Common Insects in Florida
Florida’s warm and humid climate is ideal for a variety of common insects. While some are harmless, others can cause problems in your home. Here’s a look at the most common insects in Florida and how to protect your home from them.
- Ants
Ants are absolutely everywhere in Florida. Fire ants, carpenter ants, and sugar ants are the most common types. Fire ants can sting, while carpenter ants can damage wood in your home by building nests inside it.
How to Prevent Ants:
- Seal cracks around windows and doors.
- Store all food in airtight containers.
- Clean up food spills quickly, especially in the kitchen.
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches, especially American cockroaches (Palmetto bugs) and German cockroaches, are common pests in Florida. They like warm, damp places and are attracted to food and garbage. Cockroaches can spread germs and can trigger allergies.
How to Prevent Cockroaches:
- Keep your kitchen clean and food sealed.
- Fix leaks and eliminate moisture.
- Use trash cans with tight lids and empty them regularly.
- Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes thrive in Florida, especially during the rainy season. They are not just annoying; they can spread diseases like Zika, West Nile virus, and dengue fever.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes:
- Remove standing water around your home.
- Use window and door screens.
- Wear insect repellent when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Termites
Termites are a big problem in Florida because they eat wood, which can cause serious damage to homes. Both subterranean and drywood termites are common in the state.
How to Prevent Termites:
- Keep wood piles and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
- Fix any leaks that could cause moisture buildup.
- Get regular termite inspections from a professional pest control service.
- Silverfish
Silverfish are small, silver-colored bugs that like dark, damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. They don’t harm people, but they can damage books, wallpaper, and fabrics by feeding on starchy materials.
How to Prevent Silverfish:
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.
- Store books, papers, and fabrics in sealed containers.
- Seal all cracks and entry points.
- Spiders
Florida is home to many spiders, including some venomous ones like the brown recluse and black widow. Most spiders are harmless, but no one likes finding them in their home.
How to Prevent Spiders:
- Clean regularly to remove webs.
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors.
- Reduce outdoor lighting to avoid attracting insects, which can draw spiders inside.
- Lovebugs
Lovebugs are common in Florida during their mating season, usually in the spring and fall. While they don’t bite or sting, they can be a nuisance in large numbers and make a mess on cars.
How to Prevent Lovebugs:
- Keep windows and doors closed during lovebug season.
- Wash your car regularly to prevent damage from their residue.
- Reduce outdoor lighting during swarming times.
- Palmetto Bugs
Palmetto bugs are large cockroaches often mistaken for beetles. These flying insects are attracted to moisture and can easily enter homes through open doors or drains.
How to Prevent Palmetto Bugs:
- Keep your home clean and free of food scraps.
- Fix leaks and eliminate moisture.
- Use screens on doors and windows.
How to Protect Your Home from Insects
Florida’s insects are a part of the environment, but they don’t have to invade your home. Here are a few general tips:
- Seal entry points: Close gaps around doors, windows, and foundations to stop insects from entering.
- Keep your home clean: Regular cleaning, especially in kitchens and bathrooms can help deter bugs.
- Reduce moisture: Many insects are drawn to moisture, so fix leaks and use dehumidifiers to keep your home dry.
Conclusion
Living in Florida means dealing with a wide variety of common insects, but you can take steps to keep them out of your home. If you’re struggling with an infestation or want to protect your home, Hannan Environmental Services is here to help. We offer professional pest control services to handle all of Florida’s notoroius common insects. Contact us today to keep your home insect-free!
If you have a pest problem, don’t hesitate to contact Hannan Environmental Services or click here for a FREE no-obligation quote today! You can also learn more about Hannan on Facebook.