Insects and Other Pests Common to Florida
While risks and dangers can vary depending on the species, pests problems should never be taken lightly. There are a number of precautions to take in order to protect yourself, your family and your home from common insects found in Florida; however, it is always recommended to contact a licensed pest control professional who can properly identify and treat household pest problems.
List of Common Bugs and Insects in Florida
Known to maintain warm temperatures throughout the entire year, Florida is home to common pests that thrive in these conditions. As a result, Florida residents may have unwanted run-ins with these pests:
Ants
Florida is home to a variety of ant species, and while some are more of an annoyance to homeowners, others can pose serious health and property threats. Common ant species in Florida include Carpenter, Acrobat, Red imported fire, Ghost and Argentine ants, among others. While small in size, it’s important to be vigilant of certain ant species, such as carpenter ants, capable of tunneling and chewing through wood, as well as red imported fire ants, whose name comes from their ability to inflict painful bites and stings.
Cockroaches
In addition to being a nuisance pest for Florida homeowners, cockroaches are known to cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. With over 70 species in the United States, Florida residents will likely encounter the American cockroach, which travels indoors in search of food and water, as well as the German cockroach, which prefers warm and humid places, such as the bathroom.
Ticks
Tricky ticks can be found across the United States, and these pests remain a serious health concern for Floridians due to their ability to spread illnesses. Residents of the Sunshine state may observe an uptrend in tick activity, especially American dog ticks and Blacklegged ticks, during the state’s warmest months throughout the spring and summer.
Termites
Known for causing $5 billion in property damage annually, termites are one of the most destructive pests that can be found infesting a home. Florida’s hot and humid climate serves as a comfortable living environment for drywood and subterranean termites, which are capable of inflicting serious structural damage on a home in a fairly short period of time.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are an annoyance to most because of the itchy bites they leave behind, but they can also transmit serious diseases, making them one of the deadliest insects in the world. Mosquito populations, which thrive in humid conditions, can rapidly multiply and need only half an inch of standing water to lay their eggs. This makes Florida’s storm-prone climate the perfect spot for this pest to breed in areas where water collects, such as puddles, buckets and bird paths.
Common Florida Insects Found Inside the Home
Although some of Florida’s common bugs choose to roam free outdoors, others make their way indoors in search of elements they need to survive, including food, water and shelter.
Ants
In warm weather climates, ants head indoors to search for food and water resources, likely ending up in kitchens as well as bathrooms, basements and around air conditioning units. To prevent these unwelcome visitors, homeowners should keep food in sealed containers, wipe up crumbs and spills immediately, and seal any cracks and holes on the perimeter of the home. If an ant infestation worsens, work with a pest control professional to safely and effectively address the issue.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are creepy nuisance pests that have been despised for ages. In order to keep cockroaches out of your home, particularly the kitchen and bathrooms, it’s important for homeowners to keep counters, sinks, tables and floors free of clutter and crumbs. It’s also good practice to store food in airtight containers, and avoid leaving pet food out in the open. If you spot these fast-moving insects in your home, be sure to contact a licensed pest control professional who can properly recommend a treatment plan and help prevent future infestations.
Termites
At a first glance, a single termite may not look menacing, but a colony of termites is another story. Due to this pest’s ability to traverse unnoticed, homeowners often don’t recognize the severity of a termite infestation until after the damage has been done. These “silent destroyers” are capable of chewing through wood, flooring and even wallpaper as they work to enter a home. That’s why proper identification and routine property inspections are paramount to keeping termites at bay. If you discover signs of termite damage, work with a licensed pest control professional who can immediately determine the extent of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are difficult to control as they can rapidly multiply and need only half an inch of standing water to lay their eggs. Homeowners can help reduce the threat of mosquito-borne disease by eliminating various sources of standing water around their properties, which could be providing a safe harbor for mosquitoes to grow. For help controlling mosquito populations in your yard or around your property, contact a licensed pest control professional in your area.
What is Florida’s State Insect(s)?
Florida is home to the Zebra longwing, the sunshine state’s official butterfly. This striped black and pale yellow butterfly, which soars with long narrow wings, is relatively long-lived and can be found year round in states with warmer climates.
Unlike other insects or pests found in Florida, the Zebra longwing butterfly is harmless to humans.
Find Florida Exterminators Near You
If you suspect a pest infestation in your home or around your property, do not try to eradicate it yourself. Contact a local licensed pest control professional to safely address the issue.
