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

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

Spanish moss hanging from a tree - keep pests away form your home with florida pest control

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

a tick burrowing into a person's skin - keep pests away from your home with florida pest control

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.

Tips for Pest Exclusion in 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 your garbage regularly, and make sure it’s sealed

One of the more common pests you’re likely to encounter is the ant. It comes in many different varieties, and each species has its own set of problems it can cause your home. There are a couple of different ways you can reduce the likelihood they’ll find a great food source in your home; the first of which is getting rid of your garbage. It’s not a bad idea to take it out a little more often during the warmer months and always make sure it’s sealed properly so nothing can get in.

Properly store pet food

Along the same lines, we often forget our pet’s food can be a great source of nutrition for critters other than our furry friends. To make sure Spot doesn’t have to share his food with a colony of ants, store pet food in a sealed container. This will take away the temptation for bugs and will keep the food fresh.

Give common entry points a once-over

Pests, like these ants, 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 in need of repair.

Make sure foliage isn’t overgrown

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.

Check for humid areas and give them ventilation

If pests do make it inside, we surely don’t want to make it cozy for them. Check crawl spaces and in your attic for humid areas. It’s good to dry them out and keep them well-ventilated. Moisture is a breeding ground for any number of things, so you definitely want to get rid of it as well as you can.

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.

How to Protect Yourself from Stinging Insects

Now that the warmer weather has begun to arrive, it’s important to be mindful of stinging insects and take the proper precautions. Insect stings can be very painful and disturbing – they can cause skin reactions and even moderate to severe allergies.

Stings can usually be treated at home; however, severe allergic reactions can occur and potentially require medical attention – making it extremely important to be protected. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Some ways to protect yourself from stings:

Wear light-colored clothing: Floral patterns and dark colors can be attractive to bees and wasps.
Wear protective clothing: Covering as much skin as possible will protect you. Long sleeves and pants are always a good idea when spending a lot of time outdoors.
Watch where you walk: There’s nothing worse than finding out you stepped into a fire ant mound – OUCH! When a nest is disturbed, fire ants will come out by the hundreds to defend their colony from intruders. They not only inflict a painful sting, but they will bite down on you, as well!
Avoid perfumes: Anything that has a strong scent can attract bees and wasps. These little insects love perfumed soaps, shampoos, deodorants, colognes, etc. You will be better off going for a neutral and natural scent.
Wear clean clothes: Insects are attracted to strong odors. Basic hygiene, such as bathing daily, may help you prevent a sting.
Keep areas clean: We’re starting to see a pattern. Insects are attracted to leftover foods, garbage, and dirty plates. Maintaining cleanliness and discarding food correctly will help you in avoiding these little insects. Be careful with sweetened beverage spills and food crumbs.
Keep calm: Sometimes when we see a bee or a wasp flying around, we tend to make rapid moves and start swatting. This is actually the opposite of what you should be doing; this will irritate them and you will have a higher chance of getting stung.
Wear bug repellant: If you’re going to be outdoors, make sure to apply an insect repellant, there are plenty of brands to choose from. Read the product label to see which one is best for you and your family.

If you follow these easy tips, you will have a better chance of avoiding a painful sting. And if you have any questions about what you can do to keep your home safe from these insects, feel free to contact Florida Pest Control today.

Is Itchiness Contagious?

In our “What’s Bugging You” articles, we often discuss pests such as bed bugs, fleas, mosquitoes, and head lice. Just thinking about these pests can cause us to itch. Watching someone scratch themselves may cause us to feel itchy, too, but why? Scientists have no definitive reason for this psychosomatic phenomenon, but they have performed research on the topic and developed hypotheses.

There are several hypotheses as to why we itch when thinking about something itchy. One hypothesis suggested by scientists is that our skin is constantly itchy to some extent, but we suppress the feeling until something reminds us. Another suggests that our senses become heightened because of the idea something could be crawling on us, even though nothing is. The latter could have some merit. At least once in every Floridian’s life, we have had the cockroach bedtime home invader. We’re ready to go to sleep and we spy a roach in the bedroom. We swat at the roach and miss! The roach runs off and we can’t find it. As we lay in bed, our skin crawls as we anticipate Mr. Roach crawling on us in the night with his six spiny legs.

Scientists also have hypotheses on why we itch when we see other people scratching. One idea is based on empathy or “fitting in” socially. We want to be a part of the social group subconsciously, so we mimic their behavior. If someone yawns, we yawn. If someone scratches, we get itchy and scratch. Yet another possible explanation involves pest prevention. Seeing someone scratch could possibly mean they have parasites on them, such as fleas or lice. If they have parasites, our mind tells us we could too, so we begin to feel itchy. By scratching, we could potentially be removing any parasites on us.

Although the occurrence of itchiness induced by suggestion seems like a novelty, there is value behind the research being done by scientists concerning it. The data gathered is being used to determine the cause and, hopefully, the cure for those with medical conditions causing untreatable and uncontrollable itching. So, the next time you read about head lice and feel that itching sensation, know you’re not alone. Scientists are scratching their heads, too, about the phenomenon.

How to Prepare for Tent Fumigation

Tent fumigation can be a scary thought, but we’re here to demystify fumigation and tell you that it really isn’t as scary as it may seem. In fact, it’s a safe and effective way to get rid of Drywood termites and other pests that nestle in your home. We take fumigations seriously, so all Florida Pest Control fumigations are performed by State Certified Pest Control Operators who are as knowledgeable as they come.

With the right preparation, tenting your house doesn’t need to cause a lot of stress and heartache. So what do you need to do to properly prepare? In the event your home needs to be fumigated, you will be provided with a checklist of items that should be addressed before the fumigation occurs.

Some of these items are as follows:

Trim shrubbery and tree branches to prevent damage. Allow 18” to 24” of space for the tent to fall freely to the ground. Tree limbs growing over the roof must be trimmed back. Dig up flower bulbs and plants within 2 feet of the foundation. Any vines attached to the structure must be removed.
Water heavily all vegetation located alongside the foundation of the structure. This will help to protect the plants during the fumigation.
All foods and medicinal products must be removed prior to the fumigation. Factory Sealed cans, jars, and bottles do not need to be removed.

Some additional items to consider are:

Don’t purchase extra or unnecessary food in the days leading up to the fumigation. This will only create more work for you in the event these items must be removed before the fumigation.
Remove all plants from inside your home before the day of the fumigation. These include any plants on outdoor patios.
Make overnight arrangements for you and your pets with the intention of staying at least 48 hours. Be sure that whatever plans you make have the flexibility of being re-scheduled. In the event of bad weather, your fumigation may be delayed as a safety measure.
Contact your pest control professional with any questions you may have prior to the fumigation. It’s even a good idea to meet with your expert before the fumigation so they can make sure your home is properly prepared.

After the fumigation, it won’t be necessary to wash dishes, linen, or clothing. The gas used in the house will dissipate, and will not linger.

To ensure the safety of you and your family, do not attempt to enter the house before your fumigators have given you the all-clear. Ask any questions you may have, because the more informed you are about the process, the easier it will be. If you feel ready and think you may need tent fumigation, click here to schedule your no-obligation inspection today.

The Facts about Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the pests almost guaranteed to give anyone the creepy crawlies and for good reason. Other than simply being pretty gross, cockroaches often cause disease or trigger allergies and can be a sure sign of a dirty environment.

But other than the fact that you want to smack the cockroach that appeared in your kitchen, what do you actually know about cockroaches? Learn the facts about these pests below.

7 Facts About Cockroaches You May Not Know

Most roaches aren’t pests. As hard as it is to believe when you have a roach problem, only about 1% of cockroaches are pests to humans. Of the more than 4,000 species of roaches found around the world, only about 35-40 infest human homes. Most live outside.
According to popular belief, cockroaches can survive a nuclear war. Even though cockroaches have been around since before the dinosaurs they may not be that durable, but cockroaches can survive for 1-2 weeks without its head. Cockroaches breathe through holes in their bodies, and will only die because they need a mouth to drink water. However, cockroaches can withstand far more radiation than humans.
Diseases are spread and allergies are triggered by cockroaches. Roaches are a major contributor to allergies and asthma, especially in children. Studies have shown that 45% of children may be allergic to cockroaches, and many develop asthma from continued exposure. Additionally, cockroaches have been found to carry the pathogens that cause tuberculosis, cholera, leprosy, and more.
BUT cockroaches might be used to fight disease in the future. We know that cockroaches are survivors, and scientists have shown that the brain matter and nerves of cockroaches can kill germs, including MRSA and E. coli with no harm to human cells. Scientists conducting this research believe the fact that roaches live in such filthy conditions has made their bodies adapt and create these antimicrobial particles.
Cockroaches will eat just about anything. One of their only beneficial roles is to break down organic matter, and cockroaches will eat just about anything they can find, such as paper, glue, leather, and more. This is why thoroughly cleaning areas like the kitchen and bathroom are so important to keep cockroaches at bay. Crumbs, trash, and even hair offer an irresistible feast for cockroaches!
Cockroaches are generally active at night. Most cockroaches prefer to stay hidden during the day. If you’re seeing cockroaches regularly during daylight, you probably have a significant population hidden somewhere in your home.
The American cockroach is highly attracted to alcoholic beverages. The American cockroach is especially attracted to beer. Many people will often spot these roaches near their recycling bins, but you can help control populations by rinsing all glass and aluminum recycling before placing it outside.

Roach Infestations Often Require Professional Help

If you catch a roach problem early on, it’s often a problem you can solve with store-bought treatments and some persistence. However, if you’re being overrun with roaches, that may not be enough and you may need professional roach control services.

Contact Florida Pest Control today to schedule your appointment or for a free quote!

There’s a Fungus Among Us

A healthy lawn with patches of brown and white fungus - keep pests away from your hoe with florida pest control

During the cooler weather, your lawn may begin screaming out to you, “There’s a fungus among us!” Mind you, a lawn can’t talk with words but it can tell you something is wrong in other ways – namely, by showing symptoms of the disease. One commonly seen disease this time of year is Large Patch fungus.

What is the Large Patch Fungus?

This fungus affects all warm-season turfgrasses. It’s active when nighttime temperatures range from 60-75 degrees and daytime temperatures don’t exceed 85-90 degrees. These temperatures are usually seen in the Spring and Fall, but can also occur during mild Winters. Like other fungi, Large Patch also requires adequate moisture in its environment to thrive, so be careful of your irrigation practices.

This disease affects the blades of the grass and will not kill the entire grass plant. It typically begins as small patches that turn yellow, then brown, as the grass blades die. Just like the blob seen in sci-fi movies, Large Patch starts out small but can spread to create large damaged areas if not controlled. An interesting display of Large Patch fungus in a lawn is the “donut effect” it may create. In diseased areas, you may see a ring of rotten grass with some green grass in its center; hence, looking somewhat like a large unsightly donut pattern in your lawn.

As ugly as Large Patch can look, it’s important to remember this disease does not kill the entire grass plant. Over time, the rotten grass left in the wake of Large Patch fungus will naturally decompose and new grass blades will grow. Mowing will also remove the dead grass blades. It must be mentioned, though, that active Large Patch fungus can be spread mechanically. In the event an area with an active Large Patch is mowed, recommendations are for those areas to be mowed last and mowing equipment rinsed to prevent further spread of the pathogen.

In order to stop the spread of Large Patch in your lawn, a fungicide application should be made. This will only stop the spread of the disease though; it will not cause the grass to grow faster or green-up. New grass will grow in eventually, but this can be a slow process in the Fall and Winter, as turfgrass is heading toward its dormant period.

Keep in mind, there may be other causes for brown patches in a lawn. Insect damage and improper lawn maintenance practices could also be a culprit, as well as many other variables. If you see discoloration in a lawn and aren’t sure what the cause is, contact us for a complimentary lawn inspection.