Bug Barometer Fall 2015 -

Fall 2015 Bug Outlook

Florida Fall 2015 Forecast:

Hot and humid Summer weather led to insects developing at a faster rate than normal. Due to this Termite activity may be ELEVATED in the Fall. Homeowners need to remain vigilant because these termites will not be visible until the Spring. Florida’s warm and humid climate allows for different species of termites to swarm throughout the year.

Eastern subterranean termites tend to swarm during daylight hours between the months of October and February
Neotermes castaneus swarm during dusk-nightfall between late Fall and early winter
Western drywood termites swarm during daylight hours and swarms have been reported every month except December

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes every year! It is very important to keep your home protected from these invaders. Be sure to check out our Termite Tips to learn more about how to keep your home safe.

In addition to termite swarms, other pests such as Ghost ants, White footed ants, Rover ants, Caribbean crazy ants, Carpenter ants, Fire ants, roaches, and rodents can cause a headache for Florida homeowners during Fall months. Here are some tips from Pestworld.org in order to keep your home protected from these nuisances.

1.Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys, and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors, like mail slots and animal doors.

2.Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, something they need to survive. Using dehumidifiers in basements and garages will help keep these areas dry.

3.Seal cracks and crevices on the outside of the home using caulk and steel wool. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure. Some rodents can fit through a hole the size of a dime.

4.Keep kitchen counters clean, store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly in sealed receptacles. Crumbs and a buildup of garbage are attractive to pests scrounging for food. It is recommended to clean up after each meal and to properly close garbage cans when they are stored in the home or garage.

5.Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. These are easy ways to keep not only pests, but also cold air out of the house.

6.Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery well trimmed. Removing areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.

7.Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests. When you open the window, you could be letting in more than just fresh air.

8.Inspect items such as boxes of decorations, package deliveries, and grocery bags before bringing them indoors. Pests can find creative ways to get inside a home. Shake out or inspect anything that has been left or stored outside.

9.Avoid leaving pets’ food dishes out for long periods of time. Pests don’t discriminate between people food and cat food. Pet dishes that have been left sitting out are enticing for all kinds of insects and rodents.

10.Have a proper outdoor drainage system. Installing gutters or repairing an existing system will help draw water and moisture away from your home, preventing any leaks or build up that might attract pests

For homeowners, Fall is an opportunity to prepare your lawn for winter and the opportune time to apply a balanced fertilizer. Applying fertilizer will prepare your yard for cooler winter temperatures. Winter annuals including Impatiens, Geraniums, Begonias, Petunias, and Snapdragon can also be planted at this time. When talking about lawn care it is important to be on the lookout for White Grubs, who are a common problem this time of year. White grubs live in soil and feed on grass roots which can cause your lawn to become thin and loose as well as pull up easily. If you are dealing with a White Grub problem, be sure to contact us in order to develop an effective elimination strategy and keep your yard in tip top shape!