Depending on the time of year in Southwest Florida, different pests are causing issues for homeowners and potential customers alike. From easy problems to fix to severe infestations, the seasonal shifts play a big part in knowing which pests to be aware of and when.
There are definitely some ways to prevent pest problems before you may need a pest control professional. Ultimately, in the event of a major infestation, a pest control professional can help with actual exclusion techniques to block off and seal possible entryways, especially for ants and rodents.
It is important to determine and handle pest issues regularly, along with taking preventative measures rather than waiting for a pest infestation to occur to act. Most companies, including ours, offer a FREE pest inspection to determine what type of pest problem you may have. Hopefully, your preventative measures will help you stave off even larger problems, but if they do not, you can rest assured knowing a company like ours stands ready to assist.
Between the regular weather pattern, which goes from cool but not cold winters and rainy springs to hot summers and somewhat cool autumns, an additional factor is the aftermath of three major hurricanes over the past three years. Ian’s effects on Southwest Florida in 2022 are still being felt in some areas, and while Helene and Milton spared the area the worst of their damage, these storms have made some pests even more readily apparent than before.
Spring in Southwest Florida marks the return of warmth and moisture, perfect conditions for pests to become more active. As nature comes alive, so do termites, rodents, and other unwelcome guests looking for food, water, and shelter. Knowing what to watch for early can help you prevent infestations before they get out of control.
Subterranean Termites - Subterranean termites are the most destructive of the 2,500 termite species, living underground or in moist areas. With colonies that can reach two million, they cause billions in damage annually, primarily by breaking down cellulose in wood, making them a major threat to homeowners in Southwest Florida.
Rodents - A decade of warming temperatures and hurricanes in Southwest Florida has led to a surge in the rodent population, with no signs of slowing down.
Subterranean termites are cream-colored or brown insects that build mud tubes for travel and protection, often indicating a pest problem in homes.
Norway rats, also known as brown or sewer rats, are large, adaptable rodents that can undermine building foundations and gnaw on various materials. They are primarily nocturnal and thrive in urban areas.
Roof rats, or black rats, are smaller and prefer nesting high in trees or dense vegetation, often seen running along utility lines at night. House mice are usually brown or light grey, creating nests indoors from spare materials and consuming any available food, including human and pet food.
The NPMA recommends maintaining a one-inch gap between soil and wood in buildings to prevent subterranean termite issues. It's also important to identify entry points for termites, often beginning with swarmers, to assess infestation severity with the help of pest control professionals.
For rodent prevention, dispose of trash properly and maintain sanitary conditions. Rodents thrive in small areas with limited food sources, so all food should be stored in tightly sealed metal or glass containers.
Cardboard boxes are also enticing for nesting. An effective rodent control strategy includes sanitation, rodent-proofing, and trapping.
Summer in Southwest Florida brings intense heat, heavy rains, and a spike in pest activity. Warm temperatures and abundant moisture create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, flies, and other fast-reproducing pests. Without proper prevention, these pests can quickly turn your home and yard into a hotspot for infestations. Some of the common pests during Summer include:
Mosquitoes thrive in Southwest Florida, especially near standing water for reproduction, as their eggs need water to hatch. Freshly matured mosquitoes lay eggs in water sources during summer, while some "floodwater" species lay eggs in moist soil that hatch after flooding in spring. A single female can lay up to 200 eggs, leading to rapid infestations.
Flies enter homes during summer and pose a health risk as they can carry diseases. They are typically nomadic, following food sources and often nesting in trash and dirt, where they feed on decaying matter and feces.
Mosquitoes are small, long-legged insects with slender bodies and long, needle-like mouthparts used for feeding. In Southwest Florida, you’ll often spot them near standing water sources like birdbaths, gutters, or puddles. Flies, on the other hand, are usually black or gray, with large eyes and short antennae. Houseflies are common indoors, while blowflies and fruit flies are attracted to waste and overripe produce. You're likely dealing with a fly issue if you notice persistent buzzing, clusters near windows, or maggots in trash bins.
Mosquito control can be challenging due to their adaptability. To prevent infestations, empty or dispose of items that hold standing water, like buckets and tires. Use traps, such as bug zappers or outdoor sprays, and seek professional help if needed.
For flies, sanitation is key. Keep your home free of garbage, promptly dispose of pet waste, and use trash bins with lids. Set traps indoors and outdoors, like light traps or fly strips with bait. Chemical insecticides can also help prevent flies in common areas.
As the weather starts to cool down in Southwest Florida, even slightly, many pests begin searching for warmth and shelter indoors. Autumn is prime time for hitchhiking pests like bed bugs and roaches, both of which can quickly become major problems if not addressed early. Some of the common pests during Autumn include:
Bedbugs - are parasites that are commonly found in sleeping areas of homes and hotels. They feed off of humans at night. During the day, they live near the sleeping locations of their hosts. Beg bugs were virtually eliminated before 1995, but have since reemerged with the increase in world travel. Back-to-school season, late-summer vacations, and even a new job are all reasons that bed bugs typically begin to explode during the autumn months in Southwest Florida.
Roaches - Nearly 70 cockroach species exist in the U.S., with some invading homes and becoming pests, especially in autumn when temperatures drop in Southwest Florida. Two notable species are the American and German cockroaches. American roaches are medium to large and often found near waste or food sources, spreading diseases. German cockroaches are common in homes, restaurants, and other food areas, quickly multiplying and nesting around kitchens and bathrooms in search of food and moisture.
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. They typically hide in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, and furniture crevices, coming out at night to feed. Look for rusty spots or shed skins as signs of infestation.
American roaches are reddish-brown and can grow over 1.5 inches long, often seen in dark, moist areas like basements or under sinks.
German cockroaches are smaller, tan or light brown, with two dark stripes behind their heads, and are more likely found in kitchens or bathrooms due to their preference for warmth and moisture.
Prevention Strategies for Autumn Pests
Getting rid of a bed bug infestation can be a difficult process, depending on the size of the problem. It is almost always necessary to seek the help of a local exterminator in order to ensure that the infestation is under control and eliminated. Your pest control expert will be able to instruct you on the best way to clean bedding, furniture and mattresses. Vacuuming can also help limit the number of bugs and eggs. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag right after use.
No matter the species of the roach, prevention and sanitation are the keys to successfully controlling them. Vacuuming will eliminate cockroach skins and feces that cause cockroach allergies. Cockroach feces also contain a chemical (aggregation pheromone) that attracts cockroaches to an area. Eliminating the cockroach feces by scrubbing with hot, soapy water will decrease the amount of aggregation pheromone available to attract cockroaches to the area.
Although winter in Southwest Florida is milder compared to other regions, even a slight drop in temperature can drive pests indoors. Rodents, ants, and various other critters take this opportunity to seek food, warmth, and shelter within your home.
Even during the cooler months, it's important to remain vigilant, as this season often marks the onset of rodent activity and persistent ant infestations. To ensure your home remains protected throughout the year, proactive measures against pests are essential.
Some of the common pests during Winter include:
Rodents are year-round pests, particularly in Southwest Florida, where the start of winter prompts them to seek food, water, and shelter indoors.
Ants, with over 10,000 species worldwide, have about 25 that commonly infest homes. They are especially attracted to sweet foods and can live from weeks to years. In Southwest Florida, ghost ants and big-headed ants are common.
Ghost ants have dark heads and emit a coconut-like odor when crushed, often foraging in kitchens and bathrooms. Big-headed ants, named for their large heads, typically forage indoors from outdoor nests, preferring protein-rich foods but also eating sweet liquids like honeydew outside.
Rodents, including Norway rats, roof rats, and house mice, are active indoors during winter. You might notice droppings, gnaw marks, or hear scratching in the walls or attic. Ghost ants are tiny, with dark heads and translucent bodies, and often show up in kitchens and bathrooms. Big-headed ants have, as their name suggests, oversized heads on the major workers and are usually found foraging indoors from outdoor colonies, especially after rain or in search of protein-rich foods.
As previously mentioned in our Spring section, for rodents, trash should be disposed of properly, and sanitary conditions should be impeccably maintained. Rodents can survive in small areas with limited amounts of food and shelter. So, no matter how clean, all places where food is stored should be made rodent-proof as a preventative measure by keeping food tightly sealed in metal or glass containers. Both human and pet food are an incentive for rodents. Cardboard boxes are attractive to rodents, as they chew them up for use in their nests.
A successful and effective rodent control strategy typically involves the sanitation measures above, rodent proofing (exclusion), and population reduction (trapping). The best approach to control ghost ants in the home is cleanliness. Any type of food or food particles can attract and provide food for ghost ants. When they are indoors, ghost ants usually prefer sweets. Food should be stored in tightly sealed containers. Remove plants that can attract ants or control aphids, whiteflies, and other insects that produce honeydew. These ants eat honeydew that they collect from plant-feeding insects. Reduce moisture sources, including condensation and leaks. Controlling ghost ants requires time and patience. Because there can be multiple nesting sites, these ants are usually best left to a pest control professional.
As for big-headed ants, some things we recommend include removing potential nesting places near the home, placing firewood piles as far from your house as possible, and maintaining a gap between the building and any mulch or vegetation to help discourage these ants from invading your home. Controlling these ants can involve several treatment methods. If part of the colony survives, the population can rebound. It is best to leave control to a pest control professional.
A well-maintained lawn serves as an outdoor extension of your home, perfect for eating, entertaining, playing sports, and relaxing. However, maintaining a healthy lawn is more complex than cleaning furniture; it involves understanding the ecosystem of grass, soil, climate, and pests. Healthy soil is crucial for a vibrant lawn, and achieving a balance where they support each other is essential.
Soil pH is vital for lawn health. It is measured on a scale from 0-14, with 6.5 to 7.0 being ideal for grass. Testing soil pH can be done easily with a kit, but adjusting it requires knowledge about proper amendments. Alongside pH management, lawn care includes mowing, watering, and ensuring that trees allow adequate sunlight.
In Southwest Florida, seasonal changes affect pest populations, making it important to stay informed about which pests may pose problems throughout the year.
With so many pests in Southwest Florida and rodents becoming a year-round headache, homeowners should consider checking their homes regularly using the tips provided on this page.
In addition, as previously stated, most pest control companies will provide a FREE inspection to help determine if any problems exist. Furthermore, if you have year-round service with a pest control company, you can feel secure knowing a team member can come out to your home with a working knowledge of it to help keep it to the pest-free level you desire. Tips for Maintaining a Pest-Resistant Home Year-Round.
Some do-it-yourself tips to help maintain a pest-resistant home include eliminating water (do not let water stand in sinks and eliminate outside collection areas), eliminating food sources (dispose garbage as soon as possible following your meal, pack leftovers properly, and wipe off counter tops often), and eliminate harborages (discard unnecessary cardboard boxes and pull mulch away from your home).
To keep pests at bay all year, start with consistent cleanliness and exclusion practices. Seal cracks and crevices around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors to block entry. Store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage promptly, and eliminate clutter like cardboard boxes that offer pests hiding places.
Outside, maintain a tidy yard—trim back shrubs, avoid overwatering, and keep mulch at least 12 inches from your home's exterior. Reducing standing water sources and repairing leaks promptly will help cut down on mosquito and ant activity. Lastly, schedule seasonal inspections to detect early signs of pest issues before they escalate.
Choosing Truly Nolen means choosing a proven leader in pest control with over 85 years of experience protecting homes and businesses across the country, including right here in Southwest Florida. From ants, termites, and roaches to rodents, bed bugs, and mosquitoes, Truly Nolen offers year-round pest control services designed to target seasonal infestations before they become full-blown problems.
What sets Truly Nolen apart is our Four Seasons Pest Control approach, which adapts to seasonal pest behavior to provide proactive, customized protection for your property. We also offer specialized services like termite inspection and treatment, rodent exclusion and trapping, lawn pest control, and commercial pest management. Our team uses environmentally responsible solutions whenever possible and relies on advanced techniques and technology to identify, treat, and prevent pest problems at the source.
With Truly Nolen, you get more than just pest control; you get peace of mind backed by our satisfaction guarantee. Our local technicians are trained to treat your home with care and attention, working closely with you to create a pest-free environment inside and out. Whether you’re dealing with a current infestation or looking to prevent one, we’re here to help.
Look for physical signs like droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or grease trails. Seeing live insects such as ants, roaches, or flies during the day may indicate a larger infestation. Use flashlights to inspect dark, hidden areas like under sinks or behind appliances.
Pests shift their behavior based on temperature and moisture. In spring, termites and rodents are active due to increased moisture. Summer brings mosquitoes and flies, while autumn drives pests like roaches and bed bugs indoors. Winter is when rodents and ants seek shelter from the cooler weather.
Keep your garden free of standing water and decaying organic matter. Use natural deterrents like neem oil or diatomaceous earth. Regularly trim plants and clear away dead leaves or mulch buildup near the home’s foundation to eliminate pest harborage areas.
Call a pest control expert if you notice signs of infestation, such as persistent pests, structural damage, or if DIY methods haven’t worked. It's also wise to contact a professional for a preventive inspection before peak pest seasons to catch problems early.