The Sunshine State's Silent Threat: Common Pests on Florida's West Coast
Florida is known as the Sunshine State thanks to the almost 250 days of rays it gets a year. West Florida has some of the most stunning beaches, like the destination Marco Island or the absolutely gorgeous white sands of Siesta Key. Having so much sun and water can bring something other than tourists - pests. If you live in the Gulf Coast area of Florida, these are the insects and bugs you could come across when trying to work on your tan.
Ants
Ants are all over Florida, not just the West Coast, but they are always an annoyance. Though they are mostly harmless, species like fire ants can bite, and their sting hurts. Carpenter ants, Argentine ants, Acrobat ants and Big-Headed ants are also hanging around West Florida.
Termites
While Florida has many species of termites that can invade your yard or home, the Drywood species is the worst. Your furniture, wood fences, any wooden door or window frames, and really, any piece of wood in and around your home is in danger of being destroyed by these guys.
Centipedes and Millipedes
If you know someone who doesn't get a little freaked out when they see a centipede or a millipede, we wouldn't be friends. Though they are not harmful to humans, they could burrow holes into your furniture and can discharge smelly and gross liquids around your home.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are another insect that you can find pretty much anywhere there is a food source. They like to hide in dark areas of your home and come out at night. If they get into your food stores, that food is all ruined. These pests are the most popular in the whole state of Florida, which is really bad news since they can carry E. Coli or Salmonella and could trigger an asthma attack in humans.
Ticks
With the humid weather come the ticks, and Florida has plenty of both and the Gulf Coast tick is a big one in the area. Ticks can carry and transmit diseases to humans and pets, so everyone should be regularly checked, especially if you go anywhere near trees or overgrown greenery.
Flies
Flies might be one of the most annoying flying insects, but they could also carry illnesses like cholera. They hang around your trash or spoiled food, and though they don't have venom to bite humans with, they could infect your food. One of the most common flies in Florida is the Horse fly, which you will know if you live near swampy areas or don't put your lid on your recycling or trash all of the way.
Silverfish
Silverfish aren't really dangerous to humans, but if they get in your home, they can freak you out. They only like to come out at night, so finding them might take a minute. While they won't spread diseases, they can activate your allergies.
Bed Bugs
Where there are a lot of people in well-traveled public places, there could be bed bugs. Bed bugs breed quickly, and one could become a thousand in just months. Found on beds, couches and other furniture with fabrics, these bugs come out at night to feed on human blood.
Rodents
Rats and mice are more pretty common in Floria, with the Black rat and the Norway rat usual suspects. They can chew your home's insulation, electrical wires and even your roof. Mice in Floria can also transmit Lassa fever disease, in addition to being destructive little critters.
Spiders
Florida is known for some of the biggest spiders, with the Wolf spider and the Banana spider being common. The venomous bite of a spider can cause nausea, cramping and intense pain. Everyone will find a spider or two in their home at some point, but if you see them regularly, you may need an expert pest control service to come take a look.
Mosquitoes
It wouldn't be Florida without mosquitoes. They can carry harmful diseases like Malaria and infect humans, but even a regular bite can keep you up all night itching. In swampy, moist areas like Florida's Gulf Coast, you can find swarms of mosquitoes looking for a human or pet to bite.
Don't Let Pests Bother You in West Florida
While various insects can threaten your outdoor enjoyment, a comprehensive approach combining professional treatments with proper maintenance provides effective control. Installing an automated insect misting system delivers year-round protection through strategically placed nozzles, while scheduled QuickNix® fogging treatments offer powerful temporary control lasting up to two weeks - perfect for special events or peak mosquito seasons.
Don't Forget About the Professionals
If you find yourself being outnumbered by bugs, you can always call the compassionate and professional team at MosquitoNix®. If you have tried normal measures and still feel overwhelmed or the bugs keep coming back, there is nothing wrong with calling in extra help. Sometimes an infestation happens, and it is better to have a professional team come in than try to deal with it yourself, and things get worse.
Taking care of mosquitoes is only one part of the pest control services that can be offered to ensure you are outside for as many of those 250 sunny days as possible. From the boardwalks to the beaches, the Gulf Coast has a lot to offer locals and visitors, and none of it has to sting or bite you.
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