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Tis the season – termite swarming season!  Florida is a terrific home for termites of all kinds due to the humid and warm climate. Did you know….

• Most species of subterranean termite’s swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day with calm winds after a rainfall.
• Tropical rough-headed Drywood termite swarms at night, from April through July.
• Tropical smooth-headed Drywood termite can swarm any time of the year.
• Formosan termites swarm at night during the late spring.
• Conehead termites disperse in swarms, often after the first heavy rain of the spring. 

A Closer Look

As their name suggests, drywood termites occur in dry wood that may be above ground level. Drywood termites build colonies in structural wood, fence and utility posts, furniture, moldings, door, window frames, cardboard, even drywall Swarmer’s are brown in color. Workers are white in color; these are the ones that eat the wood. Swarmer’s are the reproductives, when they swarm they are attracted to light, windows, lamps, computer screens, even TV screens.

Termite swarms occur when a termite colony has grown so large that they send out new reproductives to start new colonies. Normally drywood termites swarm at night, subterranean termites swarm during the day, they both drop their wings very easily, the textbook says they are very weak fliers. Subterranean termites are normally dark black in color, instead of brown as indicated above. Drywood termite evidence is usually the wings laying around light sources or fecal pellet material of the wood they are eating , some people describe it as looking like coffee grounds. Color of the fecal pellet will vary depending on the color of the wood they are eating.

The majority of termite infestations in North America are perpetuated by Subterranean Termites. Swarmer’s are around 3/8″ long including wings and have a small black body. Workers appear white in color and their wings on the other hand appear almost translucent and Soldiers appear with dark brown or black mandibles with a large rectangular head in proportion to their body. They have a circular head and oval shaped body.

Subterranean termites usually swarm in spring, but in Florida swarms can occur at any time of the year. Subterranean termites live in colonies under the soil, although they can reach food above ground by building impressive mud tubes to reach the wood in your home, as high as your roof trusses if undisturbed. These termites are very aggressive as they do not sleep, constantly looking for cellulose (wood content) to quench their appetite. Economically termites cause over a billion dollars in damage annually. 

If you suspect any kind of termite infestation, contact our team of licensed pest control professionals to conduct an inspection and develop an effective action plan for removal.

Terminate Termites with Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) is the termite terminator, the Florida expert in treating all types of termites.  FPCC professionals analyze and evaluate each infestation to determine the most effective treatment. 

Using the most advanced technologies to safely eliminate termites, FPCC pest control may recommend heat treatment, foam termicide through pumps, liquid treatment through soil rods and injections, ground barriers, or a combination of these.  

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Terminate your termites today!

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your termites, ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Safe.  We use the safest treatments available.

Easy.  We make it as easy as we can on you and your family.

Effective.  Our treatments will effectively remove bed bugs from your home.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050

How much do you know about the South Florida pests, insects, bugs and critters around you?  Let’s uncover some of the common myths about pests. 

Myth:  Cheese is the best bait for mouse traps.

Contrary to what we’ve learned as children, mice prefer high-sugar foods such as cookies or cereal over cheese.  However, since mice are scavengers, they will nearly anything you leave out for them intentionally or unintentionally.

Myth:  Cleaning your home daily prevents bed bug infestations.

Cleaning your home regularly creates a clean, comfortable space that your family can enjoy.  However, since bed bugs can hitch a ride on a backpack, suitcase, clothing, or just about anything, they can quickly become unseen residents in your home.  Bed bugs are tiny pests that are difficult to see.  They will stay in your home if they can find a food source – and that may be you!  Bed bugs feed on blood and tend to live in mattresses, curtains, or blankets.  They will happily emerge at night when you are sleeping so they can feast.  The only real evidence you may find from these tiny pests are 1) the itchy spots left on your skin, and 2) tiny brown or black excretion stains on the bed linens. 

Myth:  Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects will only sting when bothered.

The more you stay away from stinging insects, the better.  However, even if you don’t think you are bothering a bee or wasp, if they sense that their colony is threatened, they will attack and sting.  Consequently, it’s best to stay far away from them and their nests as much as possible.  As a side note, keep in mind that some people are allergic to insect stings and may have serious reactions.

Myth:  Mosquitoes are only a problem at dawn or dusk.

Although mosquito presence is especially prevalent around the hours of dawn and dusk each day, mosquitoes can be out at any hour of the day.  Since mosquitoes may carry Zika or West

Nile virus, be sure to apply a non-toxic mosquito repellant before spending time outdoors.  If you plan to spend time outdoors in Florida, you may want to consider treating your property to remove mosquitoes. 

Myth:  Most well-maintained suburbs don’t have rats.

While nice suburban homes may have great curb appeal, they also may have pests.  Many homeowners aren’t even aware that pests such as raccoons, possums, and rats thrive in the suburbs:  they find food by digging through garbage cans that aren’t fully closed, water from standing water puddles, ponds, or pools, and shelter from a shed, patio, or bush.  Several of these pests can carry fleas as well as diseases including rabies and parasites or “worms.”  

Truth: Prevention is the key to pest control.

Our experienced technicians know which pests to look for, where they may be hiding, and which signs indicate they are in your home.  Most importantly, our professionals know how to effectively control a few pests before they become infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050

Have you seen a long, brown insect scrambling on the floor only to disappear behind the wall in a fraction of a second?  If so, you may be playing hide and seek with a roach.  Unbeknownst to you, you’re probably actually playing the game with more than one roach! 

While a few species of roaches are commonly found in South Florida, there are over 70 species in the U.S.  Roaches typically range in color from brown to black and have long, flat bodies, six legs, and antennae.  Roaches have long wings although many species don’t fly.  The roaches found in South Florida often live in or around wood, cardboard, and humid environments.  Some species of cockroaches have been linked to illnesses including cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.

South Florida Cockroaches

The most common roach species found in South Florida are the German Cockroach, American Cockroach, Smokybrown Cockroach, and Asian Cockroach.

German Cockroaches find their way into homes and buildings by riding in bags, on furniture, or in suitcases or shipping boxes.  This species is relatively small and grows to .5 inch.   German Cockroaches are usually black as nymphs and become light brown as an adult.  German Cockroaches are commonly found indoors and around warm, humid, or tropical areas and they are quite active at night.  In fact, this species loves to be around warm appliances or water sources.  When you see one of these cockroaches, there are probably many more hiding nearby.  In fact, female cockroaches lay 30-40 eggs each of the 4-6 times they reproduce. 

The American Cockroach, often referred to as the palmetto bug, grows to 3 inches in length.  This species is reddish-brown and has black markings along with yellowish circles behind the head.  These cockroaches live in warm, humid climates, are often found around water sources, and are very active at night.  American Cockroaches are not only particularly large, but they can fly.

The Smokybrown Cockroach can grow to 1.5 inches and is dark mahogany in color.  Like the German Cockroach, these pests commonly live in humid, warm climates and are active at night. Smokybrown Cockroaches tend to eat decaying matter, especially wood. 

The Asian Cockroach is dark red, dark brown or black.  While the Asian Cockroach lives in warm, moist conditions, they are usually found outside.  This species is attracted to light and is found near lights, screens, and around gardens.

To avoid playing games with these four species of cockroaches, follow our rules:

• Clean up and fix any leaky faucets or pipes
• Dispose of any bags, newspapers, and boxes
• Seal cracks and gaps in the walls and around pipes
• Clean and vacuum regularly, especially around appliances
• Store pet food in sealed containers

If you’re tired of playing games with cockroaches, contact a reputable pest control company for quick and thorough cockroach removal.  For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Better yet, if you want a pest-free home, consider a year-round pest control plan.  Prevention is the key to pest control.  Our experienced technicians know which pests to look for, where they may be hiding, and which signs indicate they are in your home.  Most importantly, our professionals know how to effectively control a few pests before they become infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050

With warm weather and humidity, Florida is paradise for a variety of insects, rodents and other pests.  You can expect to find rats, possums, raccoons, mice, bats, birds, pigeons, snakes, fleas, ticks, beetles, ants, termites, spiders, mosquitoes, and myriad insects. 

You may recognize that pests are in your home because you hear them scurrying around, smell their odor, or see evidence that they’re making their home in your home. 

But other pests may be living in your home without your awareness, even in a spotlessly clean home. If living undetected in your home, pests such as termites can cause major structural damage to the wood in your home.  Other pests wreak havoc on clothing and other fabrics, or in foods in your pantry.

While some pests are simply loud or annoying, other pests such as ticks, mosquitoes, rats, and other rodents may carry diseases that can infect pets and humans.  Rats and mice may carry the dangerous Hantavirus while ticks may carry Lyme disease.  As we South Floridians know, mosquitoes can carry Zika virus.  Pests such as cockroaches and rats can get into boxes of food in your pantry, potentially leaving a trail of crumbs or contamination.

If you see evidence of a pest, you may decide to stop by your local hardware store to pick up a special spray to rid your home of the pests.  Use caution as these sprays may be toxic to your pets or young children.  While the sprays may work initially on the surface, most pests will move, burrow, or find another comfortable place in your home. 

If you want a pest-free home, you may want to consider a year-round pest control plan.  Prevention is the key to pest control.  A year-round pest control plan provides comfort and peace of mind.  With a year-round pest control plan, our knowledgeable, professional staff members inspect your home, inside and outside, for all types of pests ranging from termites to rats.  Our experienced technicians know which pests to look for, where they may be hiding, and which signs indicate they are in your home.  Most importantly, our professionals know how to effectively control a few pests before they become infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Local: 954-945-5050

For many of us, our pets are an extension of our family.  We enjoy their company and care for them each day.  Consequently, when our pets aren’t feeling well, we want to ascertain the cause and fix the problem. 

Most pets spend at least some time outside, running and playing in the grass and exploring the yard or park, dashing in and out of shrubs.  This time for play and exercise is well-spent!  However, spending time near bushes and in grass may also mean that pesky pests hitch a ride on your pet.  Pests typically found in the warm Florida weather that may be annoying your pet include fleas, ticks, fire ants, bees and wasps, and mosquitoes.

Most of the time your pet encounters any of these pests, it’s when they are outside.  So, there are a few things you can do to help your pets stay away from these pests!

• Check your pet daily for any signs of pests as noted above. 
• Make sure your pet is up to date with all vaccinations and is taking appropriate medication to prevent heartworm and other preventable ailments.
• Vacuum your home regularly, especially in areas where your pet likes to be Remove any fallen fruit, trash, pet food, or animal waste that may attracts insects and other pests.
• Eliminate any standing water to reduce mosquito populations.
• Keep your grass short and keep any bushes or hedges properly trimmed and maintained.

If you are noticing signs of pests bothering your pet, talk with your veterinarian to treat your pet, and then contact a reputable pest control company to treat your home or property for pests.  Contact  Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) to treat and remove pests.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050

Raccoons or “coons” are primarily nocturnal mammals found throughout the United States.  With a black “mask” of fur around their eyes and grey and white fur on their bodies, these animals typically make their homes in wooded areas.   Yet, raccoons are adaptable animals and can thrive in suburbs and cities as well.  

While they look cute and fluffy from afar, these intelligent animals can also be destructive – and sometimes dangerous.  Likewise, while other animals may run away from dogs or humans, intrepid raccoons will continue their search for food or shelter despite barking dogs.   

Raccoons are omnivores and will find food wherever they are – in gardens, in garbage cans, and in dumpsters.  Raccoons have well-developed “hands” that allow them to open garbage cans, tear off pieces of siding, and climb into sheds in search of food and shelter.  Female raccoons seek out warm and dry locations, such as attics. 

Trying to coax raccoons away can be a dangerous proposition:  raccoons are unafraid of humans and can become aggressive, especially if they think their young are threatened.  If you hear or see raccoons hanging out around your property or your home, we recommend that you contact a licensed pest removal company before they cause structural damage to your home or spread parasites. 

Raccoons are carriers of fleas as well as diseases including rabies and parasites or “worms.”   If you notice that a raccoon is foaming at the mouth, has watery eyes, or is dazed or confused, the animal may have rabies.  Stay away!

Here are a few tips to prevent raccoons from making their home on your property:

• Keep pets including fish inside.  Raccoons are known to get into screened-in porches in search of food and shelter. 
• Make sure garbage lids fit properly and use a bungee cord to securely close the lids.
• Secure all pet food inside.
• Keep areas under decks and shelters closed off.  Fill any holes around your property;   seal any dog doors; ensure any vent openings have secure mesh closures to prevent animals from entering.
• Put fencing around gardens and pick up any fallen fruit from your trees.

Following these recommendations will help prevent raccoons and other wildlife from setting up a new home on your property.   If you need help ensuring that all potential home entry points are closed, give us a call.  Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) 954-945-5050

If you suspect raccoons are making their den in or near your home, it’s time for a licensed professional to humanely remove them.  Contact  Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) to remove raccoons and disinfect contaminated areas. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050

Which is it possum or an opossum?

That depends where you live.  If you live in Australia, you may have seen possums, nocturnal marsupials that live in trees in Papa New Guinea, China, Indonesia and Australia. 

In North America, we have opossums, which Americans often pronounce without the first “o”, so it sounds like the possums of Australia.  The opossums in the U.S. are also nocturnal marsupials that dwell in trees, but they are different animals than the possums found in Australia. 

Opossums are greyish-white animals that can grow to over three feet in length. They have small tails and pointy faces.  Like their kangaroo relatives, female opossums have pouches to hold their young.

These nocturnal animals eat everything from insects to pet food, fish to compost, and birds to fruit.  While many gardeners appreciate opossums for eating insects and other garden pests, most people dislike the fact that they also eat the plants in the garden may leave an unpleasant odor, especially when threatened. 

Opossums are great hurdlers and climbers and can easily get into holes or vents high on your roof.   You may find opossums dwelling near your home in a shed, outhouse, trash can, or other shelter. 

While opossums are seldomly aggressive, their loud hissing sounds and wide-open mouths help them appear mean, allowing them to frighten other animals and people.  Often, the hissing sound is mistaken for an animal with rabies but since opossums are colder-blooded marsupials, they don’t contract rabies.

Opossum Infestation Prevention

Here is what you need to do to prevent opossums from creating a den near you:

1. Make sure garbage lids fit properly and are completely closed each night.
2. Avoid leaving dog or other pet food outside as opossums may consider it a special treat.
3. Keep areas under decks and shelters closed off.
4. Fill any holes around your property. 
5. Ensure any vent openings have some type of closure to prevent animals from entering.
6. Pick up any fruit on your property or opossums will come running!
7. Put fencing around a garden to stave off hungry opossums.

Following these recommendations will help prevent opossums and other wildlife from setting up home on your property. 

If you suspect that an opossum or a family of opossums makes their den near your home, it is time to call a licensed professional to remove them.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050