Florida is home to a wide variety of household pests that can be quite an annoyance to homeowners. Whether it’s ants, termites, or cockroaches, any pest exterminator in Daytona Beach will tell you that identifying these pests is the first step in getting rid of them. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to identify certain Florida household pests that can help homeowners take appropriate action.
Identifying Common Florida Household Pests
Identifying Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in Florida, and they really need no introduction. You’ll know one when you see one! However, there are several species of cockroaches in Florida, with the most common being German and American cockroaches.
German Cockroaches: German cockroaches are small and light brown in color. You’ll see two black stripes on their thorax, and they are about 1/2 inch long. Usually found in kitchens and bathrooms, these cockroaches prefer warm and humid environments. German cockroaches are known to reproduce quickly, so it’s crucial to identify and eliminate them as soon as possible.
American Cockroaches: American cockroaches are larger than German cockroaches and are reddish-brown in color. They also bear a distinctive yellow figure-eight pattern on their thorax and are usually found in dark, damp areas such as basements and crawl spaces. Measuring about 2 inches long, American cockroaches can fly short distances and are attracted to light.
Identifying Ants
Ants are another common household pest in Florida, and just like cockroaches, there are many different species found in Florida. Some of the most common include fire ants, carpenter ants, and ghost ants.
Fire Ants: Fire ants are known for their painful stings, which can be dangerous for those who are allergic. They are reddish-brown in color and can range in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Fire ants like to build large mounds in open areas, such as lawns and fields, and you’ll find them to be most active during the warmer months of the year.
Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are larger than most other ants and can range in color from black to reddish-brown. They are known for their ability to damage wood, as they create tunnels and nests within it. These ants can be found both indoors and outdoors, and are often attracted to damp or decaying wood.
Ghost Ants: Ghost ants are small, measuring only 1/16 inch long. They are named for their pale, almost translucent appearance. Ghost ants are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, as they are attracted to sugary or greasy foods. They can be difficult to control, as they often nest in hard-to-reach areas.
Identifying Termites
Termites are a major problem in Florida, as the warm and humid climate is perfect for their survival. Termites are small, pale insects that live in colonies and feed on wood. They are often mistaken for ants, but can be distinguished by their straight antennae and broad waist.
Subterranean Termites: Subterranean termites are the most destructive type of termite in Florida, causing billions of dollars in damage to structures annually. These termites live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to reach their food source.
To identify subterranean termites, look for mud tubes on the exterior of your home or other structures. These tubes are typically about the width of a pencil and can be found on foundation walls, support piers, and other surfaces. Additionally, subterranean termites have straight antennae and a thick waist, and their wings are equal in size.
Drywood Termites: These termites live inside the wood they infest and do not require contact with the soil. They can be found in furniture, walls, and other wooden structures.
To identify drywood termites, look for small piles of sawdust near wooden structures. These piles are created by the termites as they burrow through the wood. Additionally, drywood termites have straight antennae and a thick waist, and their wings are equal in size.
Leave Your Pest Problems to Drake Pest
It’s crucial to correctly identify pests so you can effectively control and prevent them from infesting your home. If you’re uncertain about the pest you have come across or the infestation you’re facing at home, it’s time to seek the guidance of our pest control experts, who can help you to identify them and recommend effective treatments. Call us today, and let us help you get started with eliminating these pests from your home!
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.
