Orlando, FL Pest Guide | Insect & Rodent Identification
Most people only know Orland, Florida, for the theme parks. From LEGOLAND to Walk Disney World, adults and kids alike agree there is something about Orlando that you can't find anywhere else. While the magic of the mouse might work on humans, the magic of the humidity and warm temperatures works on the insects, too.
Universal and SeaWorld aren't the only things Orlando is known for. Here are the insects, rodents and other bugs that might feel like another main attraction to the locals.
Cockroaches
The normal cockroaches are found everywhere, including Orlando, but the Palmetto bug is one you especially need to pay attention to.
Palmetto Bugs
This cockroach loves dark, warm, moist environments and can make a home in your pantry. If they contaminate the food, you could find yourself face-to-face with salmonella. Another con of these bugs is they can trigger asthma and allergy attacks. Though they mostly stay outside, if you find them in your home, you should call the professionals immediately to take care of them.
Spiders
There are dozens of spiders that call Orlando home, but the biggest ones to worry about are the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse, whose bites you do not want to meet.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are great travelers, and with all the coming and going to and from Florida, it's no surprise the state has a lot of them. Check your headboard and mattresses for these tiny insects, as they come out at night and go for any exposed skin while you sleep.
Ants
While ants are everywhere, the types you will normally find in Orlando are carpenter, fire, acrobat, big-headed and Argentine ants. While most are just a nuisance, the fire ant can bite you if provoked, and their bite is not a fun ride to take.
Stinging Insects
While we love the bees, no one wants to find a bumble bee or honey bee in the house, but they are common to find in Florida. Other stinging insects in the Orlando area are the Yellowjacket wasp and Paper wasp, neither of which you want to mess with.
Termites
The Formosan subterranean termite, which arrived in Florida in the 1980s, can do massive damage as quickly as in three months. From fences to the foundation, these can't be left alone to feed, or they will destroy what they find.
Ticks
Ticks are a huge problem in the whole state of Florida, so after every walk, you should check yourself for these disease-carrying and transmitting insects. The warm weather, extended summer season and mild winters mean residents will deal with ticks almost all year long.
Silverfish
The humid Florida climate is perfect for silverfish. These silvery pests aren't really fish but really are a nuisance for homeowners. They are quick, can move sideways and will find a dark hiding place in your house if you let them. You want these gone so they don't get into your pantry because they feed on starchy foods and will ruin your food stores.
No-See-Ums
Also known as biting gnats, sand flies, biting midges or punkies, no-see-ums are everywhere in Florida. The humid weather, rain and moist conditions make no-see-ums love Orlando.
Mosquitoes
Florida is always at the top of the list for a bad mosquito season. With all the people to feed on, the moisture in the air and the rainy and humid climate, mosquitoes are everywhere in Florida. With the illnesses they can transmit and the bumps their bites leave, you want to protect against mosquitoes as much as possible.
Rodents
House mice, the Norway rat and the black rat are all common in Orlando. These can carry diseases and chew through your clothing, wires and even the insulation of your home.
Flies
While Florida has many types of flies, the Stable Fly is one to look out for. Also called a Dog Fly, this one will bite you and your pet. It likes to hang out in patches of seaweed and will attack anyone who gets too close.
Conditions These Insects Like
To help keep these insects away from your yard and home, you should know what they are attracted to. By being aware of why these insects come to your yard and eliminating any conditions you can, you reduce the chance of insects, rodents and other bugs from making your house their home.
- Rainy weather
- Moisture and humidity
- Any amount of standing water
- Pet food and water (inside and outside bowls)
- Unmowed yards and wild greenery
- Messy piles of wood or other materials left in the yard
- Clogged-up gutters and drains
- Dirty garbage and recycling cans and bins
- Overripe and rotting food and fruits left out
How to Protect Yourself and Your Home
To protect yourself, your home and your pets from these pesky pests, there are a few simple tips to do regularly.
- Take care of your yard and keep the lawn tidy and mowed and greenery trimmed
- Wear bug spray with DEET when you go outside, especially in woodsy areas
- Wear loose and long clothing
- Keep your home's entrances repaired, checking for cracks and holes around doors and windows
- Repair any tears and holes in screens as needed
When to Call the Professionals
From mosquitoes to bed bugs, if you have a pest problem, call in the professionals. Compassionate and experienced teams, like the ones you will find at MosquitoNix, can assess the situation and come up with the plan best for you. At a minimum, you should call for a free quote to ask what they think should be done.
Orlando has theme parks for anyone to escape to and have a magical time in, but you can't escape the flying insects, rodents and other bugs that live in the area. Protect yourself, your family, your pets and your home as best as you can, and don't hesitate to call in the professionals when you need to.
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