As residents in Fort Myers, Florida, we proudly call our region, “paradise.” Unfortunately, insects and critters feel the same way! The intense heat and humidity provide the ideal environment for pests to frolic and thrive.
Below is a list of common pests you’re likely to find in your Fort Myers, Florida home.
Ants
Ants are typically found in your kitchen, bath, garage, or laundry room. They are very persistent, traveling in groups in search of sugary foods. To get rid of these bugs you can try multiple DIY methods; however, professional Fort Myers pest control is the most effective solution.
Check out these common types of ants:
- Fire ants are known for their burning stings. You know it’s a fire ant when it feels as if your ankle, foot, or leg is on fire. To get rid of these bugs, brush them off, wash with soapy cold water, then apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling.
- Ghost ants are small and translucent and can be found in your Fort Myers home diligently following each other in search of food and water. When disturbed, they become “crazy ants” because they quickly scatter in different directions. Ghost ants can be found in potted plants, areas between walls in the kitchen, laundry, and bath, and outdoors in moisture-rich areas, even near your pool.
- Carpenter ants are large and black, and known for their ability to chew through wood to create nesting areas. Their destructive habits can lead to costly damage to your home.
- Argentine ants form large colonies. They prefer moist environments and forage for a wide range of food sources, including sweets, proteins, and fats.
Cockroaches
Also referred to as palmetto bugs, these uninvited dinner guests are all about moisture and warmth. Their preferred areas for setting up camp include kitchens, baths, and drains. The two most common culprits are American and German cockroaches. They both can trigger asthmatic reactions and can carry diseases like Salmonella or E. Coli. To get rid of these bugs, we recommend professional pest control for your Fort Myers home.
Ticks
Ticks are notorious for hitchhiking onto our beloved pets! Lurking in tall grass, bushes, or wooded areas, they patiently wait to snag onto anything that brushes past.
Their small size and camouflage color make them difficult to spot; therefore, it is important that you check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks regularly, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Termites
These silent destroyers can munch through your home unnoticed, causing expensive structural damage in record time. Subterranean termites are the main threat in your home. To get rid of these bugs, it is best to call a dependable Fort Myers termite control company right away.
Rodents
These critters may be charming in children’s books, but in your home, well, that’s another story! Unfortunately, mice and rats find their way into Fort Myers homes through small gaps and crevices. They must be removed immediately because these varmints can quickly cause damage to your home, including chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and roofs. Do not hesitate getting rodent control services started.
Millipedes and Centipedes
While these worm-like creatures do not pose huge threats, it is best to avoid any direct contact with them. Centipedes have been known to bite, which feels like a sting; while millipedes are known to spray a “toxic” foul-odor fluid, which can cause an unpleasant skin reaction.
Flies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects, resembling moths. Covered with a waxy white powder, they can be found in your lawn attacking Ficus hedges, palm trees and other flowering plants. Their feeding produces a sticky substance, called honeydew, which creates a nasty mess on leaves. It also promotes the growth of black, sooty mold, making leaves look dirty and black. To get rid of these bugs before they spread throughout your yard and into your neighbor’s lawn, contact the best pest control company in Fort Myers.
Horse flies are also common in Fort Myers. Typically found near bodies of water or open areas with vegetation, their bites can be painful and leave welts.
Bed bugs
These creepy crawlers love to feast on our blood as we sleep. Look for them on sofas, beds, and other furniture. Unfortunately, they’re notoriously difficult to eradicate due to their resilience and talent at hide-n-seek. To get rid of bed bugs, call for Fort Myers bed bug treatment right away.
Mosquitoes
The undisputed champions of annoyance, mosquitoes are active year-round, but especially during the summer months. These buzzing vampires cause havoc in our paradise and spread diseases like West Nile virus and Zika. To get rid of these bugs, Turner Pest Control offers an innovative mosquito misting system, called MistAway®. (link)
Spiders
Most spiders are harmless bugs that keep the insect world in check. However, there are two species that deserve attention.
Distinguished by a violin-shaped marking on its back and a reddish-brown abdomen, the brown widow spider can deliver a painful bite resulting in nausea, cramps, and muscle spasms.
Easily identified by the hourglass marking on its abdomen, the black widow’s bite can be fatal in rare cases. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by either of these insects.
No-see-ums
When you see someone swatting at what appears to be just air, it is most likely a no-see-um! Also known as biting midges, punkies, or sandflies, these summer-loving, tiny culprits are almost impossible to see. Plus, they pack a painful bite that can quickly ruin your day! Your best defense against these bothersome pests is to wear long pants and long sleeves outdoors. To get rid of these bugs and other insects, contact the best Fort Myers pest control.
Work With The Best Pest Control Company In Florida
It’s estimated that over 12,500 insect species exist in SW Florida, with a dozen new species introduced every year! With those kinds of numbers, it is best to call for professional pest control for your Fort Myers home to get rid of bugs.
We are your one-stop shop for residential and commercial Fort Myers pest control. If you find ants, cockroaches, spiders, or any other pests on your property, contact Turner Pest Control for effective, eco-friendly, and safe solutions.
If you’re interested in a free estimate, give us a call at (239) 334-0880 or schedule an inspection here.
