Pest control on the Treasure Coast
Warm, humid weather means insects stay active almost all year here. Tell us what you are seeing and we pass your request to one independent local pest control company.
Pests on the Treasure Coast do not take the winter off. Mild temperatures, humidity and lots of rain keep insect populations busy for most of the year, and summer storms push them indoors looking for dry ground. Knowing what you are dealing with is the first step, because the treatment for termites has nothing in common with the treatment for ants.
What homeowners deal with here
- Termites. Florida has both subterranean termites, which come up from the soil, and drywood termites, which live inside wood and drop small pellets. Swarms in spring are a common first sign. They can damage framing, trim, cabinets and furniture for a long time before anyone notices.
- Roaches. The big ones people call palmetto bugs usually live outside and wander in. Small German roaches live and breed indoors, usually in kitchens, and need a different approach.
- Ants. Fire ants in the yard, and small ants that trail into kitchens and bathrooms.
- Rodents. Rats climb trees and wires and get into attics through small gaps. Branches touching the house make it easy.
- Mosquitoes. Standing water after rain is where they breed, so clearing gutters, buckets and plant saucers helps as much as spraying.
Termites: treatment and contracts
For subterranean termites, common treatments are a liquid barrier in the soil around the house or a bait system. For drywood termites, spot treatments can work for small areas, and tent fumigation treats the whole structure. Many homeowners keep a termite contract, often called a bond. Read it carefully. Some contracts cover retreatment only, and others also cover repair of new damage. Ask what is excluded, how often the house is inspected, and what happens if you sell.
If you are buying or selling, a wood destroying organism inspection is common. It is done by a licensed pest control company and reports visible signs of termites and damage.
One time treatment or ongoing service?
An ongoing plan with visits every month or every few months makes sense for problems that keep coming back from outside, like roaches and ants. A single treatment can work for a specific issue, like a wasp nest. Rodents usually need trapping plus sealing entry points. Ask what the plan covers, what it does not, and whether there is a charge for callbacks between visits.
Licenses, safety and cost
In Florida, pest control is licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), not by the state contractor licensing board. The business holds a license, a certified operator oversees the work, and the technicians who apply products carry identification. Ask what products will be used, whether pets and children need to stay away and for how long, and how they protect nearby water. Prices depend on the size of the house, the pest, and whether it is a one time job or a plan. Tent fumigation costs much more than a routine visit. Get written quotes.
Before the visit
- Note where and when you see the pests, and save a sample or a clear photo if you can.
- Look for droppings, wings on windowsills or small piles of pellets.
- Clear access to the attic, under sinks and the garage edges.
Related pages: lawn care for chinch bugs and lawn insects, tree service to cut back branches touching the house, and junk removal to clear clutter where pests hide.
Common questions
How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
Both swarm, often in spring. Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings that are about the same length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back ones. Termite wings often pile up on windowsills. Small piles of pellets near wood can point to drywood termites. A pest control company can confirm it.
What is a termite bond and do I need one?
A termite bond is a service contract with a pest control company. Depending on the terms, it may cover yearly inspections, retreatment if termites come back, and sometimes repair of new damage. It is not required, but many Florida homeowners keep one because termites are so common. Read the terms closely, especially exclusions and whether it transfers if you sell.
Why do I see big roaches even though my house is clean?
The large roaches many people call palmetto bugs live outdoors in mulch, leaf litter, palms and storm drains, and they wander in through gaps, garages and plumbing. Seeing one now and then is common here and does not mean the house is dirty. Sealing gaps under doors and around pipes, pulling mulch back from the wall and an outdoor perimeter treatment usually help.
How do I check a pest control company's license in Florida?
Pest control companies in Florida are licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, known as FDACS, not by the contractor licensing board. Ask the company for its business license number and check it with FDACS. The technicians who apply products should carry identification. Ask for proof of liability insurance as well.
When is tent fumigation needed?
Tent fumigation is usually recommended when drywood termites are spread through the structure or hidden in places that spot treatments cannot reach. It treats the whole house at once. You leave the home for a set period, and food, medicine and pets have to be handled according to the company's instructions. For small, easy to reach infestations, spot treatments may be an option.