With its warm and humid climate, Florida is a beautiful state that attracts tourists from all over the world. However, the same weather that makes Florida so appealing also provides the perfect environment for a variety of pests. During the summer months, these pests can become particularly prevalent, making it important for residents and visitors alike to be aware of the common pest control issues that they may encounter.
Common Pests in Florida During the Summer
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are common in Florida during the summer months, and they are most active at dawn and dusk, but can also be active during the day in shady areas.
Take note that mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, such as ponds, birdbaths, and even small puddles. This is why it’s important not to have any standing water on your property. Furthermore, mosquitoes can also transmit several diseases to humans, including West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever. These diseases can cause symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and muscle aches. In rare cases, they can even be life-threatening.
Ants
Florida is home to many different species of ants, but some of the most common include the Argentine ant, the Ghost ant, and the Carpenter ant. The Argentine ant is small and brown, while the Ghost ant is even smaller and has a translucent appearance. On the other hand, Carpenter ants are larger and black in color.
Ants are active year-round in Florida, but during the summer months, they tend to be more active as they search for food and water. As you probably know, they are extremely skilled in entering homes and buildings through small cracks and crevices, and once inside, they will search for sources of food.
Besides just causing you problems indoors, ants can also be a problem outside, as they can damage plants and gardens. They may build nests in the soil, and their tunnels can damage roots and create unsightly mounds in the yard.
Termites
Nobody wants to see termites in their home. These small, white, and soft-bodied insects are capable of extreme and costly damage and destruction to homes and their structures. Unfortunately, termites are most active during the summer months, when temperatures are warm and humidity is high. They are attracted to moist environments, and they will often build their nests near sources of water, such as leaky pipes or damp soil.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another common pest in Florida during the summer. Usually brown or black in color with a flattened, oval-shaped body, cockroaches are nocturnal and love hiding in dark, damp places during the day, such as behind walls, under sinks, and in cracks and crevices.
Cockroaches are known for their ability to survive in harsh conditions. Surprisingly, they can go without food for up to a month and survive without water for a week.
Unfortunately, cockroaches are not only a nuisance but also a health hazard. They can contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens that can cause illnesses such as salmonella, E. coli, and dysentery. Even if you don’t cross paths with them, cockroach droppings and their shed skins can still trigger allergies and asthma in some people.
Let Drake Pest Keep Pests Away During The Summer
As you enjoy the warmer summer months in Florida, remember that various pests are enjoying the climate too. Take this as a reminder not to neglect your pest control and allow pests to move into your home. Always be proactive when it comes to pest control and maintain a safe and healthy environment by calling pest control experts like us to eliminate pests and prevent them from coming back. Call us today, and let us help you keep the pests away!
Brandon is the President of Drake Lawn and Pest Control in Orlando, FL . He has over 30 years experience in the Orlando Pest Control Industry. He attributes his achievements to living by these rules: continuous training and education, providing honest work and striving for the pursuit of perfect service.
