In addition to creating extreme annoyance and discomfort, ticks are efficient vectors of a number of very serious diseases of man and his domestic animals. In recent years, the ascent of Lyme Disease as a public health threat has focused attention on ticks and tick-borne diseases. Ticks transmit viral and bacterial diseases such as: Lyme Disease, tick fever, encephalitis, relapsing fever, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, pox, ehrlichiosis, endemic typhus and a protozoan causing babesiosis. They can also cause allergic reactions, such as tick bite paralysis. Ticks are blood sucking feeders of mammals, birds and reptiles and are capable of carrying and transmitting more than one pathogen at a time. Avoid tick bites when working in the yard or garden or walking along grassy or wooded trails.

Termites are among the most ancient of insects. In nature, termites are very beneficial since they reduce and recycle fallen and decaying wood. For the unfortunate homeowner, however, they can cause structural damage to the unprotected home resulting in significant and costly repairs. People often confuse termites with ants, especially the winged forms of both insects which often swarm at the same time of year. There are several key differences in their appearance. Termite workers are soft-bodied and light colored, whereas ants are hard-bodied and generally darker. Termites have straight antennae and a broad thorax, while ants have crooked antennae and a (waist) constricted thorax. Ants are deadly enemies of termites, but termites can and do establish themselves in areas occupied by ants and can actually carry on destruction in wood, a portion of which is occupied by ants. Termites live in large colonies and divide their work among specialized members. Each colony has a unique odor, enabling members to recognize nest mates and communicate by “trophallaxis”, the mutual exchange of nutrients between colony members. A colony can have multiple nesting sites which are interconnected. Temperature has a strong effect on termite foraging and seasonal activity. In Florida, where winters are mild, termites are active throughout the year, with “swarming” usually occurring in the spring. Termites require a constant supply of moisture, a large part of which comes from the soil. Termites are able to detect vibrations, becoming immediately aroused when the wood in which they are working is disturbed. No wood is immune to termite attack. Drywall and plaster are commonly penetrated by termites and they have been known to chew through stucco. The larger the termite foraging population, the greater the potential for damage.

All spiders are predatory and feed upon living prey. Often voracious eaters, they can be beneficial by reducing insect populations. Therefore, large numbers of spiders can be a sign of a more extensive pest problem. Spiders affect human health in three primary ways: annoyance or fear, allergic reaction, and with their venom. Neurotoxic venom travels the nervous system and can cause abdominal cramps, sweating, hypertension, nausea, leg cramps, vomiting, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties, heart irregularities and even death. Cytotoxic venom causes tissue death, generally located at the site of the bite. Young children and the elderly are most at risk. Spiders seldom bite people, and though all possess poison glands, few are considered harmful. However, some spiders are of concern due to the dangerous nature of their bites. Widow spiders, usually black with a reddish hour glass shaped marking, cause more apprehension than any other spiders. The Brown Recluse spider is not common in Florida, but can be reported due to transport of commerce or domestic household goods.

Silverfish are nuisance pests. They feed on the starchy paste of wallpaper and books, gnaw through strands of natural textiles, and can foul an area with their feces. They are common to newly constructed homes as the wooden structure ages. The silverfish has scales with a metallic steel gray sheen and flattened bodies. Silverfish are capable of swift movement and are known for their ability to move sideways or even jump when disturbed. Silverfish can hide in very small cracks and crevices, within the confines of narrow book bindings, the loose pages of books, or in the corrugations of cardboard. Silverfish can do significant damage to paper products, linen, cotton and rayon items.

Rodents are capable of causing electrical fires due to their constant gnawing. They can spread diseases such as Salmonella, Rickettsia, Smallpox, Lymphocytic choriomenigitis, and others.

The roaches’ ability to survive surpasses all other creatures on earth, their history reaching back to 350 million years ago. Cockroaches are born scavengers. They are found near hot water pipes, kitchen sinks, behind stoves and refrigerators, under kitchen and dining room tables, and in any cracks or crevices big enough for them to hide. Roaches pilfer food, leaving behind their secretions, and contaminating dishes, utensils, packaging, clothing, and stored items. Roaches are a huge source of embarrassment and cause many to express health related concerns. Studies show that roaches are capable of obtaining, harboring, and transferring pathogenic agents to the environment or food of humans. They have also been known to carry virus, fungi and parasitic worms. Roaches have most commonly been implicated as carriers of Salmonella, a cause of food poisoning. There has also been a strong relationship between roaches and the transference of infectious hepatitis. The secretions of roaches have serious effects on allergies, cause dermatitis and conjunctival edema. Cockroach control is considered as a component of disease management.

The American cockroach, also known as the palmetto bug particularly in the southern United States, is the largest species of common cockroach, and often considered a pest. American cockroach adults grow to an average length of 1.6 inches. They are reddish brown and can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is considered one of the fastest running insects. American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm temperatures and do not tolerate cold. In residential areas, these cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. In cold weather these cockroaches may move indoors, seeking warmer temperatures and food. Cockroaches may enter houses through sewer connections, under doors, around plumbing, air ducts, or other openings in the foundation. The American cockroach is a scavenger that feeds on decaying organic matter and a variety of other foods. It is particularly fond of fermenting foods.

Flies breed quickly and can lay hundreds of eggs every few days. Their eggs can hatch in as little as 12-24 hours. Maggots begin feeding immediately. Flies often come from rotting and disease laden garbage and are known for contaminating food in exposed areas. They spread disease through pathogenic bacteria that can cause Staph, E.coli, Salmonella and Shingles.

Fleas commonly feed on our dogs or cats, giving them easy access to ourselves and our homes. They are well known for the nuisance and health problems they cause to our pets. The greatest risk to humans exists at urban/rural interfaces, parks and recreation areas.  Their chief fame in history rests in their ability to transmit disease to humans. One of the important diseases carried by fleas is Murine Typhus (Rickettsia), which causes headaches, chills and skin rashes, with the involvement of the kidneys and central nervous system.  Murine Typhus occurs prominently along the southeastern, southwestern and gulf coasts. Fleas from cats have also been implicated in the transmission of Bartonella, causing cat scratch disease in humans. People infected with Bartonella have painful enlarged lymph nodes, fever, and even life threatening complications.

Earwigs are dark reddish brown, brownish to black in color, narrow bodied, elongate and somewhat flattened insects. Earwigs are active at night and hide during the day, preferring to rest in dark, moist cracks. Large numbers commonly seek shelter inside and around building exteriors and homes, making the Earwig a common household pest. They are found in newspaper bundles, boxes, laundries, clothing closets, and kitchen drawers and can even burrow in a loaf of bread. No part of the house seems to be entirely free from earwigs, not even the roof. While their bite has never proven serious it can be extremely uncomfortable.

Bed Bugs have made a recent resurgence all across the United States and are now being found in high-end hotels, bed and breakfasts, homes, apartment complexes, hospitals, movie theaters, cruise ships and college residence halls. Traveling is among the most likely way to introduce Bed Bugs. The early detection of Bed Bugs is very difficult. In many cases Bed Bugs will go undetected during an inspection particularly during the early stages of an infestation when only a few bugs or eggs are present. Even the most qualified inspector will be challenged when the entire infestation consists of two eggs that were laid on a piece of luggage to hitch hike a ride to your home. Bed bugs are mostly active at night and extremely shy and wary. Bed bugs feed on the blood of human hosts, much like cows at a trough. Their bite is generally painless and many victims are unaware that they have been bitten. Bed bug bites however, are a severe nuisance. Some people respond to bites with inflamed spots and severe itching. Over 28 disease pathogens have been found in bed bugs.

Ants have succeeded in replacing other types of structural pests as the number one pest in homes in many parts of the United States. Proper identification by a pest control professional is vital to the control and elimination of ant infestations. Ants can pose serious health risks and should not be tolerated because of their potential for disease transmission. Ants have been known to carry Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Clostridium and Bordetella.  Ants are annoying and at times dangerous because of their bites and/or stings and certain ants can cause damage to wooden structures. Ants have even been known to make nests in computers.

Consult a Professional

Regardless of what pest is pestering you, consult a pest control professional.
Common pest control techniques can often compound your pest problem by re-routing pest activity. The misapplication of chemicals in the home can cause the formation of new nests, as well as potentially contaminating your environment.  Call on a pest control specialist who can properly identify the pest, treat infested areas with the proper products and take back control of your home and environment for you.