Roaches, Fleas and Ticks, Oh My!

No matter where you live, there are insect pests that can cause you problems. And no matter your climate, the insect pests behave the same in and around your home. The only difference the region makes is that in some areas of the country, or even within your state, the insects are more prevalent because they have more places to live and a climate that favors them. Pest control specialists will tell you that they can come in and fumigate your home and yard, but unless you take steps to create an unfriendly environment for the pests, they will be back, and so will your exterminator.

Roaches aside for the moment, it is worth understanding that fleas and ticks thrive in certain environments and enter your home in similar ways. Ticks and fleas like dry, shaded areas in which to live. In your yard, it could be the same place that your dog or cat enjoys in the heat of the day. Unfortunately, once they lay their head to sleep the ticks and fleas see dinner, and a lot of it.

Once ticks and fleas are in your home, usually by hitching a ride on your pet, it is difficult to get rid of them. You put flea and tick collars on your pets, you treat them with veterinary strength insecticides and shampoos and you vigorously vacuum, sweep and clean your home. But sometimes it isn’t enough. You probably avoid taking your dog into public areas you know have high flea and tick populations, but have you thought about your yard? If you haven’t, you should. Your yard, which is probably where your furry friends spend their most outside time, is the source of your problem and unless it, too, is treated, you are fighting a never-ending battle. As your Melbourne, Florida pest control company, we know just what to do. Call us.

Roaches are an entirely different matter. Though the German cockroach is the most common, in Cocoa, Florida it is far more common to see the American cockroach, the Florida woods cockroach, or the various roaches lumped together as Palmetto Bugs. These roaches are generally found outdoors. They get into your home by being carried in or they come in through open windows, cracks and gaps around doors, windows and plumbing fixtures. Prevention is best and probably the simplest way to start. Caulk these gaps and make sure your windows and doors are in good repair. Remove the clutter! Make sure there is no organic garbage they can get into and once you have prepared your home, call in the exterminators.