Summer in Florida brings sunshine, warm evenings, and plenty of time outdoors. It also brings a rise in pest activity. Thanks to the heat and humidity, insects like mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, and more are especially active this time of year. Fortunately, there are ways to manage them using eco-friendly methods that support both your home and the environment. Here are the most common pests in Florida during the summer, along with green pest control tips to help you manage them.
Green Pest Control Tips for Common Florida Pests
Common Summer Pests in Florida
Mosquitoes
These pests are known for itchy bites and thrive in standing water after heavy rain. They can also carry illnesses like West Nile virus and dengue fever.
Ants
Sugar ants and fire ants are frequently found in kitchens and around entry points during summer. They’re small but persistent.
Cockroaches
The American cockroach, often called the palmetto bug, tends to move indoors when the temperature climbs. They’re attracted to food crumbs and moisture.
Termites
Summer is peak swarming season for termites. Florida’s damp conditions create an ideal environment for them to find wood to feed on.
House Flies
These appear more often when outdoor activities increase. Flies are attracted to food, waste, and open trash bins.
DIY Green Pest Control Tips for Managing Pests
Reduce Mosquitoes
Empty standing water from planters, buckets, and birdbaths every few days.
Grow mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and lemongrass around patios and porches.
Sprinkle used coffee grounds in damp areas to stop mosquito larvae from developing.
Deter Ants Naturally
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply along baseboards, countertops, and entry points.
Sprinkle cinnamon in windowsills or doorways to confuse ant trails.
Discourage Cockroaches
Keep floors and counters clean and free of crumbs.
Combine equal parts baking soda and sugar and leave small amounts in areas where roaches have been seen.
Place bay leaves in kitchen cabinets or under sinks to naturally deter them.
Prevent Termite Activity
Repair leaks under sinks and around outdoor faucets to keep wood from staying damp.
Use gravel or cedar mulch around the perimeter of your home to create a dry buffer.
Keep Flies Away
Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil and spray near doors and windows.
Set out a small jar filled with apple cider vinegar, covered with plastic wrap and small holes. Flies will enter but cannot escape.
General Tips for Prevention
Seal small openings around doors, windows, and vents with caulk or weatherstripping.
Keep bushes, shrubs, and tree branches trimmed and away from your home’s walls.
If you compost, use a covered bin and avoid placing food scraps directly outdoors.
Summer pests are a part of life in Florida, but that doesn’t mean they have to take over. With these simple and thoughtful DIY green pest control tips, you can reduce pest activity and enjoy your home without relying on harsh chemicals from traditional pest control methods. By staying consistent and focused on prevention, your summer can be all about the things that matter—time with family, sunshine, and peace of mind indoors and out.
If pests are becoming a problem, contact a local pest control expert for a free green pest control quote!
