Summer in Central Florida brings more than just heat and afternoon thunderstorms—it also creates the perfect conditions for pests to thrive. Warm temperatures, frequent rain, and high humidity mean insects become more active as they search for food, water, and shelter. Many of these pests don’t just live outside—they’re actively looking for ways to move into your home.
At Forest Pest Control, the majority of our summertime service calls involve ants and cockroaches, but several other pests also become more active this time of year.
Ants: Central Florida’s Most Common Summer Invaders
Ants are by far one of the most common pests homeowners encounter during the summer. Increased rainfall often floods outdoor nests, forcing colonies to relocate. At the same time, dry periods can send ants searching for moisture inside homes.
Depending on the species, colonies may nest:
- Inside walls
- Under concrete slabs
- Around plumbing penetrations
- Under mulch and landscape beds
- Beneath pavers
- In trees and shrubs
- Inside electrical outlets and wall voids
Common ant species found throughout Central Florida include:
- Ghost Ants
- White-Footed Ants
- Bigheaded Ants
- Argentine Ants
- Crazy Ants
- Carpenter Ants
- Acrobat Ants
- Fire Ants
- Pavement Ants
Each species behaves differently, which is why proper identification is so important. Some ants have multiple queens and can actually spread if improper over-the-counter treatments are used.
If you begin seeing trails of ants in your kitchen, bathrooms, pantry, or around windows, there’s often a much larger colony hidden nearby.
Cockroaches Become More Active During Summer
Cockroaches thrive in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Summer rains often drive them indoors where conditions are more stable.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches remain one of the most difficult household pests to eliminate. They reproduce extremely quickly and commonly infest:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Behind appliances
- Cabinets
- Wall voids
Because they reproduce so rapidly, early treatment is critical before populations explode.
American & Australian Cockroaches
During summer we also see a significant increase in what are known as peridomestic cockroaches—species that normally live outdoors but frequently enter homes.
These include:
- American Cockroaches
- Australian Cockroaches
- Smokybrown Cockroaches
- Oriental Cockroaches
These large roaches often enter homes through:
- Garage doors
- Utility penetrations
- Attic vents
- Crawlspaces
- Door thresholds
- Plumbing openings
Heavy rains and excessive moisture often push these insects indoors where they search for food and water.
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Moisture Is the Biggest Attraction
One common theme with nearly every summer pest is moisture.
Leaking pipes, clogged gutters, standing water, overwatered landscaping, poor drainage, and excessive humidity all create ideal conditions for insects.
Even small plumbing leaks inside walls can support large pest populations.
Other Common Summer Pests
While ants and cockroaches generate the majority of summer service calls, homeowners may also notice:
- Spiders following insect populations indoors
- Wasps and mud daubers building nests around eaves and patios
- Earwigs hiding in damp mulch and landscaping
- Silverfish around bathrooms and attics
- Millipedes entering after heavy rainfall
- Mosquitoes breeding in standing water around the property
Neglecting this simple maintenance chore can lead to significant pest infestations, costly damage to your home, and endless headaches.
Keeping these pests under control often begins with reducing moisture and sealing entry points around the home.
Tips to Help Keep Pests Outside
Homeowners can reduce pest activity by:
- Sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows
- Repairing plumbing leaks promptly
- Keeping gutters clean
- Eliminating standing water
- Trimming vegetation away from the home
- Storing food in sealed containers
- Cleaning up pet food and crumbs
- Reducing excessive mulch against the foundation
Professional perimeter treatments and regular inspections also help stop pests before they become established indoors.
Trust the Best in Your Neck of the Woods
At Forest Pest Control, we understand the unique pest pressures that Central Florida homeowners face. Our technicians identify the pest, locate where it’s living, and provide targeted treatments designed to eliminate current activity while helping prevent future infestations.
Whether you’re dealing with ants in the kitchen, roaches in the garage, or insects appearing after summer storms, our experienced team is ready to help protect your home and your family.
If pests are trying to escape the Florida heat and rain by moving into your home, give Forest Pest Control a call today. We’ll help keep them where they belong—outside.