Seasonal Pests

Pests are a year-long struggle in the sunny state of Florida. But, while certain bugs or rodents always seem to be scurrying around, others only pop up for a few months at a time. If you want to keep your space pest-free, it’s helpful to know about the seasonal pests in our area, when they’re most active, and how you can prevent them. 

What Are The Most Common Seasonal Pests in Florida?

With Florida’s warm and humid climate, a lot of insects and other pests can survive in almost every season. However, most species have life cycles and annual habits that make them a bigger problem at certain times of year. Here’s what a typical year of pest behavior looks like in our area.

Fall Pests

As summer wraps up and everything starts to get colder, some pests become more noticeable. Though Florida’s temperatures stay fairly mild throughout the winter, the combination of cooler weather and scarce food makes certain insects and rodents come out in droves at this time of year:

• American Cockroaches: These large roaches are prevalent in Florida throughout almost every season, but you’re more likely to find them in your home during the fall as they seek shelter indoors. These pests are attracted to warmth and humidity, which is why they’re more attracted to our houses when summer comes to an end.
• Rats and Mice: Rodents can mean big trouble for your home and health, and unfortunately, they’re a very common problem here in Florida. They’re capable of infesting at pretty much any time of year, but they are particularly drawn to our homes and businesses when it’s colder outside. 
• Brown Recluse Spiders: Thanks to their nasty bites, these spiders are dreaded by homeowners across the United States. Brown recluses typically prefer outdoor environments, but they’ll wander inside when looking for shelter from the seasonal change.

Winter Pests

Temperature change and food scarcity are two big factors that contribute to pest activity in the fall, but in the winter, some pests are also seeking out humidity. The cooler winter air doesn’t carry as much moisture, which is why some insects try to get indoors where there’s more moisture. Common pests you might see at this time of year include:

• Silverfish: True to their name, these small insects are a metallic color and move in quick movements that resemble a fish swimming. They can be quite unnerving to come across, and even worse, they can contaminate your food source. Silverfish are particularly attracted to damp areas with dried pantry goods to feed on. 
• House Centipedes: Capable of moving roughly 16 inches per second – or the equivalent of a person running at 42 miles per hour – house centipedes are creepy critters to find in your basement. However, they usually end up inside when looking for humidity, and they can actually help with pest control by feeding on other insects. 
• Bed Bugs: These pests are definitely active all year long, but if you go on a winter vacation or visit some family over the holidays, you’re at a higher risk of experiencing an outbreak. Bed bugs often hitchhike on travelers, so a lot of people notice them more when taking a flight or staying in a hotel over winter break.

Springtime Pests

When the weather heats back up and plants start to blossom, the world of insects also springs back to life. It’s no surprise that spring and summer are prime seasons for pest encounters, especially since many species come out to reproduce at this time of year. During the spring, you may come across:

• Termites: Termites are capable of causing damage at any time, but spring is also the season that swarmers come out to find mates and establish new colonies. Since these insects rarely leave their nests except to swarm, you have a much higher chance of seeing termites during the spring than any other season. 
• Fire Ants: These pests are also very active in the summer, but they start popping up as early as March when temperatures start to heat up. Fire ants may be small, but they’ve earned their name through painful bites, so it’s important to be on the lookout for these pests when spring hits. 
• Mosquitoes: Most people really notice mosquito problems in the peak of summer, but they actually begin in early spring. Thanks to our warm and humid weather after spring rainfall, these pests breed rapidly at this time of year.

Summer Pests

In the Sunshine State, it may feel like summer all year long—but pests know the difference. In the peak of our warm and sunny season, a lot of different insects come out to bother us. Some of the most common summer pests in Florida include:

• Bees and Wasps: It’s no surprise that stinging insects are most active when flowers are in full bloom and the weather is warm. While bees contribute to environmental health through pollination, aggressive stinging insects like wasps can pose safety hazards if they nest too close to residential areas.
• Flies: Summer provides ideal conditions for fly reproduction, as the larvae develop faster in warmer conditions. Not only that, but the heat accelerates organic decay, which means these pests have more to feed on and breed in during the height of our warm season. 
• Fleas: As temperatures rise, these blood-sucking insects become increasingly active for several reasons. Fleas thrive in higher temperatures, and with more people and animals spending time outdoors, it’s far easier for these pests to find a blood meal when summer is in full swing.

How to Prevent Seasonal Pests

No two pests are exactly alike, and since each season comes with its own set of unwanted critters, it can feel challenging to create a plan that will perfectly safeguard your home. While we strongly recommend taking a more targeted approach if you struggle with certain pests more than others, these steps can help you generally minimize your risk of an infestation throughout the year:

• Getting regular property inspections
• Sealing off entry points, such as broken screens 
• Keeping your landscaping neat and tidy
• Storing your firewood away from the home
• Fixing plumbing leaks or moisture issues right away
• Properly storing food and regularly cleaning the kitchen

Seasonal Pest Exterminators in Florida

Looking to safeguard your property against pests year-round? Look no further than Hometown Pest Control. With our expertise in local pest species and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, we tailor our services to your unique needs and lifestyle. By prioritizing prevention, we aim to spare you the inconvenience of dealing with pest infestations altogether. Just give us a call today to get started!