. Contact us today for a FREE quote, and see how we can help keep bugs out of your property.

Top Tips To Keep Bugs Out of Your Home

If you want to prevent pests in your home, you need to get good at pest exclusion. Pest exclusion is the practice of anticipating the factors that attract pests and working to eliminate them before they lead to infestations. Here are some measures you can take that will help set you up for success.

Dispose of Garbage Regularly and Securely

To prevent attracting pests, make sure to take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Garbage left outside can be a food source for ants, cockroaches, and other insects, so it’s essential to keep it contained. One of the more common pests you’re likely to encounter is the ant. They come in many different varieties, and each species has its own set of problems they can cause your home.

Store Food, Including Pet Food, Properly

Keep food sealed in airtight containers, and don’t leave pet food out overnight. Crumbs, spills, and exposed food sources can attract various pests, including ants and fruit flies. Open food packages, crumbs, and spills are easy targets for pests like ants, fruit flies, and cockroaches, which are drawn to exposed food sources. By properly storing food and cleaning up after meals, you eliminate these tempting food sources. This not only keeps bugs at bay, but keeps the food fresh.

Inspect and Seal Common Entry Points

Pests often find their way into homes the same way we do – through doors and windows. At least once a year it’s important to check up on these common entryways. Replace any weather stripping on doors, and look to see if there is any loose mortar around your windows or vents in need of repair. Make sure to caulk or seal any gaps to prevent pests from entering your home. Even small crevices can provide an easy entry for ants, spiders, and other crawling insects.

Trim Overgrown Foliage Near the House

Pests are sneaky and use anything they can to find a way into our homes, and that includes foliage. Trim back tree limbs and any other plants or shrubs that might be touching the side or roof of your house. This will reduce the chances of pests climbing the branches and eventually getting inside.

Manage Humidity Levels in Your Home

If pests do make it inside, we surely don’t want to make it cozy for them. Pests such as silverfish, flies and mosquitoes thrive in high humidity. Check crawl spaces and in your attic for humid areas. It’s good to dry them out and keep them well-ventilated, or use a dehumidifier in areas like basements and bathrooms. Moisture is a breeding ground for any number of things, so you definitely want to get rid of it as well as you can.

Install Window Screens and Door Seals

Ensure all your windows and doors are properly sealed and equipped with screens in good condition. Even the smallest gaps in window frames or damaged door seals can create easy entry points for pests like mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.

Keep a Clean and Clutter-Free Environment

A clean, organized home is the first line of defense against pests. Clutter provides perfect hiding spots for insects and rodents, making it easier for them to sneak in unnoticed. Regular cleaning removes food scraps and crumbs that attract pests, particularly in areas like baseboards, under furniture, and around food sources.

Even with these defense mechanisms, pests can continue to be a problem, and when that’s the case, it’s time to call in the professionals. We’ll help you build a home defense plan to ward off these pests once and for all. If you’d like to schedule a no-obligation consultation, give Florida Pest Control a call today.

Natural Remedies vs. Professional Pest Control

Limitations of DIY Pest Control

While DIY solutions can provide short-term relief and may help reduce the number of pests, they often don’t address the root cause of the infestation. Many over-the-counter treatments and natural remedies only target the surface problem, or target one or two visible bugs, leaving the underlying issue unresolved. This means that bugs are likely to return once your natural remedy treatment wears off.

Also, DIY methods may not be effective for all types of pests, especially larger or more persistent infestations like termites, rodents, or cockroaches. These pests often require more specialized treatments and expertise. And if entry points are not properly sealed or hidden nests and breeding grounds are overlooked, the infestation can continue or worsen.

Benefits of Professional Exclusion Services

In a nutshell, professional pest control offers a more comprehensive and lasting solution to any pest problem. Equipped with the right tools and expertise, pest experts can target the specific pests in your home and apply more effective treatments. Professional services also include regular follow-up services to monitor and manage any potential re-infestations, ensuring long-term protection.

For a worry-free home, trust Florida Pest Control to provide the expert care and proactive solutions you need.

Preventing Common Household Pests

Maintaining a comfortable and healthy living space means staying on top of potential pest problems. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of common pests.

Keeping Ants Out

To keep ants from entering your home, focus on removing their food sources and minimizing their access. Clean up any crumbs or spills immediately, and store food in airtight containers. Ensure that your trash is properly sealed and take it out frequently. Keep outdoor areas around your home free from debris and standing water where ants might be attracted. Finally, inspect your home’s exterior for potential entry points, especially near the foundation, and take steps to eliminate those.

Preventing Cockroaches Indoors

Like most critters, cockroaches are drawn to food, moisture, and warmth. Keep your home dry and free from excess moisture by repairing leaks in plumbing and ensuring that sinks and tubs are properly sealed. Clean all areas where food is prepared or consumed regularly, ensure that pet food is stored properly, and keep trash in sealed containers and take it out regularly. Next, clear clutter around the home, particularly in areas like basements or garages, as these dark, hidden spaces are ideal for cockroaches.

Reducing Mosquitoes and Flies

The most important preventative measure for mosquitos and flies is eliminating standing water in and around your home. This includes checking items like plant saucers, birdbaths, and clogged gutters. Also, fix any leaks that could lead to water accumulation. Next, trim overgrown vegetation around your home to reduce areas where mosquitoes can hide. For flies, regularly clean and empty garbage bins, compost containers, and pet waste areas.

Learn more about about Florida Pest’s residential fly control services. For more information about commercial solutions, see our Lumnia insect light traps.

Minimizing Spiders and Other Creepy Crawlies

Spiders thrive in undisturbed areas with easy access to food. As with the other pests, remove hiding places, keep your home clean, particularly in corners, basements, and attics. Vacuum often, wipe down baseboards and corners where webs may accumulate. Managing moisture levels inside your home can also discourage creepy crawlies.