It’s no secret that Florida weather can bring in a variety of pests throughout the year. While it’s inevitable to come across a pest or two on your property, that doesn’t mean they need to take over! Knowing how to identify and prevent common household pests in Florida can help keep your home and family safe.
Common Household Pests
Termites
Termites, including the subterranean and drywood termite, are practically active year-round. Both termite species can cause significant structural damage with repairs costing billions of dollars. Check out the do-it-yourself ways you can prevent termites from infesting:
- Keep wood or lumber at least 20 feet from your home, elevating it off the ground.
- Fix any leaks promptly and remove excess moisture throughout your home; consider enclosing your crawlspace to reduce moisture and stop termites and other household pests.
- Have regular termite inspections by a local termite control company near you to catch termite activity early.
Ants
Fire ants, crazy ants, carpenter ants and more are all common in Florida. These pests are extremely invasive and will search our property for a place to nest and find a food source. It can be difficult to remove ants once they’ve infested in numbers but placing preventative measures is key to avoiding their infestation. Check out our tips here:
- Regularly mow your grass and trim back plants and shrubbery away from the home.
- Keep your kitchen clean and tidy, cleaning up spills and crumbs as soon as possible.
- Seal cracks and crevices throughout your home, including openings around your utility pipes.
Mosquitoes
Dealing with mosquitoes is not uncommon for Florida homeowners. While it can seem like an impossible battle to avoid mosquitoes, that doesn’t mean they have to invade in droves. Here are some easy ways to prevent mosquitoes from your yard:
- Eliminate standing water throughout your property by removing items that can hold water, such as toys, buckets, unused flowerpots, etc.
- Ensure all your windows and doors have fitted screens in good repair.
- Consider a professional mosquito control company near you to set you up with a recurring mosquito control plan.
Cockroaches
American and German roaches are common roach types you may find scurrying under appliances or in your bathrooms. These pests can not only be alarming to have inside your home, but they are also known to trigger allergies and contaminate surfaces. Prevent a roach infestation by:
- Ensuring all openings in doors, windows, and foundations are sealed.
- Decluttering your home by cleaning out old newspapers, utilizing plastic containers for storage, and making sure your clothes aren’t piled on the floor.
- Wiping up all food crumbs and drink spills from your countertops and dining room table frequently; don’t forget to clean underneath your appliances!
If you’ve seen these common household pests in your home or would like to get started on preventing them as soon as possible, it’s best to reach out to a pest control company near you. These professionals will inspect your home, identify any live pests, and provide you with the best treatment and prevention plan.
