Like the rest of the United States, Florida has its fair share of pests. Homeowners are certainly not immune from using mosquito traps or paying for a termite treatment just because the weather is warm and sunny almost year round. Some of the more common pests you can expect to find in Florida include the following:
- Mosquitoes
- Fire ants
- Cow ants
- Palmetto bug or Cucaracha (cockroach)
- Wolf spider
- Love bug
Characteristics and Habits
Mosquitoes in Florida are a huge problem, especially during the summer in the Everglades. Using just any spray is not going to solve the problem—you need to make sure you use a spray that has a heavy concentration of diethyl such as Deep Woods Off or Repel Sportsmen Formula. Of course, only the females bite ,but one has no way of knowing which is which until it lands on you.
Fire ants are not native to Florida, yet they are an abundant part of the insect population—perhaps more fire ants live in Florida than the number of people in the state during the height of tourist season. You will want to avoid standing still in grass or sand because fire ants have a tendency to attack the feet first since they’re closest.
Cow ants are identified by their magnificent black and red color and their velvet-coated bodies. They do not live in mounds or tunnels but rather, walk around in cow pastures alone. These insects are best observed from a distance.
The palmetto bug, or cockroach, is perhaps one of the ugliest looking bugs that roam the earth. They tend to stay hidden until you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and suddenly flip the light switch. In order to keep numbers down, keep food tightly sealed or locked in the refrigerator.
The wolf spider is a great way to prevent or eliminate cockroaches or other insects. It is brown and has up to a five-inch leg span; it is not poisonous and watches over your house for insects on which to feed.
Love bugs are harmless flying insects that only live about 24 hours, but they can do some damage to your car windshield during that short period. It is unknown why they are attracted to the hot pavement on the highway.
Prevention and Treatment
Mosquitoes are impossible to control on a wide spread basis but sanitation is a big help. Keeping gutters clean and removing standing water go a long way to discouraging their presence.
Fire ants live in mounds and thus, are hard to control. Hot water or soap-and-water solutions may discourage them, but they will only move on to other places. Baits may also work but again, you have to be careful because if they sense danger for the colony they will move on without taking the bait.
The best treatment for cow ants is avoidance. If they can create havoc for a cow, they can do worse for a human. Since they roam free, it is impossible to control them.
The best treatment for cockroaches is sanitation and elimination of any nesting area, as well as food and water sources. Baits may help, as will boric acid if not used around pets.
The wolf spider is not likely to be an insect you want to kill, since it will take care of all the other insects in your home.
Love bugs are harmless little creatures—just remove them from your car as soon as possible so they don’t damage the paint or windshield.