You can never catch a break from pests in Florida— even during the “winter.” Common winter and garden pests like cockroaches, ants, rats, termites, spider mites, whiteflies, and fleas will be looking for a cozy spot to invade to get out of the frigid weather (which we all know is about 60 degrees).
Here’s what you need to know about these pests and how to deal with them— quickly!
Top 5 Common Winter Pests in Florida
Cockroaches
In Florida, cockroaches—especially palmetto bugs—don’t take the winter off like they might in colder states. Since they’re ectothermic (cold-blooded), cockroaches depend on outside heat sources to stay warm. So when temperatures drop here, they won’t just hibernate; they’ll go hunting for warmth inside your home.
When it’s chilly, here in Florida, they’re more likely to stay active and seek out moisture and warmth indoors. That means during those cooler months, December to March, you might find these creepy-crawlies making themselves at home inside your walls and basements.
- Where To Look: Check kitchens, bathrooms, and dark, moist areas.
- DIY Solution: Keep a clean home and use roach bait stations or traps.
- Signs To Hire a Pro: If you spot them regularly or find droppings, it’s time to call in pest control services.
RELATED: What does cockroach poop look like? [PICTURES]
Rats
Just like roaches, rodents seek shelter from cooler temperatures, usually from September through March.
Rats don’t want to have to go rummaging through your garbage when it’s 60* out, so they take the warmer route— like inside your indoor trashcans.
- Where To Look: Look in attics, basements, and around trash bins.
- DIY Solution: Seal entry points and set traps in affected areas.
- Signs To Hire a Pro: If you hear scratching sounds at night or see droppings, you’ve got a BIG problem. HUGE.
RELATED: Finding Rats Inside Your House? Here’s How We Deal with Them
Ants
It’s true that some ants slow down during the winter. If it’s under 70 degrees, it’s too dang cold so they’re going to start camping out under rocks and piles of leaves.
But sometimes those outdoor homes aren’t warm enough. From December to March, those ants might just decide to nestle in for the winter underneath your floorboards and in your appliances or pantry.
Fun!
- Where To Look: Look for trails around your home and in your garden.
- DIY Solution: Use bait stations to attract and kill ants at their source.
- Signs To Hire a Pro: If you find large colonies indoors or they persist despite your efforts, call us. We’ll take care of it.
RELATED: Why Ant Problems Get Worse After It Rains
Termites
Termites like to come out from late winter to early spring here in Florida.
Swarm season is during the Spring, so if you want to stop them from silently eating away at wood structures during the winter, pay attention now.
- Where To Look: Inspect wooden structures for hollow sounds and mud tubes.
- DIY Solution: Keep wood away from your home and use barriers to deter termites.
- Signs To Hire a Pro: If you find signs of termite damage or mud tubes, call us before your home value goes to -$0.
RELATED: Flying Termites and How To Get Rid of Them FAST
Fleas
Fleas always come from the outdoors, and their larvae thrive in warm, humid environments. Which means no warmth = no babies.
So, if you think you can escape a flea infestation during Florida’s milder winters, think again! These little jumpers can hitch a ride on your pets, your clothes, or even your grocery bags.
Just when you think they’ve gone into hiding, they’re plotting their return like a bad sequel. The Fleas and the Furious.
- Where To Look: Search pet areas, carpets, and bedding.
- DIY Solution: Regularly wash pet bedding and vacuum carpets.
- Signs To Hire a Pro: Your family is covered in flea bites (see below).
RELATED: What Do Flea Bites Look Like? [With Pictures!]