When the temperature in Florida rises, the insect population starts to swell. Because of this, some state residents come to dread the summer months, when infestations are at their peak.
Some common house insects you may encounter this season include spiders, house flies, ants, stinging insects, and bed bugs—and that’s only scratching the surface. Fortunately, a practiced pest control provider can curb the effect of these insects on your life and help you take back your summer!
Discover several common pests you may find in Florida, and simple ways you can avoid them. Tired of dealing with unwelcome house guests? Request a free quote from McCall Service today!
Spiders
Most spiders come inside your home in search of a dark, quiet place to spin webs and catch food. Appropriately categorized as “house spiders,” you can find them in corners of windows, doorways, and basements. Sometimes they’ll occupy your outdoor areas as well.
Generally speaking, most house spiders are just a nuisance. However, Florida is home to several less favorable arachnid species, such as brown recluses. If you suspect you have an infestation, let a professional know so they can inspect your home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
House Flies
House flies come into your home in search of garbage, food, and a place to lay eggs. These flying pests serve to harm you in only one real way: they can contaminate surfaces and food through passing on the bacteria they carry.
Though not uniquely Florida insects, house flies are a common nuisance in Florida. They also hold the potential to be hazardous to you and your family. If you notice a lot of house flies buzzing around, take some extra time to wipe down your surfaces and any food that might be left out. It might be in your interest to make use of a fly trap to reduce their numbers.
Ants
Ants invade your home in search of food, water, and shelter. Often seen parading through your kitchen, many folks will kill the few that they see and be surprised when they are quickly replaced by more. Ants live in huge colonies that can number up to the thousands. To eliminate ants, you must deal with them at their source.
Try discouraging ants by keeping your home clean, ensuring nothing sweet or sticky is left out for these pests. In the event that the problem persists, you may want to invest in a professional exterminator. Ants can be stubborn and difficult to handle yourself.
Stinging Insects
Stinging insects are a reality of being outdoors. While the majority of stinging insects in Florida tend not to attack humans, they will protect themselves if they feel threatened. Some of these insects include bumblebees, hornets, yellow jackets, and wasps.
Typically, these insects are looking for food when they encounter humans. You can often find them around concentrations of sugar, such as discarded soda cans, or water sources, like pools or birdbaths. Some live in nests on or near the ground, making an encounter even more likely when you step outside.
Stinging insects may look alarming, but most of their stings are not inherently fatal. However, some people are vulnerable to allergic reactions triggered by the venom. To prevent any dangerous medical situations, contact pest control professionals before dealing with stinging insects on your own.
Bed Bugs
Unlike the rest of the common house insects on this list, bed bugs are not exclusively a seasonal pest. However, they do become more active during the summer months—a time period often associated with increased travel for vacations, business trips, and dog walks.
Bed bugs are small, nocturnal insects that feed on blood. Some signs of a possible bed bug presence include shed bed bug skins, blood spots on sheets, finding live bed bugs, and in extreme infestations, a scent similar to over-ripe raspberries.
Relax This Summer with Pest Control Tips from McCall
McCall has been in the business for over 90 years, and we like to think we’ve figured out a thing or two about pest control in that time. Here are a few simple, time-tested pest prevention tips to avoid these renowned pests:
- Cover your garbage at all times
- Regularly remove your garbage, don’t let it build
- Keep your counters and floors clean from spills and crumbs
- Rinse your dishes clean from all food debris as soon as possible
To avoid problems with bed bugs try the following:
- Place clothing in a sealed plastic bag inside your suitcase
- Don’t leave clothing, luggage, or shoes lying around your hotel room
- Upon entering your hotel room, leave your suitcase in the bathroom and inspect the room for any signs of a bed bug presence
- Thoroughly check all luggage and packed items upon arrival at home for any signs of unwanted stowaways
- Immediately wash and dry your clothes on high heat to kill any passengers
Summer in Florida is beautiful. Having a home and yard safe from bed bugs, ants spiders, house flies, and stinging insects is ideal. McCall would love to help you enjoy your summer again. Request your free quote or give us a call today to learn more about our pest control services!
