New Customers:
(866) 395-6319
Current Customers:
(800) 468-7859
Chat
Search
• Pest Control
Pest Control
Termite Control
Rodent Control
Lawn Care
Truly Insulation Plus
Commercial
Locations
Most Common Pests
Other Pests
Most Common Pests
Other Pests

Pest Expert Tip

Back
Get a Free Inspection Today!
Schedule Inspection

What to Expect During Your First Southwest Florida Home Pest Control Visit

Posted On: 09/09/2025

Southwest Florida offers pests the perfect storm of conditions that lead to them finding food, water, and harborage: a mostly year-round humid climate, a clearly defined rainy season, and seasonal pest patterns that can cause stress for homeowners.


Our Four Seasons Pest Control service is a year-round, quarterly pest control effort designed to adapt to the changes pests undergo as the seasons change. Our research and development team created this program to effectively address changes in pest behavior from season to season in your area, from spring ants to autumn spiders. We are prepared to keep your home and business pest-free.


Why Pest Control Matters in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida’s generally warm climate, occasional heavy rains, and high humidity create numerous pest threats for homeowners in the region.

Some of the common household pest threats include:

Ants, including ghost ants (less than 1/16-inch-long with pale bodies, dark heads, and dark thoraxes, & easily recognized due to its peculiar color markings and small size, they give off a coconut-like odor when they are crushed. Foragers are seen in kitchens and bathrooms on sinks, counters, and floors. Ghost ants are easily transported in boxes, crates, potted plants and even in household goods that are being shipped.)

Big-headed ants (these reddish brown insects get their name from the appearance of the major workers - they have very large heads in relation to their bodies. The front half of the major's head is sculptured, while the back half is smooth and shiny. Most indoor problems with big-headed ants begin outdoors. They often are observed when foraging for food both inside and outside. Although they do not usually nest inside of homes, they often enter to forage through cracks in the foundation. Outdoors, these ants eat sweet liquids such as honeydew, dead insects, and soil invertebrates. Indoors, they prefer foods that are high in protein. These ants readily make trails between their nest and their food source. Colonies typically consist of multiple queens.)

Roaches, including American cockroaches (or Palmetto bugs as most people refer to them) are large and can fly with their fully developed wings; they are commonly found outdoors in landscaped areas, sewers or storm drains and in low areas of a building where moisture levels are higher. Indoors, they are most commonly found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other places where food is prepared or stored. They are often found in damp sewers, storage rooms, in heating ducts, and on the first floors of buildings. They can be transported into homes and apartments in boxes from infested establishments.)

Termites, including Subterranean Termites (⅛ to ⅜ inches in length, their appearance depends on the termite’s role in the colony: workers are flattened and relatively small, with bodies ranging from cream-colored to coal-black in hue and gray or brown wings; soldiers are similar but are distinguished by their powerful jaws; swarmers have straight bead-like antennae, a thick waist and a pair of long, equal-length wings that break off easily. They build mud tubes to allow travel back and forth, maintaining moisture, protecting themselves from UV-rays and predators, according to the National Pest Management Association, and these tunnels may be one of the first signs of a pest problem in a home.)

Mosquitoes live in a variety of habitats but are mainly concentrated near sources of standing water to reproduce because mosquito eggs need water to hatch. Most standing water will likely have the buzz of mosquitoes nearby, larvae in the water, or even a person getting bitten for simply walking close to the area.

Rodents between a general warming of temperatures over the last decade around the United States (according to a study in Science Advances Magazine) and several Hurricanes in Southwest Florida causing destruction that left homes vulnerable, there has been a significant increase in the population growth of rodents that shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. This in turn makes it easier for rodents to find the three things they need to continue to be prevalent: food, water, and harborage. Rodents tend to multiply swiftly, and infestations may be extremely difficult to exterminate. Some species breed year-round, and populations are maintained through constant reproduction.

Spiders, most will keep to themselves and only attack when threatened. While Black Widow Spiders and Brown Recluse Spiders are the only two venomous spiders found in Florida, they are much rarer than a wolf spider or an orb weaver. Spiders provide natural pest control, so if they are spotted in a yard, they are definitely beneficial.

Before the Visit – How to Prepare

  • Keeping clutter to a minimum will take many hiding spots away from pests, so a good prep for your visit includes decluttering baseboards, under sinks, and behind appliances
  • Pests are always looking for food and water, so covering pet bowls, storing food and leftovers, and covering fish tanks goes a long way in lowering unwanted activity
  • Take note of areas where pest activity is seen (droppings, webs, entry points, plain view)
  • Expect a friendly technician who will arrive on time and in uniform

What Happens During the Initial Inspection

  • A thorough walk-through of your home inside and out identifying areas of pest activity
  • Your FREE inspection includes:
    • Pest entry points (doors, windows, attic vents)
    • Moisture-prone areas (bathrooms, kitchens)
    • Yard and foundation zones

The technician will identify pests, nesting signs, and risk factors, and share them with you following their inspection along with a treatment plan

The Treatment Process

An Overview of what treatment may involve, including:

  • Targeted application in problem areas
  • Barrier treatments around the exterior
  • Baiting or traps as needed
  • Pet- and family-safe products used responsible
  • Explain how long it takes and when the results will show

Communication & Custom Plan

  • The technician will discuss their findings and treatment details
  • In conjunction with the findings, the homeowner will receive:
    • Written summary of what was done
    • Customized follow-up plan
    • Tips for prevention between visits

What to Expect After Treatment

  • Increased pest activity for a few days, which is absolutely normal
  • Drying time and when it is safe to re-enter treated areas
  • Tips for minimizing pest return between treatments:
    • Keep kitchen clean
    • Seal cracks and crevices
    • Manage yard debris and standing water

When to Call or Schedule Follow-Up

  • Signs it is time to reach back out:
    • Pest activity persists after 10–14 days
    • New pest signs emerge

Having a trained pest control professional visiting your home four times a year combined with a homeowner’s diligence to help minimize pest return will help keep pests at bay all year long

 

Trust Truly Nolen Pest Control in Southwest Florida

Truly Nolen offers safe, effective, family-first service: Our trained technicians have protected homes and businesses from unwanted pests for 85 years and our professional technicians will treat your affected area until your pests are gone, and you are fully satisfied — guaranteed.

Call (866) 549-1727 or schedule your FREE pest inspection online today!

Chat Now
Call Now
X
We use cookies to provide a personalized site experience. By continuing to use and browse this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
x