6 Troublesome Florida Pests (and How to Get Rid of Them!)

Did you know that Florida has around 12,500 different types of insects?

While the state might be a haven for those seeking summer sun, it definitely isn’t for the fainthearted! When you’re in Florida, you’re almost certain to run into some of the Florida pests.

Most of these pests won’t harm you, but they can be annoying to have around. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Here’s a list of some of the most common pests in Florida and how to get rid of them.

1. Angry Red Ants

If you’ve noticed quite a few tiny, red ants in your home then you’ve probably got a fire ant infestation. These little insects can build huge nests up to 3 feet tall and are well known for their nasty sting. To get rid of yours, mix equal parts baking soda, water, and vinegar, and spray the solution at areas where you’ve spotted these household Florida pests.

2. Irritating Iguanas

When it comes to types of Florida pests, iguanas are probably one of the coolest, but they can also be annoying when they invade your home! If you’re struggling with them, call in professional Iguana control to get rid of these creatures humanely. They’ll quickly deal with them so that you don’t have to.

3. Wild Whiteflies

One of the most common garden Florida pests is the whitefly. These are small flies covered in a white, waxy substance, and they can cause a lot of damage to plants, hatching their eggs on the leaves and sucking sap out of them. To get rid of them, spray neem oil or soap spray on the underside of your plant’s leaves in the morning or evening.

4. Damaging Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are suckers for wood that’s above ground level, like fences, doors, and furniture. If you spot small fecal pellets on or near your wood, you probably have drywood termites. To get rid of them, use a termite wood treatment and keep any cracks in your wood filled to stop them coming back.

5. Creepy Cockroaches

Nobody enjoys seeing a cockroach, and, unfortunately, they’re very common in Florida. They’re usually found in cooler, dark areas and can cause health problems, so it’s important you get rid of them. To do so, mix equal parts flour, sugar and boric acid into a dough and leave small balls around the house, which will kill the cockroaches when they eat it.

6. Bed Bugs

During the hot summer months, bed bugs can run riot in Florida, especially in places where there are a lot of travellers. Look for spots of blood on your sheets and small droppings. If you have bed bugs, vacuum the whole area, wash all of your clothes and bedding, and if all else fails then hire a professional exterminator.

Keep Florida Pests at Bay

Florida pests are annoying, but all of them can be dealt with if you know how! Just remember these tips and if you’re ever in doubt, call on local pest control to help you out.

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