Most Common Pests Found In Florida

Florida offers great weather and sunshine all year round, making it an ideal place to live and retire. However, there is a trade-off to Florida’s amazing weather and endless outdoor fun; the state is home to a variety of pests that can invade your home. Unlike northern states that get a break from pests in the winter, we have to contend with them year-round. Here are the most common pests in Florida that we are called to handle.

Ants

The ant population is diverse, ranging from tiny sugar ants to large carpenter ants. There are many pests that are capable of entering our homes, but ants are the most common pest problem we hear about. Among the most common insects on Earth, ants can be found in abundance right here in Florida. By far, the types of ants that cause the most problems for homeowners in Florida are fire ants and carpenter ants.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are not native to the Sunshine State or the rest of the country. Fire ants are an invasive species that were imported to the US on fruit trucks and ships from South America. We have come to be well acquainted with fire ants, their painful stings, and aggressive behavior. These pests can pose a real danger to children and pets if they choose to build a nest in your yard. Fire ant colonies can hold hundreds of thousands of ants and they will attack in full-force if disturbed. 

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are larger and scarier-looking than fire ants; however, carpenter ants can be very destructive once they make a nest in your home. They are attracted to moist and damp wood caused by leaks or too much moisture. Carpenter ants can cause extensive damage to wooden structures if not treated right away. 

Rodents

It is during the fall that rodents, such as mice, rats, and squirrels, seek out warmer locations to spend the winter. When rodents enter your home, they can create a great deal of damage and make quite a mess. As well as contaminating food, causing allergies, and spreading disease, their droppings may also cause contamination of food. Soft materials are often chewed up by rats for nests, but they are capable of chewing on:

• Cardboard
• Clothes
• Drywall
• Electrical wires
• Insulation

Termites

There is no doubt that termites are one of the most destructive pests for homeowners. Over half a million homes are affected by termite infestations every year, which results in an estimated 5 billion dollars in property damage. Due to our hospitable climate, these pests are often found in homes throughout the state. In Florida, there are three types of termites that can cause problems for homeowners. 

Subterranean Termites: A subterranean termite primarily lives underground or within dead and rotting trees. They build mud tubes when they emerge to hunt for food.

Dampwood Termites: Dampwood termites love high humidity and are especially common in southern Florida. 

Drywood Termites: Drywood termites live in colonies and live above ground in wooden structures. 

Signs of a Termite Infestation

• Accumulation of frass (feces) at base of walls
• Darkening or blistering of wood structures
• Discarded wings from swarmers
• Hollow sound on wood
• Mud tubes on the outside of buildings

When you see signs of a termite infestation, it is recommended that you call a professional exterminator before more damage is done. At Capelouto, our trained termite inspector will thoroughly inspect your property and identify the type of termite and where they are located. We will then treat the home with our termite control treatment to ensure they are eliminated.

Roaches

Cockroaches are one of the most well-adapted pests in the world. They can survive almost any inhospitable environment on earth and have many tricks to help them survive without food, water, or even a head. Roaches aren’t just terrifying; they are also very unsanitary and can cause asthma, allergies, and even transmit diseases. Cockroaches are attracted to exposed food and moisture, which is why you will commonly find them in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

Spiders

There are about 60 different species of spiders that are native to the state of Florida. Most spiders are harmless to humans and can be beneficial as natural fly and insect catchers. Spiders can actually keep your house clear of mosquitoes, flies, moths, and other flying insects.. However, there are some pretty dangerous spiders that live here that you should be on the lookout for, such as the Black Widow and Brown Recluse. 

How To Prevent Pests in Florida

At Capelouto we are proud of the communities we serve and want to help homeowners by educating them on ways they can prevent pests themselves. Most pests are opportunists and seek out cracks or other vulnerable areas on the exteriors of our homes. Areas you should check carefully are:

• Foundation: Check for cracks where pests can enter.
• Screens: make sure screens have no rips or tears and repair them if they do.
• Weather stripping: Check around windows and doors and make sure there are no weak spots where pests may try to enter.
• Siding: Check the siding of your home for damage or missing boards.
• Attic vents: Make sure vents and utilities are properly sealed to prevent pests from getting in. 
• Store food properly: Make your home less attractive by storing food in plastic air-tight containers and keeping your kitchen free of food and scraps.

Call The Professional Pest Control Experts

For 50 years Capelouto Termite & Pest Control has been serving the people of northern Florida with professional pest control services. If you are experiencing a pest infestation, we can help. We have a long list of pest control options that range from ants to rodents. If you are having trouble dealing with pests in or around your home call us today at 850-629-6721 or leave a message on our site.