There’s a lot to love about spring in Florida: the blooming flowers, the gorgeous weather and the fact that the full-on summer heat hasn’t quite set all the way in yet. But if you’ve lived here long enough, you already know that spring doesn’t just bring sunshine and good times. It brings pests, and lots of them. As temperatures climb and the humidity starts creeping back up, pests of all kinds become more active and more likely to set up shop in your home. Luckily, the Fort Lauderdale pest control pros at AAA Pest Control have put together a list of six of the most common spring pests Florida homeowners run into. Here they are:
Wasps
During spring in Florida, wasps are almost unavoidable. Queen wasps emerge from their winter diapause and get straight to work building nests for the new colonies they will establish. What does this mean for homeowners? Well unfortunately, queen wasps aren’t too picky about their new location. Along your roofline, behind your window shutters, inside wall voids and on your porch ceiling are all fair game.
Wasps are quite territorial and will sting multiple times if threatened. This makes a nest near the busy areas of your home a problem, especially if you have kids or pets running around. If you spot a wasp nest around your home, don’t wait to get professional wasp removal. Infestations only get bigger and more aggressive as the colony grows.
Ants
Ants are another Florida staple. Between the warmer temperatures and the seasonal rain pushing colonies to seek higher ground, it doesn’t take long for them to start showing up in your kitchen, bathroom and storage areas. People’s homes provide the main things they’re looking for: warmth, shelter and food sources.
As the weather warms up, ant populations grow rapidly, and so does their search for food. Pretty quickly, this leads to endless ant trails along your baseboards, around your windows and doors, and even new mounds popping up in your yard. And the worst part is that there are several species of ants you can run into, including carpenter ants, which are wood-destroying insects that can cause serious damage to the wooden components of your home. Since ants are notoriously hard to get rid of, professional ant control is definitely warranted.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are one of the longest surviving insect species, with their history going back millions of years. They have a reputation for being some of the most annoying and persistent pests in the Sunshine State, as Florida’s warm climate and high humidity create perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive and breed. A clogged gutter, a bird bath or any other area in your yard with standing water is all it takes for mosquitoes to establish themselves, since they lay their eggs in stagnant water.
Beyond being a buzzing nuisance, mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika, to name a couple. If your yard is buzzing with these insects, professional mosquito control is the way to go.
Cockroaches
Every Floridian has the story of a cockroach they saw that suddenly started flying. That would be the infamous palmetto bug. Spring brings these guys out in droves, with the warmth, moisture and whatever crumbs that have been left out on the counter. Along with being a disgusting nuisance and an eyesore for homeowners, these pests are major disease-carriers and bacteria-spreaders. Unfortunately, one cockroach sighting usually means there are more nearby and that it’s time to call a professional pest control company for treatment.
Termites
Termites. Also known as the silent destroyers. These pests have their swarming season from spring into early summer, which means they’re active and producing new colonies. Between subterranean, drywood and Formosan termites, Florida homeowners have no shortage of termite species to watch out for. Aside from swarming season, Florida’s warm and humid climate gives them nearly perfect conditions to thrive all year long.
The main issue with termites is that they can cause significant structural damage to your home before you even notice they’re there. If you spot any of the following signs of termite activity, call a professional termite control team immediately:
- Mud tubes
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Bubbling paint
- Stuck doors and windows
- Discarded wings or frass
Bed Bugs
When spring is in full swing, so are bed bugs, especially since this is the time of year when more people are traveling and picking up these little hitchhikers. Florida’s booming tourism scene makes it a hotspot for bed bug activity. They make their way into people’s homes by hopping onto luggage and clothes, making it crucial to inspect hotel rooms and public transportation while traveling. These sneaky insects hide in mattress seams, headboards and upholstered furniture.
Waking up with a cluster of itchy bites, noticing small blood stains on your sheets or seeing shed skins in seams are all signs of an active bed bug infestation. These infestations spread incredibly fast, and getting rid of them is notoriously difficult. If you see any signs of an infestation in your home this spring, don’t hesitate to get professional bed bug treatment.
Spotted Signs of Spring Pests? We’ve Got Your Back.
Whether you’re dealing with wasp nests, termite swarms or never-ending ant trails, the Fort Lauderdale pest control team at AAA Pest Control is here to help. Starting with a thorough inspection, our expert technicians use the latest tools and industry methods to evaluate the extent of the infestation and determine the best course of action. Then we use family- and pet-safe treatments to eliminate the problem, guide you on how to prevent future infestations and provide follow-up support. Reach out to AAA Pest Control for same-day professional pest control services, including heat treatments for termites and bed bugs, by calling (954) 771-3400 or contacting us online.