When Do Termites Swarm in Florida?

When Do Termites Swarm in Florida?

Swarming termites, or alates, are often seen in the spring and summer months. While they might seem alarming, these pests do not bite, sting, or chew wood. Instead, swarming termites indicate they an established termite colony is close by, which can be problematic for your home and family. But when does swarming season begin and how do you know if termites have invaded your Florida property? We breakdown what you should know about termite swarms.

When is Florida swarming season?

Swarming season often depends on the type of termite; however, in Florida we have two common termites to lookout for: subterranean and drywood termites. Subterranean termites swarm during the spring and early summer months. Drywood termites tend to swarm in the late spring to end the summer. Termite swarms are also determined by weather, with rainstorms and overcast increasing swarm activity.

Why do termites swarm?

Termites swarm to both reproduce and expand their colony. Once a colony has reached its capacity of termites, the swarming process begins, leaving their existing one to start a new. The number of termites that will swarm will often depend on the type of termite species and colony size.

How can I prevent swarming termites?

Preventing swarming termites starts with preventing termite colonies from establishing. There are several preventative measures you can place at your home to avoid termite swarms and keep termites from establishing, including:

  • During peak swarm seasons, keep your outdoor lights turned off at night; consider relocating exterior lights to recessed areas away from doors and windows
  • Avoid excess moisture by ensuring you have proper ventilation and fix any leaky pipes
  • Keep at least a 4-inch barrier between mulch used in your landscaping and the side of your home
  • Keep shrubbery trimmed back at least 12 inches from the walls of your home and remove any fallen branches, dead wood, or old tree stumps on your property
  • If you have a crawlspace, consider enclosing it to help eliminate moisture under your home but to also prevent mold, mildew, wood rot, and other household pests
  • Schedule an annual termite inspection and request a quote on treatment options, such as the Sentricon Always Active Bait station for 24/7/365 termite protection

If you suspect swarming termite activity nearby or a termite infestation at your home, it’s best to call your local pest control company for help. Termite professionals will give you a thorough evaluation and the best termite treatment and prevention plan.

When Do Overwintering Pests Emerge?

When Do Overwintering Pests Emerge?

As the temperatures drop in Georgia and winter sets in, many pests seek refuge within the warmth of our homes. These unwelcome visitors, known as overwintering pests, can pose serious hazards to both our homes and our health. In this blog post, we will explore common overwintering pests, how they find their way into our homes, the risks they present, when they emerge, and most importantly, how to prevent their invasion. If you find yourself facing a pest problem, don’t hesitate to take action – request a free pest control quote today.

Common Overwintering Pests

  1. Stink Bugs: These shield-shaped insects often gather on the sunny sides of buildings during the fall and make their way indoors seeking shelter.
  2. Ladybugs: While harmless to humans, large clusters of ladybugs can become a nuisance when they enter homes seeking warmth.
  3. Cluster Flies: These flies typically infest attics and wall voids during the winter months.
  4. Boxelder Bugs: Recognizable by their red and black coloration, these bugs can become a significant issue when they invade homes for shelter.

How They Get Into Your Home

Overwintering pests use various entry points to infiltrate your home. Common entryways include gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundation, and openings around utility pipes. Once inside, they seek out warm and secluded areas to hibernate during the colder months.

Hazards to Humans and Homes

While overwintering pests are generally not harmful to humans, they can become a nuisance in large numbers. Some pests may release unpleasant odors or stains when disturbed, while others, like stink bugs, emit a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism. Additionally, the presence of these pests can lead to contamination of stored food items.

When and What Happens When They Emerge

Overwintering pests typically emerge in the spring as temperatures rise. The emergence can be sudden and overwhelming, leading to a surge in pest activity. This is the time when homeowners often notice an increased presence of these pests in and around their homes.

Prevention Tips

  1. Seal Entry Points: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home and seal any gaps or cracks that pests can use to enter.
  2. Install Screens: Use screens on windows and doors to prevent pests from gaining access.
  3. Maintain Landscaping: Trim vegetation away from your home to eliminate potential bridges for pests to enter.
  4. Professional Pest Control: Consider hiring a reputable pest control company to perform routine inspections and treatments to keep overwintering pests at bay.

If you’re concerned about overwintering pests invading your home, take action now. Request a free pest control quote from your local pest control company and ensure a pest-free environment for you and your family.

Understanding the behavior of overwintering pests and implementing preventive measures is key to safeguarding your home. By following these tips and being proactive, you can enjoy a pest-free living space even during the colder months. Don’t let winter pests take over – request your free pest control quote today.

How to Avoid Rodents on My Sunrise Property

How to Avoid Rodents on My Sunrise Property

Contamination, disease, and property destruction are all possible in your home if a rodent invades it! Rodents, including mice and rats, can be destructive creatures and once they’ve invaded your home, it can be difficult to remove them since they reproduce so quickly! One of the best ways to ensure these pests don’t enter your Florida home is taking the necessary precautions to avoid them in the first place. We break down the types of rodents to be cautious of and our best do-it-yourself rodent prevention tips to keep rodents out of your Sunrise home.

Types of Florida Rodents

  • House Mouse: Preferring dark, secluded areas in your home, these rodents are found in crawlspaces, basements, and attics. Mice adapt quickly to our human environments, seeking out food and water for survival. These rodents are also skilled climbers and can jump a foot high to reach isolated areas!
  • Roof Rats: With their padded feet, roof rats will climb into our homes at the highest points, including our attics, eaves, and roof lines. These rodents typically live in colonies and stick together once they’ve found a place to habitat.
  • Norway Rats: One of the largest rodent species, Norway rats are nocturnal and will seek food sources at night, especially in your trash can. Once they’ve infested a home, they are known to gnaw on furniture, walls, plastic, lead pipes, and even electrical wires.

Preventing Rodents in Sunrise

Rodents are attracted to food, water, and available shelter, so it’s crucial to eliminate these factors from your property to avoid a rat and mouse infestation. Check out our DIY rodent prevention tips for your Florida property:

  • Seal and repair windows and doors that are loose or have a broken seal.
  • Utilize screens on doors and windows, especially for those that tend to be open.
  • Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or gaps and seal them immediately.
  • Avoid leaving your pet food and water bowls outside overnight and store pet food in plastic containers with lids.
  • Repair any leaky pipes and eliminate excess moisture in your crawlspace; we recommend enclosing crawlspaces to moisture issues and help eliminate household pests.
  • Keep your yard well-maintained by mowing your grass, trimming back shrubbery, and removing debris on a regular basis.
  • If you store lumber on your yard, look to place it at least 20 feet from your home and elevated off the ground.
  • Have a regular cleaning schedule that includes vacuuming, mopping, and sweeping.

If you suspect you have a rodent infestation or are interested in getting ahead of preventing them, call your local pest control company. Professionals will provide you with a thorough inspection, identification of the rodent, possible entry points, and a rodent control and prevention plan.

3 Bugs Often Mistaken For Bed Bugs

3 Bugs Often Mistaken For Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notorious for causing discomfort and anxiety among homeowners. However, in Georgia, many residents mistake other common bugs for bed bugs, leading to unnecessary panic and confusion. In this blog post, we will shed light on the identification of bed bugs, signs of their presence, bugs mistaken for bed bugs, preventive measures, and effective bed bug control methods.

Identifying Bed Bugs

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s crucial to know how to identify bed bugs accurately. Adult bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects with a flat, oval shape, roughly the size of an apple seed. They have six legs, antennae, and a distinctive segmented abdomen. Young bed bugs (nymphs) are smaller and lighter in color, making them harder to spot.

Signs of Bed Bugs

  1. Bite Marks: Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans, leaving behind itchy, red bite marks. These marks often appear in a cluster or linear pattern on exposed skin.
  2. Tiny Blood Stains: Bed bugs may leave behind tiny blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases after feeding.
  3. Dark Stains: Excrement stains, resembling small black or brown dots, can be found on bedding, mattresses, or nearby furniture.
  4. Musty Odor: A sweet, musty odor is sometimes present in areas with a significant bed bug infestation.

Common Bugs Mistaken for Bed Bugs

  1. Fleas: Similar in size and color, flea bites can be mistaken for bed bug bites. However, fleas are usually found on pets or in areas with pets.
  2. Carpet Beetles: Carpet beetle larvae have a similar appearance to bed bugs but lack the reddish-brown color. They feed on fabrics, not blood.
  3. Booklice: These tiny insects are often found in damp areas and feed on mold, not blood. They are harmless but may be mistaken for bed bug nymphs.

Preventing Bed Bugs

  1. Inspect Second-Hand Furniture: Before bringing used furniture into your home, thoroughly inspect it for any signs of bed bugs.
  2. Regular Cleaning: Vacuum and clean your home regularly, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and seams in furniture.
  3. Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and furniture to prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
  4. Inspect Luggage: When returning home from travel, carefully inspect all luggage for signs of bed bugs. Remove clothing and wash in hot water and dry on high heat immediately. Store luggage out of the home, either in garage, shed, or attic if possible.

Bed Bug Control

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s essential to act promptly:

  1. Professional Inspection: Consult a reputable pest control company for a thorough inspection.
  2. Treatment Options: Professional pest control companies offer various treatment options, including heat treatments, insecticides, and steam treatments.
  3. Request a Free Bed Bug Control Quote: Don’t hesitate to contact our expert team for a free bed bug control quote. Our experienced technicians will assess your situation and provide a customized solution for effective bed bug elimination.

By understanding the signs of bed bugs, differentiating them from common look-alike bugs, and taking preventive measures, homeowners in Georgia can protect their homes from these unwanted pests. In case of an infestation, swift action and professional assistance are key to regaining a bed bug-free home. Request a free bed bug control quote today to ensure your peace of mind and a good night’s sleep.

Why Are Moles Invading My Yard?

Why Are Moles Invading My Yard?

Moles can be one of the most destructive pests for yards. Once these creatures invade, they will dig and destroy your yard! One of the best steps for mole prevention on your property is understanding what’s bringing them there in the first place.

Moles are looking for one thing in on your property – food! Moles need a plenty amount of food source to survive and tend to eat various lawn insects, including grubs, earthworms, and other bugs. If you have available food sources in your yard, they will dig through to get it and leave behind tunnels, holes, and mounds of dirt. Moles can dig up to 18 feet per hours and as they are digging will detach the roots of plants to not only allow weeds to grow but will also kill the lawn, plants, and trees too.

Some common signs that a mole has invaded your yard include,

  • Surface tunnels
  • Dying grass and plants
  • Increase of weeds around your property
  • Molehills or piles of dirt less than 6 inches tall and shaped like footballs

Mole Prevention Tips

Mole prevention starts with reducing the sources that are attracting them in the first place. Check out our do-it-yourself mole control tips:

  • Eliminate their food source: Eliminate moles primary food sources including earthworms, grubs, ants, mole crickets, and other lawn insects. Consider utilizing products that are labeled to treat these pests or contact your local pest control provider to help you eliminate the lawn pest.
  • Reduce water sources: Moles tend to prefer damp earth so it’s best to not overwater your lawn to limit moles and other lawn pests like earthworms. A good rule of thumb is to only water your lawn with 1” of water per week.
  • Apply repellents: Moles do not like the smell or taste of castor oil so look to utilize this around your property. It’s always best to use this repellent monthly while these creatures are active.
  • Consider traps and baits: During the fall and spring when mole season is most active, you can place a trap or bait where there is an active tunnel. The best way to find a active mole tunnel is by poking holes at the top of a tunnel and watching it, if it’s repaired within 1 to 2 days, there’s moles.
  • Call a wildlife professional: Moles can be difficult to eliminate and control so it’s best to contact your local wildlife control company for help. These wildlife technicians will be able to track the mole, utilize the best bait, monitor the tunnel to ensure moles are removed, and provide recommendations on treating the tunnels.

If you suspect a mole infestation on your property or other wildlife creatures, contact your local pest control company for a free evaluation.

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