Medium Archives | Page 2 of 5 | Bug Out - Pest Control and Extermination Services

Drain Fly

Drain Flies in Jacksonville FL

Drain flies, also called moth flies, belong to the family Psychodidae and get their name because they often breed in drains. They are found throughout the United States and can become an annoyance in homes, sometimes appearing suddenly from sinks and bathtub drains. They can breed in tremendous numbers in sewage treatment plants and then be carried away by the wind to nearby buildings, where they can crawl through fly screens.

Drain Fly Habitat

Drain flies develop in muck or gelatinous material that accumulates in sewage disposal beds, septic tanks, moist compost, or dirty garbage containers. They may also emerge from drains of sinks or bathtubs, from tree holes, rain barrels, moist organic solids, or bird nests that have accumulations of fecal material. Drain flies gather, mate, and lay eggs in moisture or standing water. The slimy film that forms in sewers and drains is a favorite breeding spot. Inside structures, they are strongly attracted to light and will be found on glass windows, doors, lamps, and indoor lighting.

Drain Fly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Drain flies do not bite people or animals or do damage to structures or plants. However, because these flies originate from filthy sources, they have the potential of being mechanical vectors of diseases. Populations of these insects can become a nuisance in homes, and their presence is almost always linked to a clogged drain. In residential homes, the most common breeding sites are bathroom drains. Drain flies are weak fliers and when encountered, they are often found crawling on walls and other surfaces.

If you are dealing with a drain fly problem in your property, contact your local fly exterminators.

Blow Fly

Blow Flies in Jacksonville FL

Blow flies are one of the most common flies found around dead animals. They prefer highly unsanitary habitats, and because of this, they may be vectors of disease pathogens, such as dysentery. These flies are distinguished by their bright metallic appearance and are abundant around commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential buildings when they are located near recycling centers, garbage dumps, slaughter-houses, and meat processing plants. Blow flies can pick up faint traces of odor of decay and can fly up to 12 miles in search of a suitable carcass to lay their eggs.

Blow Fly Habitat

Blow flies thrive best in weather that is warm and humid. They normally lay their eggs on meat, fish, or dead animals, but will also lay eggs in decomposing organic matter, like garbage, animal manure, decaying vegetables, grass clippings, and poorly managed compost piles. Under ideal temperatures, blow flies can develop from egg to adult in as little as 7 days. Many homeowners have witnessed this behavior as a mass emergence of maggots crawling from their backyard trash cans when kitchen waste placed in these trash cans was not sealed in a plastic trash bag.

Blow Fly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Blow flies do not bite or sting. They are, however, strongly attracted to human foods and garbage, making cooking outdoors difficult when they are present. As with house flies, they may be involved in the transmission of disease agents acquired from garbage or animal feces and subsequently deposited onto human foods. The primary threat from blow flies is the distribution of disease-carrying organisms that affect humans such as salmonella food poisoning, Dysentery, Cholera, various parasitic worms, and many others.

If you are dealing with a blow fly problem on your property, contact your local fly exterminators.

Paper Wasp

Paper Wasps in Jacksonville FL

There are over 22 species of paper wasps in the U.S., and most of them are brownish in color with yellow markings. Often confused with yellowjackets, paper wasps are sometimes referred to as umbrella wasps, and are most easily identified by their nests. Paper wasp nests often look like an upside-down paper cone and typically hang from a horizontal surface in a shaded, protected location. Like other types of wasps, paper wasps feed on insects, spiders, and the like.

Paper Wasp Habitat

Paper wasp nests are known to look like upside-down umbrellas and have a papier-mȃché feel to them. Unlike yellow jackets, paper wasp nests are somewhat open and not completely covered. Nests can most often be found either on tree branches or under eaves, attic rafters, and porch ceilings. Because nests can be built directly on a home, these wasps have been known to make their way indoors through holes in attic vent screens or underneath shingles.

Paper Wasp Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Similar to mud daubers, paper wasps are considered to be beneficial to the environment for keeping the insect population under control. They also assist in pollination by feeding on nectar. Paper wasps are considered aggressive and have been known to sting repeatedly when threatened. For this reason, it’s important to never disturb their nest. Stings can be extremely painful, which is why you should leave it up to a professional wasp control company to control paper wasp infestations in or near your home.

Cicada Killer Wasp

Cicada Killer Wasps in Jacksonville FL

Cicada killer wasps are one of the largest wasp species in North America. Female wasps often attack cicadas in flight, sting them until they become paralyzed, and take them back to the nest to feed her larvae. Cicada killers are found throughout the U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central America. These wasps dig holes or burrows, preferably in soft, sandy, and well-drained soil. They may be found on sloped terrains, in flower beds, along patio edges or sidewalks, as well as in the yard.

Cicada Killer Wasp Habitat

Cicada killer wasps appear as adults in late June or July and are mostly seen visiting flowers or digging burrows in sandy or light soil. The cicada killer wasp nests in the ground near cicada populations. Frequently, dozens of their burrows are located in lawns and on golf courses. A pile of soil often surrounds the entrance. The male wasp flies guard duty over the lawn, chasing away potential predators.

Cicada Killer Wasp Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Unlike other wasp species, cicada killers are not very aggressive and rarely sting humans or pets unless they are disturbed. Males are aggressive and territorial but do not possess a stinger. A sting from a cicada killer wasp can be painful and their venom may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Cicada killers can be a nuisance if they are found on your property. Female wasps dig fairly large burrows, making quite a large mess near plants and vegetation. The burrowing behavior of this wasp can damage the roots of plants and make some structures, like walkways and pathways, unstable. If you are dealing with a cicada killer wasp problem, contact your local wasp removal experts for help.

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Identifying Eastern Subterranean Termites in Florida

The eastern subterranean termite is a social insect and the most common and widely distributed termite in North America. Due to its wide distribution, it is considered the most economically important and damaging species in the U.S. Termites consume cellulose, the main structural component of plant cells. Any wood material in a home is a potential food source, but it may also damage non-wood material in search of food. Termites rarely show themselves in the open, and infestations can be difficult to detect until the damage becomes severe.

Where in Florida Do Eastern Subterranean Termites Live?

Eastern subterranean termites live in the ground and feed on plant materials. In structures, they live in walls, basements, crawl spaces, and other damp areas. Termites swarm in the spring to find a mate. Winged termites are attracted to light and will swarm around doors and windows. After fluttering about for a short time, the termites break off their wings and pair off, becoming king and queen of a new termite colony. A common sign of termites is the presence of mud tubes, inside or outside of a home. Termites make these earth-colored tubes primarily as a protected runway from the earth to the wood they feed upon.

How Common Are Eastern Subterranean Termites in Florida?

Eastern subterranean termites are extremely common in Florida. The state’s climate and environment provide perfect breeding grounds for these pests. Infestations are frequently reported in both residential and commercial properties across the state. The warm temperatures and high humidity levels allow their colonies to flourish year-round.

Florida’s dense population and extensive development also contribute to the prevalence of these termite species. Human activities, such as landscaping and construction, can inadvertently disturb their colonies or provide new food sources, facilitating their spread. Regular inspections and preventive measures are essential to manage infestation risk effectively.

Are Eastern Subterranean Termites Dangerous?

Because termites consume cellulose, any wood material in a house is a potential food source. Termites are secretive, and when termite damage becomes evident, it is usually the result of a few years of infestation. The presence of swarming termites or their wings alone is a sure sign that termites are working in a building. Winged termites are often confused with winged ants; however, most species of ants in the house are only nuisances and, except for carpenter ants, they do not damage the wood.

Always contact your local termite exterminators for help with eastern subterranean termite problems.

FAQs

Are subterranean termites present in Florida?

Yes, subterranean termites, including Eastern subterranean termites, have a significant presence in Florida. The state’s warm and humid climate creates ideal conditions for these pests to thrive. They are one of the most common causes of structural damage in homes and buildings across the state.

Should I be concerned about subterranean termites?

Absolutely. Subterranean termites can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, potentially compromising the safety and integrity of your home. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing significant damage and costly repairs. Regular inspections and preventative measures are highly recommended.

What is the best treatment for subterranean termites?

The best treatment for subterranean termites depends on the specific infestation. Our professional team uses advanced techniques such as baiting systems and barrier treatments to eliminate termites and protect your property. Our experts will assess your situation and recommend the most effective treatment plan for long-term protection. By understanding the behavior and habitat of Eastern subterranean termites, property owners in Florida can take proactive steps to protect their investments.

Wolf Spider

Identifying Wolf Spiders in Florida

Wolf spiders, part of the Lycosidae family, are robust, agile hunters known for their excellent eyesight and quick movements. Typically brown or gray with distinctive stripes or markings, they can grow up to 1 ½ inches in size. Unlike web-building spiders, wolf spiders are ground-dwelling predators that chase and pounce on their prey, primarily insects.

Wolf spiders are active hunters and patrol the ground for insects, small spiders, and similar prey and cause the greatest concern when encountered in homes. These spiders have excellent vision, allowing them to see humans approaching them, at which point, they flee. Many wolf spiders are nocturnal and use a reflective structure to maximize vision at night. Shining a flashlight at ground level will often allow one to see the green eye shines of this spider reflected from 10-30 feet away, depending on the spider’s size. Female spiders may sometimes be seen with their young riding on their backs until they are independent enough to go off on their own. Wolf spiders are rarely pests, but they sometimes wander into houses, where their large size often frightens homeowners.

Where in Florida Do Wolf Spiders Live?

Wolf spiders do not use webs to capture prey and actively hunt in the open during the day and night, often living by the thousands in leaf litter and grassy areas. Some wolf spiders build small burrows and defend a territory, others are free-roaming. Because they are so numerous, and such voracious predators, wolf spiders are a very important part of any ecosystem in which they occur.

How Common Are Wolf Spiders in Florida?

Wolf spiders are a very common Florida spider species, thriving in the state’s warm and humid climate. They are frequently found in gardens, lawns, and wooded areas, as well as inside homes, and their adaptability allows them to inhabit various environments, from coastal regions to urban settings. Known for their hunting skills, wolf spiders play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Are Wolf Spiders Dangerous?

Wolf spiders can bite, but their bites are extremely rare. While they may be fast and aggressive when hunting their insect prey, they don’t usually bite people unless they are provoked or mishandled. A wolf spider bite may be painful, but it is not generally dangerous to healthy adults. However, sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems may have some form of negative reaction.

If you are dealing with wolf spiders in your Jacksonville FL property, contact your local spider exterminators.

Need Help With Wolf Spider Control in Florida?

For help with wolf spider control in Florida, contact your friendly local branch of Bug Out. We’re happy to resolve spider problems and can advise on how best to spider-proof your home to help avoid further infestations.

FAQs

Do Wolf Spiders Hunt at Night in Florida?

Yes, wolf spiders are nocturnal hunters in Florida. These agile predators are known for their exceptional speed and keen eyesight, making nighttime the perfect hunting period. During the day, wolf spiders typically hide in burrows or under debris to avoid the heat and predators. At night, they actively seek out prey, including insects and other small invertebrates.

What are Wolf Spiders’ Predators in Florida?

Wolf spiders in Florida face several natural predators. Birds catch them during the day, and small mammals, like shrews and mice, also hunt wolf spiders. Additionally, lizards and amphibians such as frogs and toads find wolf spiders to be a tasty meal. Even other spiders, including larger wolf spiders, can be threats. These predators help maintain the balance in Florida’s ecosystems. If wolf spiders are becoming a problem in your home, Bug Out Florida’s professional pest control team can effectively manage their presence while respecting their role in nature.

How Can You Remove a Wolf Spider From Your Home in Florida?

Wolf spiders are generally harmless, so if you find one in your Florida home, it is usually best to leave it alone or gently guide it outside. You can capture it using a piece of cardboard and a jar: gently catch the spider in the glass and then slide the cardboard underneath, then release it away from your home. If the problem persists, get in touch with your local Bug Out Florida branch.

"*" indicates required fields

Company

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

Street Address*