Tampa’s Top 5 pest

Tampa’s pests come in many forms. Homeowners must contend with a range of insects, arachnids and rodents. A national survey conducted in 2010 found that Tampa was the state with the most insect pests, according to the Orlando Business Journal.

• 1. Bedbugs have become a major pest in Tampa during recent years. When an infestation occurs, people often find small reddish stains on their beds. These insects bite humans and cause itchy bumps. Some people are also allergic to them. Bedbugs remain rather difficult to exterminate.
• 2. Cockroaches favor Tampa’s hot, humid climate. They leave feces in the home and produce an oily smell. Although they seldom bite humans, cockroaches often contaminate food. They carry parasitic worms and bacteria, according to Medical News Today.
• 3. Termites are also a serious problem in Tampa. These insects hide in walls, so they often go undetected for months. Signs of an infestation include tiny droppings and mud tunnels around the base of a building. Termites can kill trees and cause walls to collapse.
• 4. Various types of ants make their way into buildings. They sometimes tunnel through sweet foods, such as bags of sugar. These insects deliver painful bites if disturbed. Like termites, carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wood structures.
• 5. Mice invade many homes in Tampa as well. Homeowners may find mouse hair, damaged food containers or shredded paper. Mice are more harmful than they look. They can spread fleas, contaminate food and chew wires. If a mouse dies inside a wall, it will create a very unpleasant odor.

Most types of pests reproduce quite rapidly. As they increase in number, it becomes far more difficult to fully remove them. It’s best to contact a professional Pest Control service provider when the first sign of an insect or mouse infestation appears.