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As mentioned in our post last month, it is termite swarming season.  Here are additional points to consider during the summer months in Florida.

Do Termites live in groups or alone?

Termites live in groups and will not survive if it is alone.  Termites live in colonies ranging in number from several thousand to millions. Like other insects, the colonies can include different roles such as a  king and queen that are responsible for reproduction and there are worker termites and nymphs.  

Can your home have more than one termite colony?

Yes, it is not uncommon for several colonies of termites to occupy one area of a home or structure.  However, they do not intermingle from one to the other.  

Do termites live exceptionally long?

The role of the termite determines the number of years they are alive.  The queen or reproduction termite may live for decades whereas a worker termite may live from one to two years.

What happens after a swarm?

After swarming, subterranean termites will attempt to pair with a swarmer of the opposite sex within the colony. First that locate a habitat to establish a new colony of their own which requires moist soil, preferably in direct contact with wood. The termite colony that produced the swarmers will continue to be active after the swarm has taken place.

Termite Seasonal Calendar:

• Subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months.
• Formosan termites swarm at night during the late spring.
• Conehead termites disperse in swarms, often after the first heavy rain of the spring. 
• Drywood termite swarm at night, from April through July and a variation call tropical smooth-headed can swarm throughout the year.

Keep in mind:

Termites are not a type of pest that can be controlled with do it yourself measures and should be addressed and removed by professionals.

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.  For more information, or to schedule termite service, reach out to us today.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free termite inspection, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555 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 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.

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555  Local: 954-945-5050

We have officially entered termite swarming season!  Here are a few key points to consider during the summer months in Florida.

Does a Swarm of Termites Mean You Are in Trouble?

Although termite swarmers are not the wood-eating members of the termite family, it can be a good indicator that there may be a hazardous termite presence. Seeing a swarm of termites or flying termites in or outside of your residence is cause for concern and you should get a termite inspection right away.  

Do Termites Have Droppings?

A frequent misconception is that termites leave droppings of wood or sawdust.  Not true.  Termites ingest the wood they devour and will leave behind dark brown colored pellets in the surrounding areas.

Is the Problem Gone Once I Kill the Swarmer’s?

No, simply killing off what you are able to see does not mean the termites are completely gone as others may be lurking around.  The termite family also consists of termite workers which are the ones to create the true damage to your home.  These worker termites will chew through wood in and around your home and can completely destroy structures.  Often, the infestation can go on for many months and even years without being noticed. 

Termite Seasonal Calendar:

• Subterranean termites swarm during the spring and summer months.
• Formosan termites swarm at night during the late spring.
• Conehead termites disperse in swarms, often after the first heavy rain of the spring. 
• Drywood termite swarm at night, from April through July and a variation call tropical smooth-headed can swarm throughout the year.

Keep in mind:

Termites are not a type of pest that can be controlled with do it yourself measures and should be addressed and removed by professionals.

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.  For more information, or to schedule termite service, reach out to us today.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free termite inspection, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555 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 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.

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555  Local: 954-945-5050

They are not invited guests, but we have all seen cockroaches, mice, spiders, and even snakes inside our South Florida homes. So how are pests and critters getting into the home? These unwanted  pests can actually find multiple entry points into your home. They enter through any open crack, an exposed hole and even through the pipe system.

Here are a few offenders:

• Snakes. Snakes glide their way through pipes in your bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and the toilet. They even use these pipes to travel from room to room whether water is in them or not. 

• Insects. Insects are not only disgusting, but they are also unhealthy. Some of the insects that travel in and out of your draining system may actually carry a disease.

• Rodents.  Mice and rats often squeeze their way into a home through holes even as tiny as a nickel. Just like insects, these rodents also carry diseases but even more so, they can actually clog drains and do damage to your home.  

These critters need water, food, and shelter in order to survive and will make their home inside your home. It is a necessity to make sure your home is protected by sealing up any cracks and exposed holes as well as covering any open pipes that connect to your home.  Covering these entry points with wire mesh and sealants will provide the protection you need.  Safeguard your home today by scheduling an inspection and let our professional’s get your home pest free.

If you see any critters or pests, Florida Pest Control Center is here to help. For more information, or to schedule termite service, reach out to us today.

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 866-697-3555 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 termites, ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Warm weather, blooming flowers … spring is in the air.  Also in the air are swarming termites.  Spring is the beginning of peak pest season, when most insects are coming out of their winter hiding spots, mating and also finding their way into our homes. One of the most common springtime pests is also one of biggest threats to a home – termites.

Did you know?  Termites can cause well over $2 billion in structural damage to homes each year. That is more than fires and storms combined. Our highly trained professional technicians offer South Florida with superior termite control. Florida Pest Control Center provides:

• Guaranteed inspections
• Residential termite control
• Commercial termite control
• Subterranean termite control
• Drywood termite control
• Formosan termite control

If you have been finding piles of insect wings in your home, you may be understandably puzzled. This is not a sign of a new infestation. These wings are left behind by the swarmer’s, who shed their wings after a time. If you see this, it is a sign of a big problem that needs to be fixed as quickly as possible.

Termites live and thrive in colonies underground. If your home happens to be on or near a termite colony’s nest, they could swarm in your home.  Swarming termites tend to last only about 30 minutes. Since termites do not fly around very well, many do not make it to a new nest. If they enter your house first they typically will not make it to nest.

If you see termite swarmer’s, or are noticing the signs termites leave behind, Florida Pest Control Center is here to help. For more information, or to schedule termite service, reach out to us today.

Terminate the 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 termiticide through pumps, liquid treatment through soil rods and injections, ground barriers, or a combination of these.  

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 866-697-3555 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.

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

Spring is the beginning of termite season.  Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers. 

What time of year do termites usually appear?

Most species of subterranean termite’s swarm during the spring and summer months, typically on a warm day and after a rainfall. Drywood termites and a particular species of subterranean termite called the R. hageni typically swarm during the late summer or fall months, from August through November.

What are swarming termites?

Termites live and thrive in colonies underground. Sometime during the year, typically in the spring and early summer months, the younger termites will fly from their nest via mud tubes they have created for just this purpose – to mate and locate a new nest site and sources of food. If your home happens to be on or near a termite colony’s nest, they could swarm in your home.

How long does a swarming episode last? 

Swarming termites tend to last only about 30 minutes. They tend to take place in spring and early summer. Since termites do not fly around very well, many do not make it to a new nest. If they enter your house first they typically will not make it to nest.

Do termites bite?

Not to worry as termites do not bite humans. The only danger that you and your family may come across is getting near a swarm of termites in your home while they quickly look for a way to get outside.

Can termites do damage to a home?

Yes, without a doubt.  Termites can do damage to a home or structure for many years without being detected. This causes the wood to have a weathered and tattered look and should be addressed.  When termites feed on wood, it becomes brittle and hollow and you can easily break off pieces of wood. 

If you see termite swarmer’s, or are noticing the signs termites leave behind, Florida Pest Control Center is here to help. For more information, or to schedule termite service, reach out to us today.

Terminate the 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 termiticide through pumps, liquid treatment through soil rods and injections, ground barriers, or a combination of these.  

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 866-697-3555 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.

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

How do you know when it is time to tent for drywood termites? A structural tent fumigation is strongly considered when one or more of the following conditions are present in the home or structure:

• Swarming for Multiple Years
• Termites in Inaccessible Areas
• Multiple Points of Infestation
• Termite Swarms in Attic
• Termites in Wood Areas of Home

Structural Tent Fumigation Process

There are a variety of fumigation processes for executing a structural tent fumigation based on several factors, including size of the residence, pest being fumigated, concentration of fumigant, and other considerations.  The typical process is as follows:

The initial process involves covering the termite and bug infested home with heavy tarps and a securely sealed and labeled area.  Then the fumigant is slowly introduced. The home remains sealed for roughly a day or 12-36 hours in order to allow the toxic fumigant to penetrate throughout the wooded areas of the home.

After the 24 hour timespan, the fumigation company will remove the tarps and allow the aeration process to begin. The home still remains on lockdown during this time, as it is not yet safe for re-entry.

After airing it out for a day, the fumigation company returns with specialized equipment to monitor the concentration of any remaining gas in all parts of the home. Provided gas levels are below what is required for safe re-entry, the homeowners can re-enter. However, if gas is still detected in certain parts of the home, the aeration will continue until such time that it is safe for occupying.

Do you suspect that your home has termites?  Call us for an inspection today.

Terminate the 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 termiticide through pumps, liquid treatment through soil rods and injections, ground barriers, or a combination of these.  

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 866-697-3555 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.

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

Local: 954-945-5050

Did you know that a rat can chew through various holes to get into your home?  So, how do you keep rodents out of your space?

In South Florida there are not many winter problems that homeowners face – there is no snow to shovel and no furnace to tend to.  However, there can be an increase of rodents invading your home looking for warmer areas and a food source.  At Florida Pest Control Center, we have the following recommendations to prepare for these little critters:

Outside

Top recommendation is to seal all your garbage inside either metal or closed trash cans. Then, get rid of anything in your yard that gives a rodent a place to stay – such as buckets and containers. These types of  ground cover can be attractive to rats since it provides shelter and warmth or shade when needed.  Next, consider your sheds and any outdoor storage areas.  A cluttered space can hold a large number of rodents. 

If the exterior of your home contains a garden of any sort, consider adding a type of decoy.  A plastic owl is a typical decoy; however, it is recommended to use something that is light in weight so it moves and floats in the breeze.

Inside

Remember to cover any open space that is connected to your home as it is an invitation to rats, mice and other outside critters that are looking for both warmth and food.  Cover any crack, hole, and opening into your house down to the smallest of gaps.

The best material that can be used to cover and fill in any open holes is copper wool as rodents dislike this texture.  Other options such as caulk or foam still can be chewed through and do not provide adequate coverage.

Worst-Case Scenario

It you do find the telltale rat or mouse droppings and you do not want to deal with the kill vs. trap-and-release dilemma —do not hesitate to call a professional. At Florida Pest Control Center we have specially trained and licensed pest control professionals that can provide the detection of the infestations, the treatment, as well as the prevention and extermination methods needed to eliminate these pests for good. The longer the rodents are in your house, the more droppings (that may carry disease), and the more damage they will likely do.

Let the professionals deal with the rodents for you.  Call us today at 954-945-5050.

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

When you think of winter problems, South Florida is probably the last place you would think of having any.  However, just because we don’t have to shovel our way out of our homes; we do have to worry about pests invading our homes and businesses.

South Florida is the perfect climate for numerous pests and bugs that often seek refuge indoors during cold fronts and temperature drops.  These colder temperature lead to pests not only seeking temporary relief from the cold but they often make themselves at home which can lead to a bigger problem for the homeowner or business.

Common pests that increase in the winter months include rodents, roaches, ticks, silverfish, lawn funguses, carpenter ants as well as ghost ants.  However, rodents and roaches are the pests that commonly invade homes and businesses for warmer climates.

Rats

Aside from the squeamish feeling you get from the thought of sharing your home with rats and rodents.  Rodents can also cause actual damage by chewing through electrical wires, insulation, drywall and even wood.

Rats or roof rat as they are sometimes referred to like to nest in roofs, attics and occasionally inside wall voids.  A single pair of rats can produce 15,000 offspring in just one year.

Another common rat is the Norway rat.  These rats burrow under foundations or into open exposed crawl spaces.

Roaches

Although roaches can be a year-round pest, they do become more active in the winter months as they search for warmer places to live.  Roaches are not only unpleasant to look at; they also carry many diseases that can be harmful to you, your family and your family pets.

Roaches love being in the kitchen, bathroom, cupboards, laundry room, and trash cans or as we like to say; just about anywhere.  The common types of roaches to keep any eye out for are German Cockroaches, American Cockroaches and Brown-banded Cockroaches.

Other Occasional Invaders

In addition to Roaches and Rats, South Florida is full of outside pests that can become unwanted house guests; from Racoons, Possums, Feral Cats, Armadillos, Bats, Foxes and Snakes, the pest professionals at Florida Pest Control Center are always here to help. If you have questions regarding your pest control needs our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions. We have a variety of full service and do it yourself pest products and services to help you maintain a safe, pest free home or business. Call us today at 954-945-5050

At Florida Pest Control Center we have specially trained and licensed pest control professionals that can provide the detection of the infestations, the treatment, as well as the prevention and extermination methods needed to eliminate these pests for good. Call us today at 954-945-5050

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

Carpenter Ants are a frequent pest in South Florida and commonly infest both interior and exterior environments around homes and other structures. Carpenter Ants are among the largest of the ant species; and take a minimum of two years to develop wings that give the swarming ant a greater range of infestation. These foraging workers can establish up to 20 satellite nests from one main colony.

Winged Carpenter Ants are most often noticed by homeowners and are also commonly mistaken for a species of termites. Unlike Termites, Carpenter Ants do not eat wood, but they can still do significant damage as well. Their colonies can be as large as 100,000 workers with multiple queens. They prefer to nest in wood, preferably dead and or moist wood, inside galleries they develop by chewing their way through the wood. This nesting process is what leads to costly repairs for South Florida homeowners.

We have outlined a few characteristics of the Carpenter Ant below to help you better identify these insects. We have also provided a few helpful tips to help avoid Carpenter Ant infestations around your property. If you feel that your home or business may have an infestation; we offer a variety of full service pest control solutions with the best services in the industry to help you maintain a safe, pest free home or business. Call us today at 954-945-5050.

Carpenter Ants Characteristics:

• 1/4 – 3/4 inches long
• Range in color: black, brown, and red, orange
• Carpenter Ants prefer to nest in logs, stumps or dead trees where wood contacts the soil and moisture is plentiful, they will infest structural wood of homes and buildings.
• Deadwood areas of living trees are susceptible to infestation.
• Carpenter Ants do not eat wood but nest with products consisting of cellulose. Their diet consists of protein, grease and sweets from a variety of both animal and plant foods.
• They prefer wood that has been damaged by termites or by decay but once established may invade sound wood.
• Gallery excavation creates “sawdust” like evidence near the nest. These piles consist of wood fragments, bits of soil and sand, portions of insects, dead ants and other debris.
• A typical nest will contain several thousand individuals and can exist for several years if not treated.
• Foraging ants will travel 300 feet or more from the nest in a trail and will set up satellite nest.
• These ants are mostly active at dawn and dusk.

At Florida Pest Control Center we have specially trained and licensed pest control professionals that can provide the detection of the infestations, the treatment, as well as the prevention and extermination methods needed to eliminate these pests for good. Call us today at 954-945-5050.

The month of October celebrates the spookiest holiday – Halloween. The famous song goes… “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together ooky.” They’re…ants, spiders, cockroaches and other pests that surround us.

Checkout some chilling bug facts that can really creep you out. Zombie Ants:  They do exist.  The fungus Ophiocordyceps infects ants, essentially making them zombies. It takes over an ant’s central nervous systems and blocks signals from its brain.

• Wasps:  Parent wasps feed meat to their young, mostly in the form of other insect larvae.  Yuck.

• Ants:  It is estimated that there are 1,000,000 ants for every person in the world.

• Fruit-fly:  The female fruit fly lays 30 to 50 eggs per day during her life. Wow.

• Spiders:  True fact – a spider uses hydraulic pressure to walk, pumping a liquid into its legs to extend them, like a terrifying, carnivorous machine.

• More on Spiders:  They don’t actually chew their food, they liquify it outside of their bodies, pre-digesting it so they can suck it up and slurp it down.

• Cockroaches: Did you know – they like to eat callused skin, fingernails, and eyelashes. Grose.

• More on cockroaches: Cockroaches can live for an entire week without its head.

• Mosquitos: Did you know that of the 4,000 species of mosquito in existence, 100 of them carry and transmit human disease.

• Mosquitos Suck:  Mosquitos will suck up to three times its weight in blood.

Forget the haunted house, for many homeowners, just the thought of spider’s web in their living room or bed bugs nesting under the covers can turn their home a haunted one. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) informs homeowners that autumn is a typical season for pest infestations as insects and rodents are seeking shelter from the cooler weather that is rolling in.

At Florida Pest Control Center we have specially trained and licensed pest control professionals that can provide the detection of the infestations, the treatment, as well as the prevention and extermination methods needed to eliminate these pests for good. Call us today at 954-945-5050

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