As the seasons change, so do the pests. Many types of pests go into diapause, which is essentially hibernation for bugs, during the cooler months. Others die off for the winter, only to re-emerge in springtime. You may notice more pest activity in general as the season begins. These are some of the most common pests to look out for this spring.
Termites
During spring, termites begin to swarm to build colonies in new places. While most termites swarm outside in decaying wood, they sometimes accidentally fly into the walls of people’s homes. Termite infestations are especially common in Florida, partly because subterranean termites, drywood termites, and Formosan termites all exist in the state. Signs of termites include discarded wings, droppings resembling light or dark-colored sawdust, and damaged or blistered wood appearing around your home.
Aphids
Plant parents know all about aphids. These tiny bugs gather en masse on plant leaves to feed on their sap. Fortunately, if you have aphids, it’s pretty easy to tell by looking at the back of the leaves on your plants. Houseplants and outdoor plants can both fall victim to aphids. Removing them can be as simple as spraying them with water and wiping them off the plant. You can also mix water and a few drops of dish soap to act as an insecticide.
Ants
Floridians know all about ants. Many species of ants live here, but some of the most notorious are fire ants and carpenter ants. Fire ants bite, and those bites often cause allergic reactions. Carpenter ants, much like termites, tunnel through and chew up wood. However, unlike termites, they don’t eat the wood. Most types of ants are easy to spot and identify. Ants inside the home most often live in the kitchen and bathroom, which provide food and water. Avoid attracting ants by sealing cracks on the outside of your home and keeping food stored properly.
Cockroaches
All kinds of cockroaches are common in Florida, especially the German cockroach and the American cockroach. This is because these insects thrive in warm, humid environments. Cockroaches carry several diseases and are difficult to eliminate without harsh chemicals. Despite their enormous size compared to other insects, cockroaches hide very well. If you see one, you likely have an infestation in your home or nearby. When this happens, call a professional pest control team right away.
Spring brings with it beautiful weather and the return of pests that lay dormant in the winter. The Pompano Beach pest control experts at Command Pest Control, a veteran-owned company with a 20-year history of exceptional service, are here to help you find and eliminate pests from your home. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.
