Protecting your home from pests is important, especially for Florida residents. In Florida, the subtropical and tropical climates encourage the natural growth and survival of many insect species. Some of these insects prefer the outdoors, but there are many that prefer to live and dwell in your home.
Consequently, your structure could be the perfect habitat for pests that could have damaging effects. Below you will find valuable information on how you can prevent insect pests from entering your home and what to do if they have already established themselves.
Bed Bugs
In the United States, bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) cost over $300 million a year to control, with an average cost per home of $1,000. Bed bugs are found worldwide and have been traced as far back as 400 B.C. in Greece. They were introduced into North America in the 1700s with the early European colonists.
Bed bugs were well controlled through the 1950s until chemicals like DDT were banned. Now, however, they have made a comeback and can be found throughout Florida and the entire United States. Their resurgence is due to a number of factors, including more international travel, lack of public awareness, and the bedbug’s resistance to pesticides.
Florida Structural Fumigation Information
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates and licenses Florida’s pest control industry. FDACS is authorized by law to conduct investigations to determine if any documented violations of the Florida Structural Pest Control Act (Chapter 482, Florida Statutes) or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) have occurred. Documented violations are subject to administrative action. FDACS does not have authority to arbitrate any claims for personal or property damage or to adjudicate settlements.
Consumers who have questions can call 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).
What Is Structural Fumigation?
Structural Fumigation is a pest control method for eliminating pests such as termites. It involves covering a structure with a tarp or tent and filling the airspace with pesticide in a gas form, such as sulfuryl fluoride. Only certified applicators can perform structural fumigation.
FDACS Inspections
FDACS routinely performs inspections to ensure that fumigations are being performed by the industry in compliance with the pesticide label and applicable law and rules.
Termites
In Florida, termites cause more damage to structures than fires, floods and storms combined. It is very important to protect your home from these very destructive insects. Good construction and proper maintenance of your home is the first step. Since your homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by termites, hiring a licensed pest control company to inspect and treat your home is the next recommended step.
There are many species of termites in Florida, and new species introductions can occur at any time. Florida’s climate and environmental conditions are highly favorable for termites to thrive. Currently, Florida has four known types of termites, commonly referred to as dampwood, drywood, subterranean, and conehead termites. Subterranean termites are the most destructive type, causing billions of dollars of damage to structures annually. The second most destructive would be drywood termites. The conehead termite is a new invasive type of termite that also causes damage to structures. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has been working to eradicate the conehead termite because of its localized infestation in the Dania Beach and Pompano Beach areas of Florida.
It is very important to properly identify the type of termite that could possibly be infesting your home so that proper treatments can be conducted. Treatments will vary depending on the type of termite identified. Your local Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) county extension office is very helpful in identifying termites, their damage and evidence.
FDACS regulates and licenses Florida’s pest control industry. FDACS is authorized by law to conduct investigations to determine if any documented violations of the Florida Structural Pest Control Act (Chapter 482, Florida Statutes) or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) have occurred. Documented violations are subject to administrative actions. FDACS does not have authority to arbitrate any claims for personal or property damage or to adjudicate settlements.
For information specific to the different types of termites found in Florida, browse through the following FDACS webpages:
