Author: Wendy Holtz

5 Common Summer Bugs in Central Florida

Ah, summertime in Central Florida—the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the bugs are out in full force. While some bugs can be harmless, others can cause damage to your home and pose a threat to your health. Read on to get to know the top five summer bugs you may encounter in Central Florida homes and yards, along with some tips on how to prevent them from invading your space.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are one of the most common summer bugs you’ll find in Central Florida. While they may seem like a minor annoyance, they can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. To prevent mosquitoes, make sure to eliminate any standing water around your property, keep your lawn trimmed and use mosquito repellent when going outdoors.

Learn More: Our Guide to Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Central Florida

Ants

Ants are persistent little creatures that can invade your home and yard in search of food and shelter. While they may not pose a direct threat to your health, they can cause damage to your property and be a nuisance. To prevent ants, keep your home clean and free of crumbs, seal any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior, and consider hiring a professional pest control service.

Spiders

While most spiders are harmless, some species such as the black widow can be dangerous. To prevent spiders, keep your home clean and free of clutter, seal any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior, and remove any spider webs you find.

Cockroaches

Roaches love warm weather, so it only makes sense that they’re one of the most common summer bugs in Central Florida. Not only can they damage your property, but they can also pose a threat to your health. Prevent a roach infestation by keeping your home clean and free of food debris; sealing any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior; and considering using traps or hiring a professional pest control service.

Learn More: Why Do I Have Roaches If My House Is Clean?

Ticks

Ticks are common in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease to humans and pets. It can be challenging to keep ticks out of your yard. Prevent an infestation by keeping your lawn trimmed and free of debris. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants and sleeves when going outdoors and use tick repellent on yourself and your pets.

Keep Your Central Florida Property Bug-Free This Summer and Beyond!

While summer bugs may seem like a minor annoyance, they can pose a threat to your health and cause damage to your property. The best way to prevent pests from invading your home and yard is to take proactive measures such as eliminating standing water, keeping your home clean and free of food debris, and sealing any cracks or openings in your home’s exterior. At Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Apopka, we provide eco-friendly pest control services that are safe for you and your family. If you’re experiencing a summer bug problem, give us a call today at (407) 880-6655 for a free pest evaluation.

How Do You Treat Sod Webworms in Florida?

Finding patches of brown grass on your Florida lawn? Fungus or disease may not be to blame—a sod webworm infestation may be the cause. These pests can cause damage to your lawn by eating the blades of grass, which can lead to unsightly brown patches. Luckily, there are several methods to get rid of sod webworms and prevent further damage to your lawn. Read on to learn all about the process of treating sod webworms in Florida.

Identify the Sod Webworms

The first step is to confirm if you have sod webworms in your yard. You can identify these pests by examining the blades of your grass. If you see small holes or chewed blades, then it’s a good indication that you have webworms.

You can also spot a sod webworm infestation when you mow your lawn. If you notice small, dark-colored moths flying around while mowing, it’s another indication of sod webworms. If you need help determining what pests have set up shop in your yard, don’t wait to contact your trusted pest control experts at Service Choice as soon as possible.

Apply Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that can provide an effective solution to get rid of sod webworms. These worms can penetrate the webworm’s body, which releases bacteria that can kill them. Keep in mind that beneficial nematodes are suitable only for mild cases of sod webworms and may require several applications.

Use Insecticides

Using insecticides is one of the most effective ways to get rid of sod webworms. There are several types of insecticides that you can use, but it’s essential to choose the one that’s safe for your lawn and doesn’t harm any beneficial insects. Consult with a professional to determine the best option for your specific situation.

Plant Sod Webworm-Resistant Grasses

Some grasses repel sod webworms. This method is ideal if you want to prevent future infestations, but it does require an investment of time and money if you’re completely reseeding your lawn. Some species of grass, such as bermudagrass and Zoysia grass, are not attractive to sod webworms. Consult with the lawn care experts at Service Choice to determine the best species of grass for your specific situation.

Maintain Proper Lawn Care

One of the best ways to prevent sod webworms is by practicing proper lawn care. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, and mowing. Keeping your lawn healthy and well-nourished will help prevent these insects from causing significant damage.

Protect Your Lawn With the Help of Service Choice

Need help with a sod webworm infestation? Don’t let these damaging insects ruin an otherwise healthy lawn. Instead, contact the pest control experts at Service Choice of Oakland Park right away. We’ll determine the best course of action for your situation, so you say goodbye to these nuisance pests once and for all. Call us today at (954) 568-9955 for your free estimate!

Mosquito Life Cycles – How They Affect Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes are not only annoying insects, but they also pose significant health risks through their bites. They are among the deadliest creatures already known in history, according to the World Health Organization. An important part of mosquito control involves understanding the various life stages of mosquitoes, how they reproduce, and what factors affect their growth and survival. Read on to learn all about mosquito life cycles and how they affect mosquito control.

Egg Stage

The mosquito’s life cycle begins with the female laying her eggs in stagnant water, which may be a pond, a pool, or even a puddle. The eggs are laid in groups called rafts, and they hatch within two to three days, depending on temperature and other environmental factors. The eggs are tiny and can survive for several months despite exposure to dry conditions. Mosquito control efforts must, therefore, target stagnant waters to prevent them from laying eggs.

Larva Stage

The larva stage of the mosquito egg is where the eggs develop and mature. Mosquitoes in this stage are known as wigglers due to their characteristic swimming behavior. Larvae are equipped with air tubes called siphons, which they use to breathe at the surface of the water. During the larva stage, mosquitoes feed on tiny organic matter. The larval stage typically lasts five to seven days but can extend up to two weeks, depending on temperature and nutrition availability.

Pupa Stage

Once the mosquito develops through the larva stage, it enters the pupa stage, where it morphs into its adult form. The pupa then stops eating, and it becomes more stationary than in the larva stage. Mosquitoes in their pupa stage are referred to as tumblers due to the movements they make. Pupae gradually darken as they mature, and the stage typically lasts two days before their transformation into a mature mosquito.

Adult Stage

The mosquito emerges from its pupa stage and enters its final adult form, and it’s the stage where the mosquito is most annoying and dangerous. Females will feed on blood to produce eggs, while males feed on nectar.

Adult mosquitoes can mate and lay their eggs within a few hours of emerging from their pupa stage. Adult mosquitoes can survive from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, food availability, and mosquito control measures that may have been implemented.

Factors Affecting Mosquito Life Cycle

Mosquito life cycles are significantly affected by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and food availability. Mosquito control measures, such as insecticides, mosquito traps, and breeding ground elimination, are also crucial since they can significantly affect the growth and survival of mosquitoes.

For example, eliminating standing water, whether it is in your backyard, abandoned tires, flowerpots, or gutters, will prevent the female mosquito from laying eggs, thus reducing the mosquito population around you.

Get Mosquitoes Under Control

Mosquitoes present a threat to humans with the potential to cause several diseases. Need help in the fight against mosquitoes in your own yard? Give Service Choice of West Palm Beach a call at (561) 734-9269 for your free consultation. We’ll help you get control of these nuisance and dangerous pests, so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces to the fullest!

Our Guide to Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in Central Florida

If you live in Central Florida, you know that mosquitoes are a fact of life. Unfortunately, these pesky insects can do more than just annoy you with their buzzing and biting. Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases, some of which can be serious and even deadly. Here’s our guide to mosquito-borne illnesses in Central Florida, including how to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is one of the most common mosquito-borne illnesses found in Central Florida. Symptoms can range from mild, flu-like symptoms to severe and even deadly illnesses. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle weakness, and skin rash. To protect yourself, you should avoid being outdoors during mosquito peak hours, wear long clothing, and use mosquito repellent with DEET.

Learn More: How Can I Control Mosquitoes at an Outdoor Event?

Zika Virus

In 2016, Florida saw its first outbreak of the Zika virus. Zika can be transmitted through mosquito bites and can lead to severe birth defects in pregnant women. Symptoms can include fever, rash, joint pain, and muscle pain. The best way to protect yourself from Zika is to avoid mosquito bites, use condoms during sexual activity, and eliminate standing water around your home.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious disease that can result in swelling of the brain. Symptoms can include headache, fever, vomiting, and seizures. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for EEE, so prevention is key. You should protect yourself by wearing long clothing, avoiding the outdoors during peak mosquito hours, and using insect repellent with DEET.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause symptoms such as severe headache, joint pain, and rash. Although Dengue Fever is more commonly found in tropical areas, there have been cases reported in Florida in recent years. To prevent Dengue Fever, you should use mosquito repellent with DEET, wear long clothing, and keep your home and surroundings clean and free of standing water.

Learn More: The Ultimate Guide to Mosquitoes in Florida: How to Prevent Infestation

Chikungunya Virus

Chikungunya Virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and can result in fever, joint and muscle pain, and skin rash. Chikungunya is primarily found in Africa and Asia, but there have been cases reported in Florida. To protect yourself from Chikungunya Virus, you should use insect repellent with DEET, wear long clothing, and eliminate standing water around your home.

Don’t Resort to Pesticides in the Fight Against Mosquitoes

But what about preventing mosquitoes in the first place? Many people turn to insecticides and pesticides to control mosquito populations around their homes, but these can be harmful to the environment and may not be effective in the long run. That’s where Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control comes in. Our eco-friendly mosquito control treatments target mosquito larvae where they breed, without harming other beneficial insects or the environment.

Protect Your Family From Mosquito-Borne Illnesses With the Help of Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control

We hope this guide has provided you with helpful information on the most common mosquito-borne illnesses found in Central Florida. If you’re worried about the presence of mosquitoes in your home or yard, contact Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary for eco-friendly mosquito control treatments that not only work but do so without harming the environment. Protect yourself and your family from the dangers of mosquito-borne illnesses today! Call us at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation.

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