Photo by James Wainscoat on Unsplash
Insects in Florida is sort of like popcorn at a movie theater: they go hand in hand. Bugs are part of our ecosystem, and many species of insects perform valued services like pollination and pest control. Insects are also important decomposers. Without insects to help break down and dispose of wastes, dead animals and plants would accumulate in our environment, which is really gross! But still, even though they are important, no one wants bugs inside their home and will seek a good pest control company to keep them out! Here are some of the Northeast Florida pests we despise the most!
Palmetto Bugs
Anyone not from Florida who sees a Palmetto bug for the first time might freak out! These reddish-brown 6-legged creatures can grow up to 2 inches long and scurry as it moves and crunches loudly when stepped on! “Palmetto bug” is the popular name for several species of large cockroaches, and these pests are often nicknamed that because they prefer to remain sheltered under leaf litter and other decaying organic materials, including the leaves of the palmetto tree. They are also known as the American Cockroach.
Although Palmetto bugs primarily live outdoors, they will creep into our homes to find food, shelter and moisture. And once inside, they can be found in basements, crawl spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and drains.
Not only are Palmetto bugs creepy, they can also contaminate food and cause health problems. As they scurry around foraging for food and water, they carry bacteria with them on their bodies that is deposited on whatever they get on. Their waste can also contain allergens that cause adverse reactions including skin rashes, nasal congestion and watery eyes. They also shed (molt) which also can trigger allergic reactions.
To keep Palmetto bugs outside where they belong requires bug control. Although DIY do-it-yourself pest control is tempting, leaving pest control to the professionals may be the best solution. Sprays and foggers may cause Palmetto bugs to scatter, making it even more difficult to remove them from your home. In addition, most DIY methods only address the bugs you can see – not the ones that may be hiding in your walls, crawl spaces and around your plumbing fixtures.
Fleas
According to The Florida Entomologist, 19 of the 2,200 species of fleas are presently known to be in Florida. Fleas love the First Coast’s warm and humid climate and can usually survive year-round unless there’s a hard freeze in the winter. The most common flea in Florida is the cat flea. This flea is mostly found on cats but is happy to find a suitable host in any warm-blooded animal or human. These opportunistic insects can catch a ride on you or your pets, eating and reproducing at a rapid rate, within hours inside your home!
Fleas in Florida love to burrow into carpets, furniture and even under baseboards. Because a female flea can lay up to fifty eggs per day and pupa can stay safely cocooned for up to a year, Flea populations are hard to control! And their bites can wreak havoc on your pets, yourself and your home. If your pet is scratching more than usual or if you notice yourself itching small bite marks on your skin, it is time to take control with bug control by treating and protecting your home and family.
To get rid of these tiny yet treacherous pests, an insecticide that contains both an adulticide, such as permethrin, that kills adult fleas, and an insect growth regulator, such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, that kills the eggs, larvae, and pupae. People and pets should not come into contact with the disinfectant until it has dried. The best way to get rid of fleas is to contact a professional pest control company that understands Northeast Florida climate, conditions and will administer treatment to exterminate these pests!
Wasps
Out of all the 6-legged pests, wasps are probably the most feared! Florida is home to two kinds of wasps – the paper wasp and cicada killer, and both can next right under your roof. Locating a wasp nest can be tricky, especially if it is inside the walls of your home. Paying attention to any flying insects coming or going from small holes could help prevent or eliminate infestation going on inside.
Though some are more aggressive than others, most wasps will only bother you if they feel threatened. Keeping a safe distance from nests can help you. If you do find yourself near a wasp, remain calm – flailing, loud noises, or sudden motion may make a wasp feel threatened and therefore more likely to sting.
When wasp nests need to be removed, calling a professional pest control company is the best route for avoiding getting stung. Even though they are rarely fatal, wasp stings can cause considerable discomfort. Anyone allergic to wasp stings should call 911 immediately!
When it comes to bug control, Russell Pest Solutions has been getting rid of unwanted insects for over 20 years while providing quality, comprehensive pest control in Jacksonville and all Northeast Florida. Our professional pest control will help keep those pesky pests outside the home where they belong!
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