Florida Ridge Pest Control

Most Common Pests in West Palm Beach, FL 

If you are looking for pest control services in your area, Terminix is here to help. With our branch conveniently located near the Palm Beach Airport, Terminix services the entire Greater West Palm Beach Metro Region including Norwood, Palm Beach Lakes, and Bel Air.

When you have an infestation on your hands, time is of the essence! Having a knowledgeable, experienced team of exterminators near you can help you get rid of unwanted pests and restore order to your home.

Termites

Termites aren't just a nuisance. They can pose a danger to your home and wallet. The most common termite species in the West Palm Beach area is the eastern subterranean termite. These termites are active year-round, living in colonies beneath the soil, entering your home via any foundation that touches the ground. They build mud tunnels upwards, branching into your home. Once entrenched, they will seek out cellulose, their primary source of food, which is found in wood.

Ants

The most common ant species in West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce, FL are carpenter ants. These ants love moist wood and often settle in bathroom furniture, around sinks, in poorly-sealed windows and in door frames. While small and seemingly harmless, ants can carry a variety of disease-causing pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella, contaminating your food in the process as they forage for easy pickings from your pantry. Although they are especially active between March and October, they can cause property damage year round once they have breached your walls.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches aren't just unsightly insects. They can pose a hazard to your health and environment due to the fact that they may carry disease-causing pathogens into your home. They thrive on crumbs left out, and also require moisture to survive. This is why you may encounter them frequently in your kitchen – a place that can provide them with their basic necessities. Without professional assistance, it's impossible to get rid of them completely. The most common species of cockroach in the West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce area is the German cockroach.

In a building, cockroaches hide in any crevice they can find. These pests remain active all year round. Usually, they come out at night. However, if you have a sizable infestation, you can see them crawling around in the daytime.

Silverfish

Silverfish can cause damage to your food, books, and clothing. They prefer dark, damp and cluttered spaces. You'll often find them in bathrooms, attics, garages, and basements. In Florida, silverfish are especially active in the wintertime. In fact, they are the most common winter pest in the state.

Bed bugs

Although bed bugs are active year round, infestations often begin around August and September, when household members return from vacations and bring these avid – and unwelcome – travelers home on their luggage. These pests emerge from their hiding places at night, in search of an easy blood meal, feasting on you while you sleep and leaving behind itchy red marks. Bed bugs will frequently hide around beds, in mattress seams and headboard crevices.

Ticks

Ticks can pose a serious health threat that needs to be addressed as soon as possible if found on your property. These pests are especially active in spring and summer. However, some species are also active in fall and winter. Ticks prefer shady and damp areas. You can usually find them clinging to tall grass or short shrubs. Once they latch onto a person or animal, they leech blood from them, but can also impart disease-causing pathogens, including those that lead to Lyme Disease.

Fleas

Fleas are a big problem for both humans and their pets. Fleas can carry disease-causing pathogens, as well as leave behind a series of itchy bites. These pests are especially active in the spring, summer, and fall. During the day, they become active at sunset. Once inside your home, fleas can hide in cracks and crevices near food sources. For example, you can find them in dog bedding, furniture or upholstery.

Mosquitoes

In addition to leaving behind itchy bites, mosquitoes have a long history of carrying disease-causing pathogens, making them more than just a warm weather nuisance that can ruin your day outdoors. These pests prefer shade and high humidity. Outside, they usually hide in grass and shrubs. In Florida, mosquitos are usually active during spring, summer, and early fall.

Rodents

The most common rodents in the West Palm Beach area are house mice, deer mice, Norway mice and roof (palm) rats. These pests can hide in kitchen cabinets, voids behind kitchen appliances and in furniture, as well as inside storage boxes.

Rodents usually enter houses when the weather gets colder in the winter. They are mostly active at night, however, if the infestation is severe, you can meet them during the daytime, too.