Here we are again folks, absolute limbo. The time between Christmas and the New Year. It’s a strange, transitory period for us as humans. We sit back in our chairs enjoying our days off and wondering if this year was one well spent. Well, you know who doesn’t have that problem? Bugs. They couldn’t care if it’s 2016 or 216, they’re here to live, eat, reproduce, and die. So today we’ll talk about some of the common January Florida pests for you to look out for this year. And finally, we’ll finish up with what you should do if you’re dealing with an infestation in your home.
January Florida Pests: Look Out In 2022
Alright, when it comes to pest control I’ll give you a little secret tip. Knowledge is the best thing you can arm yourself with. So to start, we’ll list some of the usual suspects in regards to winter infestation. Starting off our January Florida pests list with…
Ghost ants!
Ghost ants are an issue I’ve had several times in my home. They’re not too prolific or disturbing, but a line in the kitchen of ants is something no one wants in their home. Despite their name and tiny size, these ants nest indoors under cabinets, in wall voids, behind cabinetry, in between books, in potted plants, and other inconspicuous places. Ghost ants foraging from food sources in kitchens to their nests can be an obvious sign that there might be a ghost ant infestation in the home, although indoor foragers may come from a nest outside.
Ghost ants do not sting and usually don’t bite unless you’re threatening the nest. Most incidents of ghost ant bites result in a little discomfort and little or no evidence of a reaction to the bite. The ghost ant can become a serious household pest because it will build nests both inside and outside homes. This ant is a sweets eater, but also feeds on greasy foods and insects. Since this ant is often closely associated with the homeowner’s kitchen and bathroom, their most important impact may be the transfer of disease organisms.
Queens produce eggs that develop into colony members through metamorphosis. New colonies often are formed through a process known as budding. Budding involves a queen and a contingent of workers separating from the main colony to form a new colony elsewhere. This can happen multiple times, depending on the number of queens.
Cockroaches, Small and Large
On one end of the spectrum, you have the German, Asian, and brown-banded cockroaches. These are the most prolific infesters among the cockroaches. They like to hide in dark, sheltered places during the day. This can include things like attics, storerooms, kitchens, and bathrooms during the day. Then at night, they come out to feed. And when they come out, they eat anything. A simple leaky pipe next to some rotted wood is like a blessing in the desert for these bugs, and they’ll descend and eat everything they can.
Then you have the larger roaches. These guys usually end up inside by accident. But when they do end up inside, they won’t exactly complain. These January Florida pests tend to stumble in when following the light. But too much noise or activity will send them scrambling for the door, causing a panic when the three-inch bug starts trying to fly across the room and out the window!
No matter what kind of roach they are, though, there are some risks with them in your home. When it comes to cockroaches, the primary threat they pose to humans has to do with the human pathogens and diseases they spread as they move about our homes. Cockroaches pick these up while wandering around outside, in the trash, sewers, and other locations; then, they spread them to countertops, floors, and even food.
In addition to this, cockroaches trigger asthma and allergies in at-risk people and children. There is any number of reasons you don’t want cockroaches in your home which is why you should take the necessary preventive actions to ensure the safety of you and your family.
Silverfish
Silverfish are strange, ancient-looking pest insects. They’re white to brownish-grey or bluish-silver in coloration. They’re tear-drop-shaped insects with legs and antennae that stick out from both ends, with a tail made of three long bristles. Usually, these pests are about fifteen millimeters in length.
And while capable of thriving in most climates, silverfish prefer dark, damp areas. This can be something like under a bathroom sink, a basement or attic, as well as kitchens. Silverfish are known for their destructive feeding habits, oftentimes ruining papers, clothing, and wallpaper. Silverfish feed on carbohydrates, particularly sugars and starches. Cellulose, shampoos, glue in books, linen, silk, and dead insects may be food sources. They have been found in unopened food packages.
And when they mate, they undergo something called a love dance. Males lay spermatophores, which are taken into the ovipositor of female specimens. Females’ egg numbers and habits vary, depending on the species. One species lays a few eggs a day whereas another species lays clusters of 2 to 20 eggs.
Florida January Pests: What To Do?
In all honesty, the days of dealing with a pest outbreak in your home by yourself are gone. We’re too many generations into improper use of over-the-counter pesticides, and most bugs these days have some sort of immunity to that. Instead, employ the help of a natural pest control specialist. One that doesn’t use any chemicals that are either ineffective or dangerous. Don’t put your property, family, or pets in danger just to try and deal with a pest control issue yourself.
Earth’s Best was founded in 1994 to provide effective and cutting edge and eco-friendly natural pest control. Earth’s Best can always provide you with the latest and most comprehensive range of services and information needed to protect your children, employees, pets, and the environment.
We look forward to offering our pest control services to our current and future clients. To schedule an appointment please call us at 1-800-634-1313.