Unlike most parts of the country, where pests die off or overwinter when the temperatures cool down, Florida sees pest activity throughout the year. Fall is one of the most common times for homeowners to see pests, when the temperatures start to drop slightly and pests find themselves seeking shelter. Here’s how you can prepare for some of the most common Florida fall pests:

Ants

In the fall, some of the most common ants you’ll see are ghost ants and crazy ants, but several different ant species call Florida home. These pests appear most frequently in the kitchen and bathroom, where they’ve gone in search of food and water. Ants often infest and contaminate unsealed food, and although they are not associated with specific diseases, their presence can ruin your favorite snacks. 

To prevent ants in your home, make sure all entry points are sealed, from windows and doors to your home’s foundation. Given their size, ants can enter through the tiniest openings. You’ll also want to remove easy food and water sources, like liquid spills and unsealed food. 

Cockroaches

As the weather cools down, cockroaches make their way inside in search of food, water and warm shelter. Despite their impressive size, they’re great at hiding and have a strong preference for hiding out in areas like the space behind appliances, under sinks and inside cracks in walls. When they infest, they can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory conditions, and they spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. 

To avoid cockroaches, remove leaks and food sources. Cockroaches eat both food and non-food items, so they often stick around when there’s only water for them to subsist on, though they also appreciate crumbs and spills. 

Rodents

When rodents invade your home in the fall, they are looking for food, water and shelter, quite like insects, but some are also seeking a place to nest for the winter. Different types of rodents are associated with different health risks, from rabies and hantavirus to salmonellosis. They can also cause damage, whether it’s from building nests or being indiscriminate with what they chew up and eat.

Prevent rodents by sealing up cracks, especially near the attic and crawlspaces, as they can get in through surprisingly tiny holes. Trim trees and other plants that are close to your home frequently so they don’t create easy jumping off points. Once rodents enter your home, they can be a nuisance, but they tend to take the path of least resistance—they won’t enter if you make it a challenge. 

Bed Bugs

One of the most notorious common pests, bed bugs, can arrive at any time of year, but you’re likely to notice them after traveling. While bed bugs bite, those who experience bite symptoms, like the marks they leave, typically see them weeks after they’re bitten. That means you may have dealt with bed bugs in the summer and not realized you brought them home until now. 

Preventing bed bugs is all about your habits outside the house. When traveling, store your luggage off the floor and away from the bed, opting for hard-sided options when possible. When you’re home, wash all your clothes, even if you didn’t wear them, and dry them on high heat. Avoid buying pre-owned upholstered furniture unless you have a plan for inspecting it and for eliminating bed bugs. Once bed bugs arrive, they’ll keep multiplying until you have an unmanageable infestation. At this point, it’s time to call the pros. 

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, fall pests invade our homes. If this happens to you, Command Pest Control can help. Our veteran-owned residential pest control company in Pompano has decades of experience treating a wide variety of pest problems, from ants and termites to bed bugs and rodents. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.