What to know about pest control in Florida
Florida's heat and humidity let pests thrive all year, and several of the worst ones are invasive species. Termites damage the structure of the house, while rats and cockroaches cause trouble inside. The state licenses the pest control industry, so you can check a company before it starts work.
Common pests in Florida
The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) studies these pests closely.
- Subterranean termites. Two invasive termites, the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite, have spread well beyond South Florida. Formosan termites are now established in most coastal counties and major cities, and Asian subterranean termites are moving steadily north. See our page on termites.
- Drywood termites. The West Indian drywood termite is common in Florida. It leaves small, hard pellets below the wood it is eating. Drywood termites live very differently from subterranean termites, so make sure the inspector identifies which one you have.
- Rats and mice. UF/IFAS lists the roof rat as Florida's main suburban rat. Roof rats can chew through wires, and rats and house mice can spread disease. See our page on rodents.
- Cockroaches. The German cockroach is the most serious cockroach in apartments and condominiums, and people often carry it in on boxes and bags. The larger American cockroach often gets in through drains. See our page on cockroaches.
Who licenses pest control companies in Florida
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) licenses the pest control industry under the state's Structural Pest Control Act. The department's pest control page explains licensing and links to its pest control database search, where you can look up licensed pest control companies and applicators.
How to check a company before you hire
- Look up the company and its applicators in the FDACS pest control database.
- For termites, ask which termite they found and what evidence shows it, and which treatment they recommend.
- Ask how many follow-up inspections are included and whether the warranty covers retreatment only or repairs too.
- Get the inspection report, the treatment plan and any warranty in writing.
- Read reviews from other Florida customers. If you've hired a company, you can write a review, and you can read how reviews work.
