Bird Mite

Bird Mite closeup with a with background - keep mites away with BugOut

Bird Mites in Florida

Bird mites, a tiny but troublesome pest, thrive in Florida’s warm and humid climate. These pests are primarily associated with birds, including pigeons and chickens, and can become a nuisance when their hosts’ nests are located near human structures. Although they are incredibly small—measuring less than 1mm—they can still cause noticeable irritation and discomfort if they come into contact with humans.

Bird Mite Habitats

Unlike other mite species, bird mites rely on birds as their primary hosts, feeding on their blood and living in their nests. Common nesting sites include attics, chimneys, and window ledges. During Florida’s spring and early summer months, bird mites become especially active as they thrive in the region’s humid climate. While their presence is most notable around bird nests, infestations can extend into homes when nests are abandoned or destroyed, causing mites to search for alternative hosts.

Bird Mite Behaviors, Threats, and Dangers

While bird mites do not rely on humans for survival, their bites can cause itchy, irritated skin and, in some cases, allergic reactions. Homeowners with bird nests in or near their properties are at a higher risk of encountering bird mites. These pests are often mistaken for bed bugs due to their similar size and appearance, leading to confusion and delayed treatment. Effective management is crucial to prevent infestations from worsening and to protect your home and family.

If bird mites are becoming a problem in your home, contact Bug Out today for expert pest control solutions. Our experienced team specializes in identifying and eliminating bird mite infestations while providing preventative measures to keep them from returning

Clover Mite

Clover Mites up close white background

Clover Mites in Florida

Clover mites are a significant nuisance pest throughout Florida, particularly during the cooler months of spring and autumn. With Florida’s combination of suburban development and lush, fertilized lawns, clover mites often find themselves near homes and other structures. While these pests don’t bite or carry diseases, their sheer numbers and staining habits make them a frustrating problem for local residents.

Clover Mite Habitats

Clover mites overwinter as eggs in protected spaces like under tree bark, cracks in fence posts, or within building foundations. In early spring, these eggs hatch, and the population grows rapidly. Attracted to sunlight, they often gather on the southern and eastern walls of homes. Once indoors, they tend to infest sunny windowsills, siding, and furniture, leaving red stains when crushed.

Clover Mite Behaviors, Threats, and Dangers

Though clover mites don’t pose a health risk, their overwhelming presence can disrupt daily life. They frequently invade homes in large numbers, leaving red marks wherever they’re squished. Due to their small size, they often go unnoticed until the infestation becomes severe. Imagine thousands of tiny, reddish-brown pests scattered across walls and floors—it’s enough to stress any homeowner.

If clover mites are taking over your home, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact Bug Out’s mite control specialists today for fast, reliable service that eliminates clover mites and prevents future invasions.

Fall Armyworm

Fall Armyworm on leaf

Fall Armyworms in Jacksonville FL

Fall armyworms will generally start to appear in August and September around Jacksonville FL. The more rainfall in the summer, the more of these pests you can expect to see. One of the more interesting features of the fall armyworm is their collective eating habits: these caterpillars swarm together in large numbers to consume all kinds of plant life in their way. This extends to Bermudagrass, fescue, corn, rice, small grain crops, and more plant species.

Fall Armyworm Habitat

Fall armyworms live in and near turfgrass, various kinds of landscape plants, and agricultural fields. Larvae are born above ground in large clusters of hundreds of eggs. They spend about 2-3 weeks feeding on their egg mass remains and the plant that they were born on until they are ready to burrow into the ground to pupate. They emerge in the late summer or early fall to venture further out and find new places to feed and new plants upon which to rear a new generation.

Fall Armyworm, Threats, & Dangers

Fall armyworms are some of the least picky pests around. These caterpillars will eat any part of the plants that they find suitable, causing a serious economic threat in agricultural fields and cosmetic destruction of landscape plants and lawns. Fall armyworms have lots of natural predators, including wasps, ground beetles, birds, skunks, and rodents, and the weather conditions in their area also greatly contribute to the regulation of their population. They also do not pose a medical threat to humans.

If you are dealing with a fall armyworm issue on your property, contact your local pest control experts.

Blacklegged Tick

Black Legged Tick on white

Blacklegged Ticks in Jacksonville FL

Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the United States. Widely distributed across the eastern U.S., they are predominantly found in humid, deciduous forests. Their distribution relies greatly on the distribution of their reproductive host, the white-tailed deer. Both nymph and adult stages of these ticks transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. In 2018, there were approximately 23,558 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Blacklegged Tick Habitat

Blacklegged ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level, clinging to tall grass, brush, and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. Ticks also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around old stone walls. Blacklegged ticks are not found out in the middle of your lawn, preferring yards that border wooded areas. Ticks also live in ornamental plantings and gardens, or any environment that offers available shade, and high humidity.

Blacklegged Tick Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Blacklegged ticks bite and the greatest risk of being bitten occurs during spring, summer, and fall. However, adult ticks may be out searching for a host any time winter temperatures are above FREEzing. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females. To avoid being bitten, apply an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET. Also, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, preferably light-colored so ticks will be easy to detect, and tuck pants into socks.

If you are dealing with a blacklegged tick problem, contact your local tick control experts for assistance.

Jadera Bug

Jadera Bug up close white background - Keep pests away from your home with Bug Out in FL

Identifying Jadera Bugs In Florida (Red Bugs)

The jadera bug is one of the most common insects in Florida – they’re also found in California, Texas, and other southeastern states.  Also known as the Red-Shouldered Bug or Golden Rain Tree Bug, they appear in large colonies in yards and gardens.

Jadera bugs are often confused with the boxelder bug, but they are different species in the same insect family. Unlike similar insects, the jadera Bug is scentless, meaning it does not spray a noxious chemical when disturbed.

Jadera bugs are relatively easy to identify due to their distinctive appearance. They have elongated, oval-shaped bodies and are typically around 1/2 inch long. One of their most noticeable features is their coloration: adults are black with striking red markings, particularly around the edges of their wings and along their sides and nymphs, or immature jadera bugs, are mostly bright red with black legs. 

These red bugs are often seen in large groups, especially near food sources like fallen seeds from trees such as the goldenrain tree, which they are particularly attracted to. 

If you spot clusters of red and black bugs in your yard, especially around these trees, you’re likely looking at jadera bugs.

Where In Florida Do Jadera Bugs Live?

Jadera bugs thrive in various environments, including urban areas where they are often spotted in residential neighborhoods, especially near gardens and landscaping. You might find them in your backyard or near greenery.

These insects are particularly attracted to specific trees, such as the goldenrain tree, feeding on its seeds, and are frequently seen in large groups near these trees. 

Jadera bugs prefer locations that provide some moisture, making them common in areas with mulch, under shrubs, or in gardens where organic debris accumulates. In addition to urban settings, they can also be found in natural habitats like parks and woodlands, where dense vegetation offers food sources and suitable hiding places.

How Common Are Jadera Bugs In Florida?

Jadera bugs are very common in Florida. The state is typically warm and humid, providing conditions for these particular insects to thrive. 

These bugs frequent urban and suburban areas, often congregating in large numbers around their preferred food sources, such as goldenrain trees. Their presence is particularly noticeable during the spring and summer months – in particular, the month of May – when their populations peak. 

What’s The Jadera Bug’s Diet?

Found throughout the year, the jadera bug is fond of the sweet sap and fruit from various trees, and they are especially fond of seeds from the Golden Rain Tree. Dead insects and food leftovers from humans are also part of the jadera bug’s diet. 

When conditions are favorable, jadera bugs will invade properties in large numbers in search of plant seeds.

Are Jadera Bugs Dangerous?

Jadera bugs are considered more of a nuisance than an actual danger; unlike other pests, they don’t cause any significant damage or pose health risks. Although they do not cause any serious damage, the Jadera Bug is considered a nuisance pest

When hundreds of these insects gather on lawns, host plants, and nearby structures, they will try to enter homes and may cause spots on walls or clothing. Homeowners should avoid crushing these insects as they stain. 

If large numbers are an issue indoors, they can easily be vacuumed up. A small number of bugs on a plant can often be destroyed by hand collecting. If the bugs are a nuisance in lawns or playgrounds, raking to remove the seeds that the bugs are feeding on should be helpful.

If you are dealing with a jadera bug issue on your property, contact your local pest control experts at Bug Out.  Our team provides expert insect control in Florida.

FAQs

Are Jadera Bugs Harmful?

Jadera bugs, often referred to as red bugs, are generally harmless to humans and pets. They do not bite or sting, making them more of a nuisance than a threat. However, they can cause cosmetic damage to plants.

What Attracts Jadera Bugs?

Jadera bugs are primarily attracted to goldenrain trees, as their seeds are a favorite food source. They thrive in warm, humid environments, making Florida’s climate ideal for them. Additionally, they are drawn to areas with ample moisture, such as gardens and landscaped yards. Keeping these environments well-maintained can help minimize their presence and reduce the likelihood of infestations.

What Are The Little Red And Black Bugs In Florida?

The little red and black bugs commonly seen in Florida are jadera bugs. They are easily recognizable by their striking black bodies adorned with bright red markings. Often referred to as red bugs, these insects can be found in large groups, especially near their preferred food sources like goldenrain trees.

 

Mole Cricket

A mole cricket on a mound of dirt - Keep pests away from your property with Bug Out in FL

Mole Crickets in Jacksonville FL

Mole crickets can be found inhabiting sandy soil, vegetable gardens, and turfgrass in Jacksonville FL. Dig small burrows near their food sources to hide in during the day and spend the night feeding and tunneling. Mole crickets are capable of creating up to 20 feet of tunnel a night, disrupting plant growth at the surface. They mate in the spring and early summer, laying their eggs in the soil to hatch two weeks later.

Mole Cricket Habitat

Mole crickets usually live just underneath the surface of sandy soil. They conglomerate near dense plant growth and moist soil for ease of access to a food source and optimal tunneling opportunities. The same conditions that attract small soil-dwelling insects and earthworms attract mole crickets, which feed on the former. You can find them in large numbers near Jacksonville FL in most places where these conditions are present.

Mole Cricket, Threats, & Dangers

Because mole crickets are nocturnal and spend most of their active time burrowing through the soil, you are unlikely to see them before you see the damage that they cause. Mole cricket burrowing can lead to tarnished plant growth and a dying garden if you let their numbers grow out of hand. Fortunately, mole crickets aren’t known to bite or transmit any kind of disease to humans and our pets. However, it’s best to take action to prevent them before they destroy your garden.

If you are dealing with a mole cricket issue on your property, contact your local pest control experts.