Florida, the land of sunshine and… bugs?
Yep, small bugs in Florida homes are as common as sand at the beach.
These critters might be tiny, but they sure know how to make a big nuisance. Let’s get to know them (from afar).
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5 Small Bugs in Florida Homes You Need To Watch Out For
Florida’s warm and humid climate provides the perfect breeding ground for a variety of pests.
We know— it’s not ideal.
Here are the 5 bugs you’ll see the most often in your Sunshine abode:
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5. Ants – The Little Army
Ants are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments. They enter homes searching for food, and once they find it, they establish colonies nearby.
- What they look like: Tiny, determined soldiers on a mission.
- Risks: They don’t just picnic in your pantry; they’re pros at spreading germs, too. Plus, some ants bite or sting, and that’s not a welcome surprise for anyone.
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4. Roaches – The Uninvited Guests
According to the University of Florida, “Cockroaches hide in dark, sheltered places during the day and come out to feed at night.” UFrecommend looking out for roaches in:
- Kitchen sinks
- Drainboards
- Cracks around or underneath cupboards and cabinets or inside them (especially in the upper corners)
- Behind drawers
- Around pipes or conduits
- Behind window or door frames
- Behind loose baseboards or molding strips
- Underside of tables and chairs
- Bathrooms
- TV cabinets
- What they look like: Shiny, speedy intruders that seem to have no curfew.
- Risks: Besides being unsightly, roaches can trigger allergies and asthma. And trust us, you don’t want them doing laps around your kitchen at midnight.
3. Silverfish – The Slippery Sleuths
Silverfish are attracted to high humidity levels, making Florida’s climate appealing to them.
They feed on starchy materials found in homes, such as paper and clothing.
- What they look like: Slim, silver, and as fast as a startled cat.
- Risks: They’re not dangerous to humans, but they can nibble on your books, paper, and clothing. Like tiny, hungry librarians.
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2. Spiders – The Eight-Legged Roommates
Florida has various spider species, including both harmless and venomous ones. The abundant insect population in the state provides a steady food supply for spiders.
- What they look like: Varied, from creepy crawly to… well, really creepy.
- Risks: Most spiders in Florida are harmless, but the infamous Black Widow and Brown Recluse can pose risks. Their bites aren’t a souvenir you want to bring home.
1. Mosquitoes – The Itchy Intruders
Florida’s warm and humid climate allows mosquitoes to breed year-round. Standing water, common in Florida due to heavy rainfall and swamps, provides ideal breeding sites for these pests.
So, while it’s nice that we have 365-day access to the beach, mosquitos are the price we pay for that luxury.
- What they look like: Teeny, stealthy vampires out for your blood.
- Risks: Besides leaving you with itchy welts, these guys can carry diseases. Not exactly the guests you’d invite to your backyard BBQ.
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Bugging Out: How to Evict These Unwanted Guests
So, you’ve met the cast of characters. Now, how do you kick them out of your Florida home?
Here are a few suggestions:
- Ants: Set up barriers with cinnamon, citrus peels, or diatomaceous earth. Fix leaky pipes and seal food containers.
- Roaches: Keep it clean, folks! Seal up cracks and bait and trap strategically. These roaches are looking for a new home— don’t let it be yours.
- Silverfish: Reduce humidity, declutter, and seal your books in plastic. Make your place as unappetizing as a raw broccoli buffet.
- Spiders: Sweep away their cobwebs and keep a tidy home. It’s best to call in a pro for the more dangerous varieties.
- Mosquitoes: Drain standing water like a ninja. Screen windows and doors like you’re prepping for a summer blockbuster.
The diverse ecosystems and climate zones contribute to the prevalence of small bugs in Florida homes.
While there’s not much you can do about the weather that brings in all these pests, with some knowledge and preventative measures, you can keep your home critter-free!