Author: Wendy Holtz

Can Hurricanes Cause Termites in My Home?

Most people know that hurricanes can cause significant damage to life and property from the forces of nature, like wind and rain. But did you know that there’s a hidden problem that often lingers after a hurricane or strong storm blows through? Hurricanes and termites go hand in hand, so in a place like Florida, homeowners need to be on their guard for these troublesome pests.

Here’s what you need to know about the link between termite infestations and bugs after hurricanes.

Why Are Termites Linked to Hurricane Season?

Termites are hungry pests that are always on the hunt for damp, damaged wood. After a strong storm like a hurricane rolls through, the damage it causes to wood can create a breeding ground for termites.

There are two troublesome termite species common to Florida—subterranean termites and Formosan termites. They both infest damp wood that’s often in contact with soil. During a stormy summer and active hurricane season, the main dangers of termites include:

  1. Storms bring wood in contact with water and wet soil, and they often cause water damage to properties throughout Florida. When wood above ground is affected by water damage, subterranean termites come out of their nests and establish themselves within the upper levels of a building, eating away at the wood and causing major structural damage.
  2. Termites don’t just affect buildings—they also love to snack on trees. While hurricanes don’t encourage termites to attack trees, trees already weakened by termites are more prone to fall during a strong storm.

Hurricanes and strong storms displace termites and flooding often kills those that live underground. Don’t get your hopes up, though, as flooding won’t usually kill an entire colony. The queen is often protected in air pockets, and winged variants can survive, too.

Formosan termites are even more resilient—they’re better at both surviving and relocating even after the strongest of storms. While there may be a decrease in the number of termite populations immediately after flooding, they reproduce quickly—especially when there’s such an abundance of damaged, damp wood at their disposal. Don’t risk a termite infestation that could damage your home or business. Reach out to your emergency termite control professionals after a strong storm, even if you don’t see any visible signs of termite damage.

How to Prevent Termite Infestations During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is stressful enough—the last thing you want to worry about is the threat of a termite infestation. Gain peace of mind and make sure your property isn’t vulnerable to a termite infestation by working closely with your local termite control professionals.

The experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary are standing by to help! Our eco-friendly emergency termite treatments put your mind at ease. Using America’s #1 termite control product, our termite professionals can get any infestation under control and ensure your home is safe from future infestations. Call us today at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation!

Pests Every Central Florida Homeowner Should Recognize

While Florida’s beautiful weather makes the state one of the best places in the country to live, it’s also a draw for some very pesky pests. Just like humans, ants, cockroaches, and more can’t resist the warm, sunny weather.

Here are some of the most common pests every central Florida homeowner should look out for:

Ants

While ants aren’t necessarily the most problematic pests central Florida homeowners have to deal with, they’re certainly one of the most common. Every homeowner in Florida has an ant problem they have to handle at one time or another. While many ants aren’t dangerous, they can cause plenty of issues in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, utility room, and more. They’re highly invasive and can make their way into your home with ease—and if they aren’t handled correctly, they can damage your home and even spread bacteria that can be harmful to both people and pets.

Some of the most common types of ants in central Florida are:

  • Acrobat ants
  • Big-headed ants
  • Argentine ants
  • Carpenter ants
  • Fire ants

Fire ants are the most problematic species on this list, and their bite can cause allergic reactions in pets and humans. No matter what type of ant infestation you’re dealing with, don’t rely on a DIY solution—call your pest control experts to protect your property and all who call it home.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a statewide problem in Florida, thanks to the region’s warm, humid climate. Anywhere you find waste in Florida, you’ll likely find cockroaches nearby. From sewers and toilets to waste bins and more, cockroaches are resourceful pests that can be found just about anywhere once they’ve made their way into your home. Roaches aren’t just a nuisance—they can carry dangerous bacteria like E. Coli or Salmonella.

When you spot one roach in your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere else, it’s a safe bet that there are many more hiding in dark, hidden spots around your home. Reach out to your local pest control experts for an eco-friendly, effective solution since resorting to DIY methods often makes the problem worse.

Termites

Termites, particularly those of the drywood variety, are common throughout Florida, and they cause extreme damage to homes and other structures throughout the state. Drywood termites eat the wood around your home, from structural features to furniture. As soon as you notice these pests, contact your local termite remediation experts before they cause further damage to your property.

Mice and Rats

Rodents are common throughout central Florida, despite the state’s impressive population of predators. Mice and rats can easily make their way into your home. If you notice droppings, gnaw marks, or trails—or if you’re hearing scratching coming from the walls—it’s a safe bet you have an infestation on your hands. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local rodent control experts since rodents transmit disease to humans and pets alike, not to mention cause damage to electrical wires, insulation, roofs, and more.

Call Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control at the First Sign of Infestation

No matter what type of pests have set up shop in your central Florida home, taking quick action is the best way to deal with an infestation of any kind. The pest control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary are standing by to help! One call to us at (407) 880-6655 is all it takes to rid your home of troublesome pests for good.

5 Times to Avoid DIY Pest Control and Call a Professional

Seeing troublesome pests around your property? While you could attempt to solve a pest control problem with DIY methods, the effort is often in vain. Whether you’re spotting a few roaches or a colony of bees, there are some situations that require a professional approach to pest control.

If you spot the following insects at your property, contact your local pest control pros immediately:

1. Cockroaches

One of the most common pests in a warm, humid climate like Florida, cockroaches are dirty, leave a mess, and carry nasty diseases. A cockroach infestation is difficult to deal with, and the situation will only worsen if you don’t take action quickly. Roaches will infest any location with ample food and water, and if you see one, there’s no question that there’s more hidden away in dark spaces.

A cockroach infestation is hazardous to your health. While regular pest management treatments will keep roaches at bay, an infestation requires professional intervention. Call your local pest control experts immediately and say goodbye to roaches for good!

2. Termites

Termites are another common Florida pest due to the weather, especially during hurricane seasons. A termite infestation is hard to detect since they survive by hiding in places where they can’t be disturbed. As a rule, if you’ve seen termites, you have a termite infestation on your hands—and DIY termite control is simply not an option.

You need professional help from experts who have the tools and techniques to remove termite infestations, even those that are deep within the soil. Your pest control experts will treat the whole problem, eradicating them safely and efficiently for your peace of mind.

3. Ants

There are several common ant species that infest Florida structures. While many of them aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, they can compromise the cleanliness of a home and even damage it. DIY methods can make it even more difficult to remove an ant infestation, since ants can adapt to future attacks. By calling your local pest control experts, you can eradicate the entire colony, ensuring they don’t return.

4. Spiders

While seeing spiders every now and then is normal—although scary, for some—if you’re noticing a large number of spiders in your home or business, you need to call a reputable exterminator right away. This is especially true if you’re seeing dangerous spiders like brown recluses or black widows.

5. Stinging Insects

Stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and bees are an essential part of nature, but they can be dangerous to humans and pets alike. While bees aren’t as aggressive as wasps and hornets, any stinging insect infestation can be dangerous to remove on your own, especially if you or your family members have allergies. Call a pest control service immediately that can safely and responsibly remove these troublesome pests.

Don’t Mess with Pests – Call the Pest Control Experts

The truth is, any infestation at your property requires the help of a professional pest control service. Many DIY methods take too long to work, and they often make the situation worse. No matter what type of pest you’re dealing with, call Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Leesburg today at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation. We’ll get the problem handled right away!

How Can I Tell If I Have a Rodent Infestation?

In a place like Florida, rodents are ever-present. These clever and resourceful critters can easily make their way into your home, using it for shelter as they snack on your food. While larger infestations are often easy to spot, it’s best to control an infestation before it gets out of control. If you suspect you’re dealing with a rodent infestation, here are some of the telltale signs to look for:

You’re Seeing Rodent Droppings Around the House

One of the easiest to find—and most troubling—signs of a rodent infestation. Look closely around food packages, in cabinets, under sinks, along walls, and in hard-to-reach areas. If you spot fresh droppings that are dark and moist, it’s a clear sign you’re dealing with an active infestation and need to call in your local rodent control experts immediately.

You’re Seeing Gnaw Marks

In contrast to droppings, which turn lighter as they age, gnaw marks from rodents turn darker as they get older. If you’re spotting gnawed holes on walls, food packaging, or anywhere else, there’s likely more than one pesky rodent making themselves comfortable in your home. It’s often helpful to compare gnaw marks you find around the house—if you’re seeing new marks that are lighter in color, it’s a good indication that you’re dealing with a current infestation.

The marks also indicate whether you have a rat or mouse problem. Larger marks come from the larger teeth of rats, while small holes are likely created by the smaller teeth of mice.

You’re Smelling Foul Odors

Noticing a foul smell in your home and can’t pinpoint the source? Rats and mice urinate just like any other animal, and if either critter—or both—has infested your home, you’ll likely notice a strong, stale ammonia-like smell coming from hidden areas.

If you have cats and dogs, they’ll quickly notice the unpleasant aroma. Pets often become excited and active in spaces where rodents are present—they’ll be able to smell the urine right away. If you spot your pet pawing or clawing at areas where they previously had no interest, such as under the stove, below cabinets, in spaces around the refrigerator, and more, it’s a good sign you have an active infestation on your hands.

You’re Hearing Scratching Noises

Hearing a clawing sound coming from the walls? The cause isn’t supernatural—it’s likely a rodent infestation. You may hear mice or rats scurrying behind walls and joists, running under your floors, or exploring your cabinets. Sometimes, you can even hear muffled squeaks.

Call the Pest Control Experts at Evergreen Leesburg to Remove a Rodent Infestation for Good

Whether you’ve spotted rodent droppings or you’re hearing strange noises coming from your walls or cabinets, you’re likely dealing with a rodent infestation. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pest control experts to handle the problem right away, since a rodent infestation can be hazardous to the health of your family—including your pets.

Call in the rodent control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Leesburg today at (407) 880-6655. We’ll take care of the problem for good, in the most effective, eco-friendly way.

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