Florida is a hotspot for various pests, often invading our property to seek food and shelter. Being aware of these common pests in St. Petersburg and the ways you can manage them will help you maintain a comfortable and pest-free home! Check out the three pests you should keep an eye out for in St. Petersburg.
Common Pests in St. Petersburg
Ants
Ants are a frequent nuisance to homeowners, including species such as fire ants and carpenter ants. Fire ants are known for their painful sting and aggressive behavior if they’re threatened, making them a hazard in your yard. Likewise, carpenter ants can cause structural damage by tunneling through wood and destroying the structural integrity of buildings. To keep ants away consider the following:
- Maintain a clean home by cleaning up any food crumbs and spills.
- Seal any entry points that leads inside your home.
- Keep your yard well-maintained by regularly mowing, trimming bushes, and removing debris.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are practically a year-round concern for Florida residents. Our warm, humid conditions create the perfect breeding ground for these pests. Not only are they being nuisance, but mosquitoes are also known to transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus and Zika virus. To reduce mosquito populations on your property, utilize these tips:
- Eliminate standing water by removing items that can hold water, like buckets, toys, pet bowls, etc.
- Trim overgrown trees back to avoid mosquitoes from populating your yard.
- Clean out clogged gutters of debris and leaves so they don’t create a mosquito breeding ground.
Cockroaches
It’s safe to say that roaches are unwelcome guests in our homes! These pests can spread bacteria, contaminate food, and even trigger allergies and asthma. Common roach species you will spot in St. Petersburg include the American and German roach. To prevent a cockroach infestation, consider these preventative measures:
- Limit your food consumption to one room to help reduce spills and crumbs throughout your home.
- Fix any dripping faucets and leaky pipes throughout your home to limit their access to water.
- Declutter and clean out old items to limit their hiding spaces, consider removing old newspapers or magazines, using plastic containers over cardboard boxes, and making sure clothes aren’t piled on the floor.
While prevention can help deter the above pests away, sometimes it’s best to get a professional involved, especially if there’s a pest infestation. Call a pest control company near you to set you up with a free inspection and provide you with the best treatment and prevention plan.
