A Comprehensive Guide to Keep Your Fort Myers Home Pest-Free
Living in the beautiful city of Fort Myers, Florida comes with its perks, but it also means dealing with various pests that thrive in the warm and humid climate. From ants and cockroaches to mosquitoes and termites, Fort Myers is home to a diverse range of pests that can invade your living spaces.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about pest control in Fort Myers, providing you with effective strategies to keep your home and surroundings pest-free.
Understanding Fort Myers Pests
Common pests you may encounter include ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and spiders. Let’s take a closer look.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are notorious for their aggressive behavior and painful stings. Identified by their reddish-brown coloration, these ants form large colonies with distinctive mound-shaped nests. Fire ants are omnivores, feeding on plants, insects, and even small animals.
What are Fire Ants known for?
Fire ants are known for their aggressive nature and can pose a threat to humans and pets. Typically, you encounter them as you are walking in grass or near yards. You don’t realize they are there until your leg, ankle or foot feels like it is on fire. Hence, the name fire ants. Their stings can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals, making it crucial to address infestations promptly.
How do you control Fire Ants?
For localized infestations, applying ant baits and mound treatments can be effective. Professional ant pest control service is best since it includes specialized treatments designed specifically for ants and other pests.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the largest ant species, with black or reddish-brown coloring. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not consume wood but excavate it to build their nests. They are often found in damp or damaged wood.
What are Carpenter Ants known for?
Carpenter ants can cause structural damage by hollowing out wood for nesting purposes. Locating and eliminating their nests is crucial to prevent long-term damage to your home.
How do you get rid of Carpenter Ants?
Exterminating carpenter ant nests in Fort Myers should be done immediately. Consider using ant baits that contain slow-acting insecticides. This allows ants to carry the bait back to the nest, effectively eliminating the colony. Sealing entry points and removing food sources is also key to getting rid of these pests.
It is best to call for Fort Myers pest control services since they are equipped to perform a thorough inspection and implement targeted treatments for long-term success.
Cockroaches (Palmetto bugs)
First things first. Palmetto bugs and cockroaches are the same thing. These pests come in over 4000 species, with the American, German, and Asian cockroaches being the most common in Fort Myes, Florida. They are nocturnal insects, characterized by their flat bodies, long antennae, and rapid movements.
What are cockroaches known for?
Cockroaches can be frightening! They can also transmit diseases, contaminate food, and trigger allergies. Their adaptability makes them resilient, quickly infesting homes if left on their own.
How do you get rid of cockroaches?
The best cockroach pest control involves eliminating food sources, sealing entry points, and using baits and insecticides. Calling a professional exterminator in Fort Myers is the best way to control an infestation. They have the knowledge, experience, and advanced tools to get rid of these pests fast and for good.
Contact us for a free pest control inspection
Fleas
Fleas are small, wingless insects that belong to the order Siphonaptera. These parasitic pests feed on the blood of mammals and birds. In Fort Myers, fleas can be commonly found on domestic pets like dogs and cats, as well as in outdoor areas with suitable hosts.
A year-round pest problem, fleas prefer areas that are shady, moist, and humid. They are attracted to areas with tall grass, leaf litter, weeds, wood piles, gravelly areas, and sandy patches. Fleas harbor in the tiniest crack in the concrete; and in shrubs, leaves, and trees.
What are fleas known for?
They are known for causing skin-related issues and infections due to itching, scratching, chewing, and licking. Some individuals and pets may be allergic to flea saliva, leading to more severe reactions such as swelling, and dermatitis. While rare, fleas can transmit diseases to humans and pets.
Fleas are common parasites found on dogs and cats, causing skin irritation, hair loss, and anemia in more severe cases. Tapeworm infections can also occur if pets ingest infected fleas during grooming.
Fleas can quickly multiply and infest homes. Once indoors, they can be challenging to eliminate, requiring thorough and targeted pest control measures by a Fort Myers exterminator.
How do you control fleas?
For your pets, regularly groom and bathe them and use flea combs to check and remove fleas from their skin. Consult with your vet to find the best prevention product.
Regularly vacuum carpets and rugs, especially in areas where pets spend time. Pay attention to corners, under furniture, and pet bedding. Wash bedding and linens in hot water and keep outdoor areas well-maintained.
If flea infestations persist, consider hiring a Fort Myers pest control service, like Turner Pest Control. When you work with us, we will assess the extent of the infestation and implement effective targeted treatments.
Ticks
Ticks are small arachnids belonging to the order Acari. They are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and sometimes amphibians. Ticks are known carriers of various diseases, making their control and prevention crucial, especially in regions like Fort Myers, Florida.
What are ticks known for?
Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Tick bites may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to excessive itching, redness, and swelling at the bite site. As far as your pets are concerned, ticks can infest them, causing discomfort, anemia, and even transmitting diseases. In severe cases, tick infestations can be life-threatening to pets.
How do you control ticks?
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes to minimize skin exposure.
When you are in an area where ticks may be present, apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to the exposed skin. Permethrin-treated clothing can also provide additional protection.
For your pets, consult with your vet to choose appropriate tick-prevention products. These may include topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars. Then, conduct regular tick checks on your pets, especially after they have been outdoors. Remove any ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
Regularly mow the lawn to keep the grass short, reducing tick habitats. Ticks prefer tall grasses where they can wait for hosts. Also, clear leaves, brush, and tall weeds from the yard, as these provide good hiding spots for ticks.
Your best option to keep your pets and family safe is to consult a Fort Myers pest control professional.
Spiders
Spiders are arachnids, belonging to the class Arachnida, which also includes scorpions, ticks, and mites. Unlike insects, spiders have two main body parts – the cephalothorax and the abdomen – and eight legs.
In Fort Myers, a variety of spider species can be found due to our warm and subtropical climate. Common spiders include orb-weavers, wolf spiders, jumping spiders, and cellar spiders. Each species has unique characteristics and behaviors.
What are spiders known for?
Most spiders in Fort Myers are harmless and play a critical role in controlling insect populations. They are known for their ability to produce silk, which they use to create webs. These webs can catch you off guard because you may unintentionally walk into one since they are found in the corners of your lanai, yard, and other common entryways.
How do you control spiders?
Regularly vacuum, sweep, and dust inside and outdoors. Pay attention to corners, ceilings, and areas where spiders like to build webs. Keep your landscape trimmed, and seal any gaps, cracks in your foundation, windows, and doors. Contacting a professional Fort Myers exterminator is key to identifying the level of infestation you have and implementing effective treatments.
Mosquitoes
There are about 200 types of mosquitoes found in the United States.
In Fort Myers, various species, including Aedes aegypti, are common. These small flying insects are not only annoying but also carry diseases. Therefore, it is best to protect yourself against all mosquito bites.
What are mosquitoes known for?
Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite you since they require blood for egg development.
Besides causing itchy bites, these pesky insects can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and dengue fever. They are very much a nuisance, disrupting barbecues and time outdoors.
How do you control mosquitoes?
Eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents like DEET, and employing mosquito traps are the best DIY preventive measures.
Professional mosquito control service in Fort Myers is your best line of defense against these annoying insects, since they use stronger and more effective treatments attacking common breeding areas, killing them at their source.
Termites
Subterranean termites are pale, soft-bodied insects that live in underground colonies. They feed on cellulose materials, particularly wood, and can cause significant structural damage to homes.
What are termites known for?
Termites can compromise the structural integrity of homes and buildings very quickly, leading to costly repairs. In fact, in just one year in the United States, termites will cause more than $5 billion in damage through their incessant gnawing on wood, including on Fort Myers homes.
Once these unwanted visitors settle into your happy place, one single queen can lay millions of eggs in her life. A colony can grow into a population of thousands to millions of termites—and it’s common for that colony to spread to other spaces.
How do you control termites?
Infestations are often hidden, making early detection challenging. As soon as you suspect you have termites, call for professional Fort Myers termite control immediately. Time is of the essence in this case. Treatments used by exterminators and pest control experts can range from bait to liquid termiticides to wood treatments.
Rodents (Rats and Mice)
Roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice are common rodent species in Fort Myers. These mammals are characterized by their sharp incisors, long tails, and ability to squeeze through small openings.
What are rodents known for?
Rodents can cause major structural damage by gnawing on wires and wood. These intuitive critters even use tree branches as bridges to make their way onto your roof, entering your home in small gaps. They pose health risks by transmitting diseases through their droppings and urine.
How do you control rodents?
Rodent control involves sealing entry points, setting traps, and implementing exclusion measures. Professional rodent control services in Fort Myers can conduct thorough inspections and provide highly effective rodent control strategies that are safe and successful.
What Preventive Measures Can I Take To Keep Pests Out of My Fort Myers Home?
Seal Entry Points
The first line of defense against pests is to prevent their entry into your home. Inspect and seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in doors, windows, and foundations. This helps keep pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents at bay.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pests are attracted to food sources, and proper waste management is key to minimizing their attraction to your home. Keep trash bins sealed, clean up spills promptly, and store food in airtight containers.
Keep Your Landscaping Maintained
Well-maintained landscaping can contribute to pest prevention. Trim branches and foliage away from your home to eliminate potential entry points for pests. Regularly inspect and maintain your yard to reduce hiding spots for rodents and other pests.
Eliminate Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Take time to inspect and eliminate any standing water around your property, such as in buckets, flowerpots, gutters, and bird baths. This simple step can significantly reduce mosquito populations.
Perform Regular Cleaning
Vacuuming and dusting inside and out on a regular basis will help to keep pests at bay. Also, declutter since most pests love a good hiding place.
Set Traps
For rodents, setting traps is a good start to getting rid of these unwanted visitors. It is best to consult with a Fort Myers pest control or exterminator before implementing this DIY strategy.
Install Barriers
To keep mosquitoes out of your home and your lanai, equip windows, doors, and your outdoor area with screens. Repair any holes or tears in existing screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
To keep rodents out, consider using rodent-proof materials for your fence, such as metal or concrete.
Ensure that the fence extends underground to prevent burrowing.
SMART Complete Home Pest Control from Turner Pest Control
Now that we've covered the different types of pest control, let's discuss how Turner Pest Control, the best pest control in Fort Myers, Florida is your answer to all these issues.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by Turner Pest Control
IPM is a holistic approach to pest control Turner utilizes that involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes of a pest infestation. Using a combination of methods and a 3-step process, IPM is designed to be a long-term solution to pest control, as it focuses on preventing future infestations.
Our SMART TurnerGuard Termite, Pest and Rodent Control plan is your answer to exterminating pests and rodents for good, in Fort Myers. The most comprehensive pest control plan available, it covers a broad range of pests, including termites, bed bugs, rodents and more, at an affordable price and with no hidden costs or exclusions.
Safe and non-toxic, SMART TurnerGuard uses advanced technology to monitor your Fort Myers home 24/7 for rodents and other unwanted guests. Once activity is recognized, we take care of removing these critters so you can go on living your life doing what you love.
What can I do as a Fort Myers homeowner?
The key is to stay vigilant and address pest issues promptly to prevent them from becoming larger, more challenging problems.
We understand implementing DIY techniques. However, by working with a Fort Myers licensed pest control expert, you can achieve peace of mind that your loved ones and property will be protected against pest-related health and property threats – once and for all!
With the information provided in this guide, you are well-equipped to take control of your Fort Myers home and keep it pest-free. When you need the best pest control in Fort Myers, contact us to schedule service or call (239) 334-0880. We look forward to getting to know you and creating a pest-free environment for you and your family.
Fort Myers Pest Control FAQs
At a high level, you’ll need to ensure that our Fort Myers exterminators can get where they need to go in your home to apply treatments. Then, specifics of pest control services can vary by the species involved and the treatment chosen. So, when you are going to receive Turner’s pest control service in Fort Myers, our trained technicians will proactively give you information about exactly what you’ll need to do. In general, there isn't a significant amount of prep required for our pest control services.
You’ll want safe, cost-effective pest control service in Fort Myers that works well—and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Turner Pest Control services. What kind of treatments will be needed, specifically, will depend upon the types of pests invading your home among other factors. So, we invite you to contact us for a free home inspection where our Fort Myers exterminator will identify the species and tailor a plan to eliminate them.
Types of pest control in Fort Myers, FL include the following:
- Residential pest control: This pest control service treats a wide range of pests commonly found in Florida, including ants, roaches, spiders, and more.
- Termite control: We’ve got three plans to protect your home against these destructive pests that gnaw through wood in your house around the clock.
- Lawn and outdoor pest control services: Our experts will beautify your yard, which includes getting rid of pests that plague it. Add-on services exist for fire ants, armadillos, and moles.
- Mosquito control: Besides being a real nuisance, this biting pest can carry and transmit serious diseases. Our fast acting sprays, fortunately, address the swarms.
- Bed bug treatment: Old-school treatments no longer work but, with our pest control in Fort Myers, FL, you can choose between two effective approaches: chemical or heat.
- Rodent control: Rodents carry more than thirty-five diseases that can be transmitted to people. Plus, rodents can damage homes, even triggering house fires. We can help!
In short, Turner will provide just the kind of pest control service in Fort Myers you need.
When you recognize that you have an unwanted pest presence on your property, it makes sense to reach out to a Fort Myers exterminator. Here’s why. Although you can take care of a bug here and there by yourself, by the time you recognize a population in your home, you’re probably just seeing the surface level of them. Many others are likely lurking nearby.
This population, even if reasonably small, can quickly turn into an infestation due to pests’ tendencies to reproduce rapidly. Looking at rats as an example, males can start reproductive activities at the age of six to ten weeks; females can be ready at eight to twelve weeks. Since gestation periods are only three weeks (with each brood having eight to eighteen babies) and females are quickly able to become pregnant again, colonies grow quickly. A single female bed bug, meanwhile, can lay five to twenty eggs after one single meal of blood—with eggs being laid in good locations having a 97 percent hatch rate. Contact us to get started with your free home inspection.
The initial consultation for pest control service in Fort Myers at Turners is absolutely free—and here’s how it works. First, you contact us, and then we’ll schedule a time that’s convenient for you and your no-charge home inspection. Our skilled technicians will thoroughly inspect the premises and analyze what they find: the pest species, where they’re located, and the size of the infestations. With this information, we’ll craft a customized plan for your pest control service in Fort Myers and provide a no-obligation estimate for the services. During your consultation, our experts will share results and explain how the personalized plan will address your issues, answering your questions with courtesy and respect. With your approval, they’ll apply the safe, effective treatments. So, contact us for your pest control inspection. There’s nothing to lose and a pest-free environment to gain!
