Bees, wasps and hornets, oh my! – Preparing for stinging insect season

Most people eagerly anticipate the return of summer each year. They are excited about spending time outdoors and enjoying the numerous activities that Florida has to offer. However, the return of summer also signals the comeback of biting insects. The mere sight of these annoying insects can make many people run away or freeze in fear of unpleasant and painful bites. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to keep these biting insects out of your garden, allowing you and your family to safely enjoy your outdoor space all summer long!

Types of biting insects: Biting insects can be classified into three species: bees, wasps, and hornets.

Bees can often be identified by their fuzzy appearance. These hardworking pollinators are an essential part of our ecosystem, pollinating many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Honeybees and bumblebees are the most common types of bees and are generally harmless unless provoked. Carpenter bees, however, can cause significant damage to homes by burrowing into wooden structures to build their individual nests.

Wasps come in a variety of shapes and colors. Mud Daubers, for example, are mostly black and have extremely slim, long waists, while Yellowjackets are bright yellow and black. They are one of the most common types of wasps you might encounter. Paper wasps and hornets build easily identifiable paper nests from chewed wood fibers. Mud Daubers, on the other hand, construct distinctive nests made up of many small mud tubes.

Hornets are extremely beneficial in keeping insect populations in check. They have a reputation for being highly aggressive, just like the bald-faced hornet. These hornets have unique black and white markings and will attack anyone who gets too close to their nest.

Cleaning your garden of biting insects: Getting rid of biting insects is a top priority for many homeowners. Here are some tips to keep your garden free of these unwanted pests:

Use traps: Traps are extremely effective for getting rid of stray wasps or hornets that may crash your barbecue, but they won’t eliminate the nests.

Remove abandoned nests: Some biting insects will return to abandoned nests in the spring. Most biting insects abandon their nests when it gets cold, making winter the perfect time to inspect your property and remove any nests you may find. Call professional exterminators to remove nests during any season to avoid stings.

Keep food covered: Wasps and hornets are often attracted to food. Make sure to cover any food left outside to deter these pests from ruining your picnic.

Secure trash containers: Biting insects often swarm around trash containers in search of food scraps or sugary snacks. Keep trash can lids tightly closed to keep away wasps and hornets.

Landscape to deter pests: Some biting insects are attracted to bright flowers that produce nectar. To keep these pests away from your yard, plant mint, citronella, or lemongrass around your home.

Professional extermination: Removing a nest of bees, wasps, or hornets can be a risky task. These unpleasant pests have painful stings that can send some people to the hospital. Removing biting insects from your garden should be left in the hands of professionals. Experienced pest control technicians at Florida Pest Control have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively eliminate nests from your garden. At Florida Pest Control, we want you to enjoy your garden without worrying about stings.

Don’t let biting insects ruin your outdoor fun; contact us today for a free quote and let us take care of the job!

Mosquito Control: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

Mosquitoes are a problem that every Floridian is familiar with due to the warm and humid climate that persists year-round. While professional exterminators are the best solution to your pest problem, there are things you can do to control mosquitoes at home. However, it’s important to know which mosquito control methods work and which ones do not.

Dangers of mosquitoes: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites cause the death of over 700,000 people each year, with most of these deaths attributed to malaria. Diseases caused by mosquito bites fall under vector-borne diseases, which also include malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and yellow fever. In addition to diseases, mosquitoes also cause itchy bites that can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. This can range from redness and swelling to, in rare cases, severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

With these dangers, it’s no wonder you’d want to find a way to control mosquitoes in your home and garden.

What not to do: There are dozens of DIY mosquito control methods on the internet, but many of them are ineffective, and some may even attract more pests to your property. While some methods do work, here’s a list of those you shouldn’t waste your time or money on:

Citronella candles: These candles work in a small area, lose their potency quickly, and need frequent replacement.

Bug Zappers: Bug zappers use ultraviolet light to attract insects. Mosquitoes are not attracted to this light and will kill more beneficial insects.

Coffee grounds: Mosquitoes are not attracted to the smell of coffee, and there are not enough insecticidal properties, like caffeine, in coffee beans to make them a proven and effective repellent.

What you should do: While EPA-approved DEET-based insect repellents work well, there are other natural ways to prevent mosquitoes from making you their next meal:

Add screens: Outdoor seating areas are a buffet line for mosquitoes. Adding screens around your seating area and doors provides a barrier against mosquitoes and other insects.

Eliminate standing water: Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To prevent an infestation right in your garden, make sure to drain standing water. This water can accumulate in buckets, wheelbarrows, or debris in your garden.

Outdoor fans: Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and their plans are easily thwarted by a brisk breeze. By using multiple outdoor fans that oscillate, you can help prevent mosquitoes from easily settling on you and your family.

Licensed mosquito exterminators: If you’ve tried some natural methods to get rid of mosquitoes but they keep coming back, it may be time to call in a professional. Florida Pest Control is mosquito experts. They have been protecting homes and businesses throughout Florida since 1949. They offer long-term mosquito prevention and control services to provide homeowners and businesses with the peace of mind that these pests are under control. Call today for a free quote!

How do rats enter the attic?

Discovering unwanted visitors in your attic can be a unsettling experience for any homeowner. Among the numerous pests that can invade our homes, rats hold a notorious place, and their presence in the attic is a common problem many face. Understanding how these clever creatures access your attic is crucial to effectively addressing the issue.

How rats enter: Your attic may seem like an odd place for rats to invade, but infestations in high places are more common than many people believe. Rats are excellent climbers, especially roof rats, which have extra-long tails that help them with balance. Once they climb up the side of your house, rats can enter your attic through the following means:

1. Entering through cracks or gaps.
2. Seeking soft spots or holes in your roof.
3. Crawling through attic fans or ventilation ducts.
4. Looking for plumbing or wiring openings.

Keeping your roof and siding in excellent condition is one of the best ways to prevent a rodent invasion upstairs. You can also seal any existing openings with putty to make it more difficult for rats to access your space.

Signs that you have rats in your attic: Identifying the presence of rats in your attic is crucial for addressing the problem promptly. The earlier you detect an infestation, the easier it will be to address the problem and avoid property damage or health risks. Here are some telltale signs that indicate a possible rat infestation:

1. Strange noises: If you hear scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noises coming from your attic, especially during the night when rats are more active, it’s a strong indicator of their presence.
2. Unpleasant odors: Rats have a distinctive musky odor that can permeate the air in your attic. If you detect a strong, persistent, and unpleasant smell despite your efforts to eliminate it, it could be a sign of a rat infestation.
3. Droppings: Rat droppings are a reliable indicator of their presence. These small, pellet-like droppings are usually dark brown or black and can be found near their nesting areas, along pathways, or near sources of food.
4. Bite marks: Rats constantly gnaw on objects to prevent their teeth from growing too long. Look for bite marks on wooden beams, cables, insulation, and other materials in your attic.
5. Grease marks: Rats have oily fur that can leave grease marks along their usual paths. These marks may be visible on walls, beams, or near the openings they use to enter and exit the attic.
6. Nesting materials: Rats build nests using various materials such as shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and plant matter. Look for hidden nests in secluded corners or within the insulation. Finding nests is a clear sign of a rat infestation.

What to do if you have rats in the attic: When facing a rat infestation in your attic, it may be tempting to tackle the problem on your own. However, opting for professional rodent control services offers numerous advantages that make it the best choice for effectively eliminating these unwanted guests. Our services are eco-friendly, ensuring your family’s safety while addressing the pest problem, and with over 70 years of service, it’s a legacy you can trust.