Florida is a pest paradise! Our warm and humid climate allow several pests to thrive, which, unfortunately for us, can mean we often have to deal with their invasion year-round. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to avoid an influx on your property. Knowing the common pests in Gainesville and how you can prevent them will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Common Pests in Gainesville
- Ants: Searching for sweet and greasy food, ants are often found in kitchens looking for a food source to survive.
- Roaches: Roaches are known to trigger allergies and contaminate our food! You’ll often find these pests in bathrooms or kitchens seeking water and food crumbs for survival.
- Termites: Known for being silent destroyers, termites will eat wood from the inside out, creating significant structural damage. These pests often swarm as early as February in Florida and are known to be year-round pests.
- Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes need a blood meal and water to survive and breed. These pests can transmit serious diseases to both humans and pets, including the Zika and West Nile virus.
- Spiders: Often hiding where they know high populations of pests reside, most spiders found in homes are harmless, but they can become a nuisance if they’ve taken over your property.
- Wasps: These insects will build their nests on branches, porch ceilings, eaves, and attic rafters. They are known to have a painful sting, often stinging multiple times if they feel threatened.
- Bed Bugs: These pests will easily infest your home without warning by hitchhiking through your luggage, used furniture, or other personal belongings. Once they’ve entered your home, it can be extremely difficult to eliminate them as they reproduce quickly.
Pest Control Tips for Gainesville Homeowners
There are several do-it-yourself ways you can prevent the common pests found in Florida homes, so let’s review them.
- Continue to mow your lawn and keep your landscaping neat as overgrown grass and bushes provide perfect hiding spots for pests.
- Remove any debris, such as fallen leaves or branches, to avoid harboring pests.
- Use weather stripping on doors to eliminate gaps and repair any damaged window screens.
- Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Regularly take the trash out and use tight-fitting lids on the trashcans.
- Fix any leaks and address areas with poor drainage around your home.
- Vacuum carpets and clean upholstery to remove crumbs and potential pest habitats regularly.
- Consider enclosing your crawlspace to reduce moisture and keep household pests from entering your home.
Placing preventative measures will always work to reduce pest activity and deter them from your home but sometimes it’s best to call a professional. If you’ve seen an influx of common pests or would like to get started on prevention, call a Gainesville pest control company near you for a free quote. These professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection, pest identification, and the best pest control and prevention plan moving forward.
