By Jonathan Stoddard, Entomologist at Imperial Pest Prevention
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hello, my name is Jonathan Stoddard, and I am the resident entomologist at Imperial Pest Prevention. With years of research, fieldwork, and hands-on experience in pest management, I’ve witnessed firsthand the wide variety of pest issues that Florida residents face.
Florida’s warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for a multitude of pests—from the relentless termite colonies to the ever-present mosquitoes that thrive in standing water. In this comprehensive guide, I will take you on a county-by-county tour of Florida, exploring the most common pests you might encounter. I will also provide valuable insights into what makes these pests so prevalent and share tips on when to seek professional intervention.
Florida’s Unique Pest Ecosystem
Before diving into each county, it’s essential to understand why pests flourish in Florida:
Climate: Florida’s subtropical to tropical climate features mild winters and hot, humid summers. Many insects and rodents thrive in these conditions, enjoying year-round breeding cycles.
Geography: From coastlines and marshlands to densely forested regions and urban centers, Florida’s varied topography creates numerous niches where different pest species can establish themselves.
Population Density: Florida is the third most populous state in the U.S. With a higher population density come more homes, businesses, and waste—providing abundant food sources and shelter for pests.
Seasonal Changes: While Florida doesn’t have the drastic seasonal shifts of northern states, the wet and dry seasons significantly influence pest activity, often leading to spikes in mosquito and termite populations.
With that context in mind, let’s explore each Florida county’s top pest concerns. Use this as a reference whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner looking to stay one step ahead of infestations.
Top Pest Infestations by Florida County
Alphabetical List of Counties and Their Most Common Pests
Below is a county-by-county breakdown of the primary pest infestations you may encounter. Florida has 67 counties, and while many pests (like ants, termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches) are common throughout the state, certain counties have unique challenges due to their local environment, urban development, and agricultural practices.
Note: Pest prevalence can fluctuate based on neighborhood differences, storm events, new construction, and local environmental factors. This list reflects general trends.
County | Top Pest Infestations |
Alachua | Termites, ants, cockroaches (especially in Gainesville urban areas), rodents near agricultural zones. |
Baker | Rodents in rural settings, mosquitoes due to wooded wetlands, occasional termite swarms in spring. |
Bay | Cockroaches near coastal areas, mosquitoes, termites affecting beachside structures. |
Bradford | Ants (especially fire ants), termites near wooded lots, occasional bed bug issues. |
Brevard | Termites (Formosan and subterranean), mosquitoes (especially near lagoon areas), ants. |
Broward | Mosquitoes year-round, cockroaches in urban areas, fleas and ticks due to high pet ownership density, termites in coastal structures. |
Calhoun | Rodents in farmland, mosquitoes, fire ants. |
Charlotte | Termites, cockroaches, bed bugs in tourist accommodations, mosquitoes near waterways. |
Citrus | Termites in coastal and inland wooded areas, ants (fire ants and carpenter ants), mosquitoes in swampland. |
Clay | Rodents near agricultural sites, cockroaches, termites. |
Collier | Mosquitoes near the Everglades, termites, ants, occasional rodent issues in expanding urban areas. |
Columbia | Termites, cockroaches, and rodents in rural areas. |
DeSoto | Rodents in farmland, ants (fire ants), occasional mosquito surges. |
Dixie | Rodents (rats in rural buildings), mosquitoes, ants, sporadic termite swarms. |
Duval | Cockroaches (especially in Jacksonville), termites in older neighborhoods, ants, rodents in urban areas. |
Escambia | Termites (especially subterranean), cockroaches in urban Pensacola, rodents, bed bugs in multi-unit dwellings. |
Flagler | Termites (subterranean and drywood), fire ants, mosquitoes, rodents in newer developments lacking natural predators. |
Franklin | Mosquitoes, rodents (rats, mice), cockroaches, termites along the coast. |
Gadsden | Rodents in rural farmlands, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes near water bodies. |
Gilchrist | Fire ants, termites, rodents, mosquitoes. |
Glades | Rodents, termites near Lake Okeechobee, cockroaches, mosquitoes. |
Gulf | Cockroaches, mosquitoes, rodents, termites in coastal zones. |
Hamilton | Rodents in agricultural settings, ants (fire ants), termites, fleas and ticks on livestock. |
Hardee | Mosquitoes, rodents, ants, occasional bed bug incidents in densely populated areas. |
Hendry | Rodents, ants (fire ants, carpenter ants), cockroaches, termites. |
Hernando | Termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants. |
Highlands | Ants, termites, mosquitoes near lakes, cockroaches in residential areas. |
Hillsborough | Termites, cockroaches in Tampa urban zones, rodents, bed bugs in multi-family housing, mosquitoes in wet months. |
Holmes | Rodents, ants, mosquitoes, termites (especially in older wooden structures). |
Indian River | Termites (subterranean), ants, mosquitoes along lagoon areas, cockroaches in damp conditions. |
Jackson | Rodents in farmland, termites, mosquitoes, ants. |
Jefferson | Ants, mosquitoes, termites, rodents in agricultural zones. |
Lafayette | Rodents, ants, termites, mosquitoes. |
Lake | Termites, ants (fire ants, carpenter ants), mosquitoes in marshy areas, occasional rodent infestations in expanding neighborhoods. |
Lee | Cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs in tourist hotspots. |
Leon | Termites, cockroaches (especially in Tallahassee), rodents, ants in suburban developments. |
Levy | Rodents, termites, ants, mosquitoes. |
Liberty | Rodents in rural areas, ants, mosquitoes, occasional termite swarms. |
Madison | Rodents (rats, mice), termites, ants, mosquitoes near water sources. |
Manatee | Termites (Formosan, subterranean), cockroaches, ants, bed bugs in hospitality areas. |
Marion | Termites, ants (fire ants), cockroaches in urban and suburban Ocala, rodents in farmland. |
Martin | Cockroaches, termites near coastal structures, mosquitoes, ants. |
Miami-Dade | Cockroaches (especially American and German cockroaches), termites, bed bugs in high-density housing, mosquitoes, rodent issues in urban core. |
Monroe | Termites (especially drywood in Key West), mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, rodent infestations in older island structures. |
Nassau | Termites in coastal developments, cockroaches, mosquitoes, ants. |
Okaloosa | Termites (subterranean), cockroaches (especially in coastal Fort Walton Beach), rodents, ants, mosquitoes. |
Okeechobee | Rodents (mice, rats), mosquitoes near water, ants, termites in wooden structures. |
Orange | Cockroaches, termites, ants, rodents (especially in Orlando’s dense urban areas), bed bugs in tourist accommodations. |
Osceola | Bed bugs in tourist sectors, termites, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes near wetlands. |
Palm Beach | Cockroaches, termites (subterranean, drywood, Formosan), rodents, bed bugs, mosquitoes in wet months. |
Pasco | Termites, cockroaches in suburban and urban areas, ants, rodents. |
Pinellas | Termites (coastal and urban), cockroaches, rodents, bed bugs, ants. |
Polk | Termites, ants (fire ants), cockroaches, rodents, bed bugs in multi-unit complexes. |
Putnam | Termites, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes. |
Santa Rosa | Termites, mosquitoes in wooded wetlands, ants, cockroaches, rodents in farmland. |
Sarasota | Termites (subterranean, drywood), cockroaches, ants, bed bugs in tourist accommodations. |
Seminole | Termites, cockroaches, ants, rodents in suburban areas, bed bugs occasionally in multi-family housing. |
St. Johns | Termites, rodents in expanding neighborhoods, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes. |
St. Lucie | Termites, mosquitoes along coastal and inland areas, ants, cockroaches. |
Sumter | Ants (fire ants), termites, rodents in farmland, mosquitoes near swamps and lakes. |
Suwannee | Rodents, ants, termites, mosquitoes. |
Taylor | Rodents (rats in rural areas), mosquitoes in wetlands, ants, termites. |
Union | Ants (fire ants), termites, rodents, cockroaches. |
Volusia | Termites (especially in coastal areas), cockroaches, mosquitoes near beaches, rodents, ants. |
Wakulla | Mosquitoes, rodents, termites (in older wooden structures), ants. |
Walton | Termites, cockroaches in coastal properties, rodents, mosquitoes, ants. |
Washington | Rodents, termites, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes in rural wetlands. |
Detailed Look at Our Service Counties
While the above table provides a snapshot of each county’s prevalent pests, let’s take a closer look at the counties Imperial Pest Prevention proudly serves. Our service areas include St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Lake counties. These regions each have their own nuances when it comes to pest control.
St. Johns County
Location & Climate: Located in the northeastern part of Florida, St. Johns County combines coastal areas with rapidly growing residential communities.
Top Pests:
Termites – Both subterranean and drywood species, posing significant threats to older homes and coastal properties.
Rodents – Newer residential developments often displace rodents, pushing them into homes in search of food and shelter.
Cockroaches & Ants – Common in moist, humid areas, especially near water sources.
Mosquitoes – Peak during rainy seasons, especially near marshy regions.
Flagler County
Location & Climate: Situated along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Flagler County’s humid environment fosters pest activity year-round.
Top Pests:
Termites – Subterranean and drywood species can damage wooden structures.
Fire Ants – Their painful stings are a common issue in both yards and commercial properties.
Mosquitoes – Coastal wetlands and high humidity lead to ongoing mosquito challenges.
Rodents – Particularly in rapidly expanding residential zones.
Volusia County
Location & Climate: Encompassing Daytona Beach and other coastal communities, Volusia County is a mix of urban, suburban, and natural wetlands.
Top Pests:
Termites – Formosan and subterranean species are especially destructive.
Cockroaches – Drawn to the county’s warm, humid conditions.
Mosquitoes – Often prevalent in coastal and marshy areas.
Rodents & Ants – Common in both residential and commercial structures.
Brevard County
Location & Climate: Known for the Space Coast, Brevard has substantial coastal areas, wetlands, and urban developments.
Top Pests:
Termites – Subterranean and drywood infestations can compromise buildings near the coastline.
Mosquitoes – Lagoon regions and wetlands make mosquito control a constant battle.
Ants – Fire ants and carpenter ants frequently invade yards and homes.
Cockroaches – Flourish in the damp, warm environment.
Orange County
Location & Climate: Home to Orlando’s bustling tourism industry, Orange County has dense urban areas and numerous lakes.
Top Pests:
Termites – Subterranean termites can cause severe structural damage if left unchecked.
Cockroaches – Large population centers, warm weather, and abundant food sources contribute to high roach activity.
Rodents – Common in cities where garbage and shelter are plentiful.
Bed Bugs – Tourists and travel can lead to bed bug outbreaks in hotels and residences.
Osceola County
Location & Climate: Adjacent to Orange County, Osceola County also boasts a significant tourism sector, with wetlands and suburban areas.
Top Pests:
Bed Bugs – High turnover in tourist accommodations increases the risk of infestations.
Termites – Subterranean species frequently invade wooden structures.
Cockroaches – Particularly prevalent in humid environments with dense housing.
Ants – Fire ants are common in lawns, while pharaoh ants may appear indoors.
Lake County
Location & Climate: True to its name, Lake County features numerous lakes, wetlands, and growing residential developments.
Top Pests:
Termites – Both subterranean and drywood, especially near older lakefront properties.
Ants – Fire ants and carpenter ants pose threats to lawns and wooden structures.
Mosquitoes – Water bodies provide breeding grounds for a range of mosquito species.
Rodents – As neighborhoods expand, rodents seek new food and shelter sources.
Why Choose Imperial Pest Prevention
Choosing the right pest control company can be the difference between a one-time fix and a long-term solution. At Imperial Pest Prevention, we pride ourselves on:
Expertise and Credentials
Our team includes certified entomologists and seasoned pest control specialists. I, Jonathan Stoddard, bring years of academic and field research in entomology to guide our team’s strategies.
Customized Treatment Plans
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re dealing with termites, rodents, or bed bugs, each county, neighborhood, and home requires a tailored method.
Environmentally Responsible Methods
We prioritize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques that minimize environmental impact, ensuring the health and safety of you, your family, and local ecosystems.
Advanced Technology and Research
The latest scientific findings back our methods. We stay updated with emerging pest control technologies and adapt our techniques to meet Florida’s unique challenges.
Preventive Approach
Beyond eliminating existing pests, our team implements preventive measures such as sealing entry points, moisture control, and routine inspections to stop future infestations.
Responsive Customer Service
We understand pest emergencies can be stressful. Our customer support is prompt, and we offer flexible scheduling to address issues quickly.
Local Knowledge
We specialize in the unique pest pressures of St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Lake counties, tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of each environment.
Florida’s year-round warm and humid climate makes it a hotspot for various pests—from voracious termites to resourceful rodents. Each of Florida’s 67 counties faces its own pest challenges, influenced by geography, population density, and local environmental conditions.
As an entomologist at Imperial Pest Prevention, I’m proud to bring my expertise and passion for pest management to our communities. Whether you live in a coastal region plagued by mosquitoes or an inland suburb battling ants and termites, staying informed and proactive is key. We offer comprehensive pest control solutions that eliminate existing problems and prevent future infestations, all while putting your health and safety first.
If you’re located in St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Brevard, Orange, Osceola, or Lake counties, we invite you to experience the Imperial Pest Prevention difference. Our commitment to expertise, customized solutions, environmental responsibility, and unparalleled customer service sets us apart. Don’t let pests compromise your comfort or property value—reach out today to safeguard your home or business.
For more information, or to schedule an inspection, contact Imperial Pest Prevention. We’re here to help you reclaim your space from unwanted intruders.