Summer in Florida is full of fun things. Trips to the beach, hanging out at Legoland, visiting local water parks, spending weekends on The Chain of Lakes...the possibilities of things to do outdoors are endless. Unfortunately, there's another big part of spending time outdoors in Florida.
BUGS!
We have a wide array of pest species that live here (insects, rodents, AND reptiles), and while most of them aren't dangerous, it's still a good idea to know what to watch for and how to avoid any annoying or painful interactions. While going on hikes or heading into the wilds of Florida will put you in contact with a huge number of creatures, we're sticking to the top 4 creepy crawlies you're likely to find in your own backyard this summer. When you head out to enjoy the pool or the fire pit, keep an eye out for:
- Spiders. Spiders enjoy making their homes in many places around YOUR home, and for the most part, they're harmless. They actually benefit you more often than not, by eating the problematic insects that plague your home and yard. However, they can bite, especially if provoked (even unintentionally) so it's best to give them their space. Remember to check any outdoor toys before children are allowed to play, and keep patio furniture clean and clear of spider webbing to prevent them from setting up their home where you want to sit for dinner.
- Fire Ants. Fire ants can quickly take over your yard, but that's not the only place they'll take up residence! Even if you have your lawn treated with regular pest management, if you have any gardening beds, or if your children have a sand box, that can become a target too. Keep a close eye on these areas, and if you notice activity, steer clear and call Country Boy. These critters have a nasty sting, and when they all attack at once, it can be dangerous for pets, small children, or those with allergies. We can evaluate the situation, and come up with a plan that best meets your needs.
- Bees, Wasps, and Hornets. We group these guys together, but they're VERY different. Bees are actually a wanted sight here in Central Florida, so if you notice a swarm on your property, please don't harm them! Put away the spray and call us to relocate them to a safer area where they can continue to support our local farmers and create the delicious honey we all love. Hornets and wasps on the other hand are actually problematic and can be quite aggressive. If you notice a few going into a hole in the ground, in a fencepost, in your child's play equipment, or around a light fixture, stay away and call us ASAP. Where there are a few there could be many, and it's not worth the risk of being stung.
- Snakes. Snakes have a bad reputation, but for the most part they're the good guys. They take care of excessive lizards, frogs, insects, and rodents around your home. Black snakes, king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes...all of these guys play an important part in our local ecosystem. However, there are some snakes in our area that could be quite dangerous (Various rattlesnakes, Coral Snakes, and Water Moccasins to name a few) so it's best to just give snakes their space if you notice one near your home. If they become a problem and don't just move on, call our team and we'll come out for a further investigation. Many times the snakes are only there because there's food, and that's the bigger issue you'll need to have addressed.
We hope you enjoy an amazing summer full of memories and soaking up the sun. If you're a customer, we'll look forward to seeing you at your next treatment! If you're not, it's time to give us a call. Routine pest management is the best way to protect your home and property from the creatures mentioned above. If and when pest problems do come your way, you know who to call! Our team is proud to serve Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties with the very best in pest control and lawn services, and we strive to make each client feel like family. We provide free estimates, emergency services, commercial services, and more!
