Nov 6, 2024 | Florida Pest Control
As fall settles in across Florida, homeowners are met with cooler temperatures and a notable increase in pests such as rodents, centipedes, silverfish and cockroaches seeking shelter from the changing weather. With their relentless pursuit of warmth and food, it’s crucial to implement practical strategies to keep these uninvited guests out. Discover our effective pest prevention techniques to help you prevent fall pests!
Fall Pests in Florida
Why Fall Brings Unwanted Visitors
Despite the cooling temperatures, many pests remain active during fall as they search for warmth, food, and moisture. Understanding their behavior is essential for preventing their attempts to invade your home. Small cracks, crevices, and the persistent humidity can create hidden entry points, making it vital to thoroughly inspect your home for vulnerabilities. Being proactive now can save you from larger infestations later.
Do-It-Yourself Pest-Proofing Strategies
Fortify Your Home’s Perimeter
Seal cracks and gaps with caulking and weather stripping, particularly around doors and windows. Installing door sweeps can significantly reduce potential entry points, preventing pests from slipping through unnoticed.
Declutter to Deter
Clear away debris outside and organize storage areas inside. This not only eliminates potential nesting sites for pests but also creates a more inviting atmosphere for you and your family.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Regularly vacuum and wipe down surfaces to remove food attractants that can lure pests into your home. Use sealed containers for food storage and keep trash bins emptied and covered to minimize odors that might attract critters.
Use Natural Deterrents
Consider using essential oils like peppermint and tea tree oil, known for their pest-repelling properties. Mix a few drops of water and spray around your home’s entry points. Additionally, food-grade diatomaceous earth can effectively control crawling insects by dehydrating them; simply apply it in areas where pests are commonly spotted.
Plant Natural Barriers
Planting marigolds, lavender, or mint around your home not only enhances your landscape but also serves as a natural deterrent to pests. These plants emit scents that repel many common insects, creating a more pest-resistant environment.
Common Florida Fall Pests and Solutions
Silverfish
To control silverfish, maintain low humidity levels with dehumidifiers and ensure proper ventilation. Regularly declutter areas where they may hide and consider using adhesive traps to monitor and reduce their population.
Rodents
To effectively manage rodents, store food in sealed containers, keep pet food stored away, and regularly clean up crumbs and spills. Additionally, sealing gaps and entry points in walls and foundations can help prevent them from entering your home. For severe infestations, consulting a pest control professional may be necessary to ensure a thorough solution.
Centipedes
Keep your home tidy and free of clutter, as this reduces hiding spots. Seal cracks and gaps in walls and foundations to limit their entry and consider using insecticides in severe infestations. Regularly checking for moisture issues can also help deter these pests.
Cockroaches
To combat roaches, keep food stored in airtight containers, maintain a clean living space, and promptly address any leaks or moisture issues. Additionally, using gel baits and traps can help reduce their population. If the infestation persists, consider contacting a pest control professional for more comprehensive treatment options.
Sustainable Practices in Pest Control
Try to reduce chemical use by adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which focus on long-term prevention using various methods. Supporting local wildlife by avoiding broad pesticides and choosing targeted treatments is not only better for the environment but also helps create a healthier ecosystem.
Pest prevention is an ongoing effort, especially in Florida’s climate. By combining DIY strategies, natural deterrents, and professional help, you can ensure your home remains a pest-free sanctuary. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, consider scheduling a consultation with a pest control expert. These professionals will set you up with a thorough inspection and the best treatment and prevention plan for your Florida home.
Oct 16, 2023 | Pest Control
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, we welcome the beauty of autumn. However, with the arrival of fall, we also welcome a different kind of guest into our homes – spiders. While most spiders prefer to stay outdoors, some decide to seek shelter indoors during the cooler months. Two common culprits are daddy long legs and cellar spiders. In this post, we’ll help you identify and distinguish between these two fall pests, understand their habits, and offer tips on how to keep them at bay.
Identifying Daddy Long Legs and Cellar Spiders
Daddy Long Legs (Pholcidae):
- Daddy long legs, also known as harvestmen, are easily recognizable due to their long, thin legs. They have a small, round body and often appear pale brown or gray in color.
- They are known for their distinctive appearance: an elongated body and exceptionally long legs, which can span up to 2 inches.
- Daddy long legs are commonly found hanging from their webs in corners or hiding in dark, damp areas of your home.
Cellar Spiders (Araneae):
- Cellar spiders are quite similar in appearance to daddy long legs, with long, spindly legs and a small body. They typically range from pale yellow to light brown.
- While they share a resemblance with daddy long legs, cellar spiders have a habit of creating disorganized, tangled webs in dark, moist locations.
Similarities and Differences
Daddy long legs and cellar spiders have their similarities but are not the same species. Here are some key differences and similarities between the two:
Similarities:
- Leg Length: Both species have long, delicate legs.
- Preferred Environments: They tend to seek refuge in dark, undisturbed areas of your home.
- Beneficial Predators: Both spiders are harmless to humans and can be beneficial as they prey on other household pests.
Differences:
- Web Structure: Daddy long legs have irregular, cobweb-like webs, while cellar spiders build messy, tangle-like webs.
- Body Shape: Daddy long legs have a round body, while cellar spiders are elongated and more cylindrical in shape.
Common Habitats
Both daddy long legs and cellar spiders are frequently found in similar environments, including:
- Basements: These areas tend to be cool, dark, and humid, which attract both species.
- Garages: Cluttered and dimly lit garages are another favorite hiding spot.
- Crawl Spaces: If your home has crawl spaces, you might discover these spiders hanging out there.
- Sheds and Outdoor Structures: They may also appear in garden sheds and similar outdoor structures.
Are They Harmful to Humans?
The good news is that both daddy long legs and cellar spiders are harmless to humans. They don’t pose any significant health risks or property damage. In fact, they can be seen as allies in your pest control efforts as they help control populations of other insects in your home.
Preventing and Getting Rid of Fall Spiders
To prevent and manage daddy long legs and cellar spiders in your home, follow these steps:
- Reduce Clutter: Clear away any unnecessary clutter in dark, damp areas, as this provides fewer hiding spots for these pests.
- Seal Entry Points: Make sure windows and doors are sealed properly to prevent spiders from entering your home.
- Reduce Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas where these spiders tend to thrive.
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean and dust your home to remove cobwebs and potential prey for these spiders.
- Professional Pest Control: If your spider problem persists, consider hiring a professional pest control service for effective fall pest control.
Request a Free Pest Control Quote
If you’re dealing with a fall pest problem in your home, don’t hesitate to request a free pest control quote from our experts. We specialize in handling all sorts of household pests, including spiders, and can provide you with the solutions you need for a pest-free autumn.
Don’t let daddy long legs and cellar spiders take over your living space this fall. With the right knowledge and actions, you can enjoy the beauty of the season without these uninvited guests. Contact your local pest control company today for your free pest control quote and keep your home spider-free all season long.
Oct 5, 2023 | Wildlife
Cooler weather is approaching, and this means that wildlife will soon begin searching for warmth and shelter. This could result in them entering your home and making it their sanctuary for the season. Let’s go over common wildlife in Georgia you might see this fall and how you can deter them away from your home!
Common Wildlife in Georgia
Snakes:
Snakes can be more common in the fall time, as they start to search for a place to begin their hibernation or brumation over the winter months. Snakes might also be more noticeable as certain snake species mate in the fall months. These creatures can go into hiding as late as December, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them until then. Sealing cracks in your foundation and making your property less appealing to them will help deter them from seeking shelter nearby.
Rodents:
Rats and mice will often seek shelter in your home as it provides them with a readily available food supply throughout the winter. You will begin to hear their activity in the walls and attic in the fall as they start storing food in their nests. Keep these rodents out of your home by sealing up holes inside and outside of your home and storing food in airtight containers.
Raccoons:
These nocturnal creatures will mostly be seen searching for food at nighttime throughout the fall. They begin searching for food in the fall to prepare for the winter months when food is scarce. Food scarcity will encourage them to be more active and creative in their search for food, which often leads them to your garbage cans. Some preventative ways to ensure raccoons don’t enter your home this fall include utilizing a lid on your garbage can and storing it outside. Likewise, seal any entry points on the exterior of your home.
Squirrels:
In the autumn months, squirrels have a habit of “bulking up” in preparation for the colder season. It’s common for them to seek refuge in attics, using these spaces to build their nests and stash their food supplies. However, their presence in homes can be particularly problematic since they tend to gnaw through wires and wood, potentially causing substantial damage to your residence. The best prevention tips for squirrels are to install chimney caps or screens and to take down bird feeders in the fall.
Wildlife control can be a difficult task due to some regulations for certain species. Give your local Georgia wildlife company a call today for a customized plan and a free inspection!
Oct 3, 2023 | Pest Control
As the fall season settles in, many homeowners in Georgia are gearing up for the seasonal battle against fall pests. Among the various critters that make their way into our homes and gardens, orb weaver spiders are a common sight. While these eight-legged arachnids may appear intimidating, understanding their characteristics and behaviors is essential to maintaining a pest-free environment.
Identifying Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weavers belong to the Araneidae family and are known for their distinctive circular webs, which they expertly spin to trap flying insects. These spiders come in various colors, shapes, and sizes, but they all share some common features:
- Web Patterns: Orb weaver spiders create large, intricate, and symmetrical orb-shaped webs. These webs are usually positioned horizontally in gardens, between trees, or near outdoor lights.
- Body Characteristics: Orb weavers typically have round or elongated abdomens and long, slender legs. Their coloration varies but often includes shades of brown, black, yellow, or green.
- Size: These spiders can range in size from as small as 1/8 inch to over 1 inch in body length, depending on the species.
- Distinctive Markings: Some orb weaver species have unique markings on their abdomens, such as zigzag patterns, colorful spots, or distinctive shapes.
Common Places to Find Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weaver spiders are outdoor creatures, and you’ll most commonly encounter them in the following places:
- Gardens: They often build their webs among plants and shrubs to catch flying insects.
- Wooded Areas: Orb weavers thrive in wooded environments where they can find trees and bushes to create their webs.
- Outdoor Structures: These spiders may spin their webs near porches, decks, or outdoor lights to take advantage of the insects attracted to these areas.
The Benefits and Disadvantages of Orb Weavers
Before rushing to eliminate orb weaver spiders from your property, it’s essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages they bring.
Benefits:
- Natural Pest Control: Orb weavers are efficient hunters and play a crucial role in keeping insect populations in check. They can help reduce annoying and potentially harmful pests around your home.
- Low Maintenance: Once their web is built, orb weavers require minimal attention and maintenance. They can be considered natural pest control allies.
Disadvantages:
- Aesthetic Concerns: Some homeowners find their large webs unsightly, especially when they are positioned in high-traffic areas.
- Fear Factor: Orb weaver spiders can be intimidating due to their size and appearance, leading to arachnophobia in some individuals.
Fall Pest Control: Preventing and Managing Orb Weaver Spiders
If you wish to minimize orb weaver spider presence around your home, here are some practical tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean outdoor lights and remove debris from bushes and shrubs to discourage spiders from setting up shop.
- Seal Entry Points: Ensure that your home’s windows and doors are tightly sealed to prevent spiders from entering your living spaces.
- Professional Pest Control: Consider hiring a pest control expert for thorough fall pest control services. They can assess your property’s unique needs and develop a customized pest management plan.
- Reduce Outdoor Lighting: Reduce outdoor lighting during the night, as it can attract insects that serve as orb weavers’ prey.
Don’t let orb weaver spiders and other fall pests disrupt your peace of mind this season. Take proactive steps to manage and prevent their presence by reaching out to our expert pest control team. Request a free pest control quote today and ensure a pest-free environment for you and your family.
In conclusion, while orb weaver spiders can be beneficial for natural pest control, they may also pose challenges for homeowners. Balancing their advantages and disadvantages and taking preventative measures can help you enjoy a pest-free home during the fall season.
Sep 22, 2023 | Pest Control
