Florida’s balmy climate and scenic beauty may be a paradise for humans, but it also is the perfect playground for a range of pests. From bushy-tailed squirrels to cockroaches, these common pests in Florida are uninvited guests in homes across the state. If you are wondering about these pests and how they sneak inside your home, World Class Wildlife is here to shed some light. These are some of the typical pests we see and where they gain entry to your home.
Squirrels: The Furry Acrobats of Florida
Squirrels are agile and adaptable. They can even look cute while frolicking in your yard. However, the charm quickly fades when these furry invaders make your attic their new nest. Here are a few reasons why you don’t want squirrels in your home:
- They can damage your property. Squirrels are constantly gnawing on things, and they can cause a lot of damage to your home’s structure if they’re not kept out. They can also chew through electrical wires, which can pose a fire hazard.
- Squirrels may spread disease. Squirrels can carry diseases like rabies and salmonella, so it’s important to keep them away from your home.
- They can be noisy. Squirrels are very active creatures, and they can be very noisy at night. This can make it difficult to sleep, and it can also be very disruptive to your home life.
- Squirrels can attract other pests. Squirrels are often followed by other pests, such as rats and mice. These pests can also damage your home and spread disease.
If you have squirrels in your attic, it’s important to take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are a number of ways to do this, including hiring a professional, using traps, or using deterrents.
How Squirrels Sneak Inside Your Home
Squirrels are very good at finding ways to get into your home. They can enter through roof gaps, unattended windows, or even open chimneys. Once they are inside, they will quickly make themselves at home by chewing through materials and enlarging small openings.
Unfortunately, squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your home. This is why it’s very important to seal up any potential entry points. You’ll also need to remove any food sources that might attract them.
Electrical Chaos & Attic Mayhem: The Squirrel Aftermath
Once they’re in, squirrels turn your attic into a playground, gnawing on electrical wires and posing a fire risk. The shredded insulation and their waste add to the destructive and unsanitary conditions. Squirrels are rodents–and like all rodents, they have sharp teeth that are constantly growing.
To keep their teeth from getting too long, squirrels gnaw on things. This includes electrical wires, which can cause fires. Squirrels also urinate and defecate in their nests, which can contaminate the insulation in your attic and create a breeding ground for bacteria. This can make your attic uninhabitable and can also pose a health risk to you and your family.
If you have squirrels in your attic, it is important to take steps to remove them as soon as possible. Luckily, World Class Wildlife can help remove squirrels from your home. You can also try to deter squirrels from entering your attic in the first place by sealing up any openings that they could use to get in.
Mice: Small Intruders, Big Problems
Mice may be small, but their ability to infiltrate homes and cause big issues is nothing to ignore. Here are just a few of the reasons why you don’t want mice in your home:
- Mice can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings, which can lead to food poisoning and other health problems.
- These common pests can damage insulation and electrical wiring, which can lead to costly repairs and even fires.
- Mice can carry diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis.
- They are a nuisance and make it difficult to sleep or relax in your home.
Master of Tiny Spaces: Mouse Entry Tactics
Mice are very good at getting into homes. They can squeeze through gaps as small as a quarter-inch, so they can easily enter through cracks in your foundation, wall openings, and even through sewer lines. They can also chew their way through window screens. Meanwhile, mice can climb up walls and trees, so they can enter your home through open windows and doors.
To prevent mice from getting into your home, seal up any cracks or openings around your foundation, windows, and doors. You should also keep your food in sealed containers and clean up any spills immediately. If you see mice in your home, be sure to contact us at World Class Wildlife.
Here are some other ways that mice can get into your home:
- Through pet doors or cat flaps
- Through gaps in chimneys or vents
- Through holes in walls or ceilings
- In boxes or furniture that is brought into the home
- In outdoor materials that are brought into the home
If you think you have mice in your home, it is important to take action to remove them as soon as possible. Mice can carry diseases and contaminate food, so they can pose a serious health risk.
German Cockroaches: The Resilient Invaders
Among the cockroach community, German cockroaches take the crown for being the most notoriously resilient common pests in Florida. These are the most common type of cockroach in Florida, and they are also one of the most difficult to get rid of. They are small, fast, and reproduce quickly, and they can contaminate food and spread disease.
You’ll want to get rid of cockroaches fast for the following reasons:
- They are a health hazard. German cockroaches can carry diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, and dysentery. They can also trigger allergic reactions in some people.
- German cockroaches are a nuisance. These common pets in Florida are noisy and smelly, and they can cause damage to your home by chewing on electrical wires and other materials.
- Roaches are very resistant to pesticides, and they can quickly develop resistance to new products.
- They are difficult to get rid of.
Now that you know why you must get rid of cockroaches quickly, let’s talk about how they enter your home in the first place.
How Cockroaches Enter Your Home
Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. They are attracted to food, water, and shelter, and they can enter your home through a variety of ways, including:
- Through small openings in your foundation, walls, or windows. Cockroaches can squeeze through incredibly small openings, so it’s important to seal up any cracks or crevices around your home.
- In boxes, bags, or other items brought into your home. Cockroaches can hitch a ride on groceries, furniture, or other items that are brought into your home. Be sure to inspect all items carefully before bringing them inside.
- Through plumbing. Cockroaches can enter your home through drains, pipes, or sewer lines. If you have any leaks or cracks in your plumbing, be sure to fix them immediately.
- From neighboring homes. If your neighbors have a cockroach infestation, it’s possible that the roaches will spread to your home. Be sure to take steps to protect your home from pests, such as sealing up any cracks or crevices and keeping your home clean and free of food and water.
Once they’re in, German cockroaches can multiply quickly. A female cockroach can lay up to 40 eggs at a time! This means that a small infestation can quickly grow into a large one. Many times, homeowners discover that pesticides won’t work. This gets you into even more trouble. But the good news is that there is help available from us at World Class Wildlife Removal.
Get Help with Common Pests in Florida with World Class Wildlife Removal
Don’t try to get rid of common pests in Florida by yourself. World Class Wildlife Removal can help with the following options:
- Comprehensive Solutions: We offer a wide range of preventative and responsive cockroach extermination solutions.
- Professional Service: Our pest professionals are courteous, trained, and dedicated to ensuring you can enjoy a pest-free home.
- Preventative Programs: Enroll in our preventative pest control programs to significantly lower your risk of future infestations.
Florida’s climate may be perfect for pests, but that doesn’t mean you have to share your home with them. Give us a call anytime you have a pesky pest problem; we’re here to help.