Did you know that certain types of bug bites can carry diseases like Yellow Fever, Lyme Disease, and the Zika virus? Some pests can also cause structural damage to your home if left unchecked. While not all pests prove to be a serious concern, they are almost always nuisances that can detract from your quality of life.
Here are 10 common household pests in Florida and how to get rid of them.
1. Ants
Ants are one of the most common household pests in Florida. Ants often search for food or water in homes.
If they happen to find a source of either, they will inevitably bring other ants to harvest it. This can easily cause a substantial number of ants to enter your house.
2. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the grossest and most feared household pests.
These creatures are often associated with filth and can carry diseases like Salmonella. Cockroaches love dark, damp areas like basements and crawl spaces. They also take advantage of food they find lying around.
3. Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that typically live on the blood of mammals and birds.
While fleas don’t typically pose a health risk to humans, they can be a nuisance as they bite and cause irritation. Fleas can also carry a number of diseases and are notoriously difficult to get rid of.
4. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous household pests as they can transmit diseases like the West Nile virus and malaria. These insects typically breed in standing water, so it’s important to eliminate any stagnant water around your home to prevent this issue from arising in the future.
Unfortunately, areas with rainy seasons can sometimes make this difficult or impossible.
5. Rodents
Rodents like mice and rats can carry a number of diseases and are also capable of causing significant damage to your home. These pests typically enter homes in search of food or shelter and can be found in attics, crawl spaces, and basements.
Although rodents are typically scared of humans, they can carry nasty diseases that spread through bites or scratches.
6. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, wingless insects that are typically found in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
While silverfish don’t typically pose a health risk to humans, they can be a nuisance as they eat through paper and fabric. So, you may find that your clothes are damaged for seemingly no reason at all.
7. Snakes
Venomous snakes like the coral snake and rattlesnake can be dangerous. Although many species of snakes don’t pose a threat, they’re still unwelcome guests in nearly every home.
As with rodents, snakes can often be found in basements and crawl spaces. This is one of the most important pests to get rid of, as they are prone to causing bodily harm even if they are not dangerously venomous.
8. Spiders
Spiders are often feared but most species found in Florida are actually harmless.
However, there are a few species of venomous spiders like the black widow and brown recluse that can be dangerous. Spiders typically enter homes in search of prey and can often be found in dark, secluded areas.
9. Termites
Termites are small, winged insects that live in colonies underground. These pests are often considered to be one of the most damaging as they feed on wood and can cause significant damage to homes.
Left unchecked, you could find yourself spending tens of thousands of dollars to make the necessary repairs.
10. Ticks
Ticks are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Ticks can be dangerous as they can transmit diseases, particularly Lyme disease.
They can also be dangerous to remove from your body or your pet.
What Should I Do if I Find Pests in My Home?
If you find pests in your home, the first thing you should do is try to identify the type of pest.
If you’re dealing with a particularly difficult or dangerous pest, it’s best to call a professional for help.
They will be able to safely and effectively remove them from your home. Although it’s not impossible to do so on your own, you could run into complications during the process. For example, let’s assume that you have an infestation of ants in your house.
You may not have the tools or resources to completely eradicate the issue, which can cause it to become an ongoing problem.
How Do I Find the Right Florida Pest Control Services?
When searching for a professional, it’s important to find someone who is experienced and licensed.
You can ask friends and family for recommendations or search online for customer reviews. Knowing how to recognize fake reviews will help ensure that you work with someone reputable.
It’s also essential to make sure that the professional you choose uses eco-friendly methods. This will help to protect your family and home from harmful chemicals. If your prospective company attempts to avoid answering this question, it’s best to continue your search elsewhere.
Using harmful substances could cause additional problems in the future even if it removes the pests from your home. Keep this in mind when looking for pest control in Florida.
Getting Rid of Household Pests Is Easier Than It Seems
Although household pests can certainly be a nuisance, it’s important to remember that they can usually be effectively controlled. By taking the time to identify the pest and using the proper control methods, you can get rid of pests for good.
Want to learn more about what we can do? Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.