Homeowners are often quick to turn to DIY pest control methods the moment an insect is seen in their home. However, knowing what methods would be most effective is almost impossible without knowing what insect you’re trying to remove. Here is a comprehensive list of the most common insects and pests that regularly infest Central Florida properties and the pest control solution to effectively get rid of them.
Most Common Household Pests in Florida
- Ants –Ants are some of the most distinct looking pests that can find their way into your home, having clearly segmented bodies broken up between their head, thorax, and abdomen. Ants can vary in size depending on their species, with the smallest species found in the typical home measuring at 0.03 inches and the biggest growing up to 1 inch. They also vary in color, able to be black, red, or brown.
- Bed Bugs –Bed bugs are small, typically being around 5mm long, but they can be a big problem if left unchecked. These pests suck blood from their victims, leaving clusters of irritating bite marks on their victims. They have flat reddish-brown bodies that often remain swollen after feeding, making them easy to spot in the sheets they often call their home.
- Bees –Bees are one of the most recognizable insects out there. They’re known for their distinctive black and yellow color scheme, small wings, and unique buzzing sounds. While bees are mostly harmless when left to their own devices, they can sting if they perceive you as a threat. Bees commonly make their nests outside of the home, but it may be useful to get a professional pest control inspection if they begin suddenly appearing throughout your property.
- Cockroaches – Cockroaches are one of the most notorious pests that can be found in your home. These bugs are defined by their oval-shaped body and shiny brown exoskeletons. While their size may vary depending on their species, they typically range between 0.5 to 2 inches long. The pests are known to spread disease through their infestations and contaminate food supplies.
- Fleas –Fleas often get confused with other common insects like bed bugs. Both are blood-sucking pests that are defined by their reddish-brown colors, flat body, and itchy bite marks. However, there are a few distinguishing features that break fleas away from the pack. For one, they’re larger than bedbugs, often being around 0.12 inches in length. They also have one of the most powerful jumps in the insect kingdom, making them easy to spot when they’re on the move.
- Houseflies –Houseflies are another species that are abundantly familiar to those who deal with common insects on a regular basis. They have multiple recognizable features, including a pair of wings on their back and a set of large compound eyes. Houseflies are general feeders, meaning everything from your leftovers to your garbage can attract them into your home, so it’s best to keep an eye out for them early on to limit the chances of infestation.
- Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes are a common sight in any outdoor area. These blood-sucking insects leave itchy bites and can spread diseases like malaria. The pests are defined by their spindly legs, segmented body, and long mouthpart used to pierce the skin of their prey. Mosquitoes commonly find their nests in stagnant water around your property, making keeping your home clean a top priority when it comes to pest control.
- Spiders – Spiders are one of the most recognizable insects in the animal kingdom. These eight-legged pests are often attracted to a property based on the presence of other common insects that they consume. Their venomous bites can be dangerous, but the best defense against them is maintaining a high standard of pest control around your property.
- Wasps – Often mistaken for bees due to their similar black and yellow colors, wasps are another common insect that can find their way into your home. Distinguished by their larger size and more aggressive behavior, wasps have a potent and painful sting that can be fatal to those with allergies.
- Rats & Mice – While not insects, rats and mice are some of the most common pests in the modern era. Both rats and mice are rodents with short fur and long tails. Mice are often small with coats in shades of brown, whereas rats are larger with fur in shades of black or gray. These rodents are reason enough to call pest control on their own, as they have a chance of carrying diseases and contaminating sources of food and water in the home. However, rats and mice can also create entry points into your home. The rodents have a habit of chewing holes in walls, which can give the other common insects a path directly into your property.
Your Effective Pest Control Solution for Common Infestations
The experienced pest control technicians at Critter Control® of Polk County are your best option for combatting unwanted pests. Our team of licensed and trained experts will quickly and safely remove nuisance pests and unwanted wildlife from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our effective pest control services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.