Living in Ocala has its perks—beautiful weather, lush greenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. But with Florida’s warm and humid climate also comes an unwanted downside: pests. From termites eating away at your home’s structure to mosquitoes turning your backyard into an itchy nightmare, pests can cause more than just frustration.
The good news?
Many pest problems can be avoided with early detection and proper prevention. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to keep your living space pest-free or a business owner looking to protect your property, understanding the most common pests in Ocala—and how to stop them—is the first step toward a pest-free life.
How to Identify:
Have you noticed hollow-sounding wood or small mud tubes along your walls? Maybe you’ve found discarded wings near your windows? These could be signs of termites, one of the most destructive pests in Florida.
Why They Are a Problem:
Termites don’t just invade homes—they eat through them. They cause over $5 billion in property damage each year in the U.S. alone. The worst part? Most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover termite damage.
Prevention Tips:
To avoid costly repairs, keep woodpiles away from your home, reduce moisture near your foundation, and schedule an annual termite inspection. Since termites often work unnoticed, professional inspections are key to catching them before they cause serious damage.
How to Identify:
Ants are easy to spot—just follow the trail leading to your kitchen. If you’re noticing tiny dirt mounds near your sidewalks or foundation, fire ants may also be nearby.
Why They Are a Problem:
Some ants, like fire ants, have painful stings, while others, like sugar ants, invade your home in search of food. They might seem harmless at first, but once an ant colony settles in, getting rid of them can be a nightmare.
Prevention Tips:
To keep ants out, store food in sealed containers, clean up spills immediately, and seal any cracks around windows and doors. If you already have an ant problem, bait stations are more effective than spraying, as they target the entire colony rather than just the ants you see.
How to Identify:
If you step outside in the early morning or evening and immediately get swarmed by mosquitoes, you’ve got a problem. Mosquito breeding grounds often include standing water in birdbaths, gutters, and plant saucers.
Why They Are a Problem:
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying; they’re dangerous. They can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Prevention Tips:
To reduce mosquito populations, eliminate standing water around your yard, use outdoor fans (mosquitoes hate wind!), and wear insect repellent when spending time outside. For severe mosquito problems, professional treatments can help keep them under control.
How to Identify:
Droppings, gnaw marks on wires or furniture, and scratching noises in the walls at night are all telltale signs of rodents.
Why They Are a Problem:
Rodents carry diseases, chew through electrical wiring (which can cause fires), and contaminate food. In short, they’re not houseguests you want to keep around.
Prevention Tips:
To keep rodents out, seal up gaps around doors, windows, and pipes. Store food in airtight containers, and regularly check your attic and garage for signs of activity. If you suspect a rodent problem, act fast—rats and mice reproduce quickly, turning a small problem into a major infestation.
How to Identify:
If you wake up with red, itchy bites in clusters or notice small bloodstains on your sheets, bed bugs may be the culprit. They also leave behind tiny dark fecal spots on mattresses and furniture.
Why They Are a Problem:
Bed bugs don’t spread diseases, but they’re incredibly difficult to eliminate once they settle in. They hide in mattress seams, furniture, and even electrical outlets, coming out at night to feed.
Prevention Tips:
Before bringing secondhand furniture into your home, inspect it carefully. When traveling, check hotel mattresses and headboards for signs of bed bugs. Washing bedding on high heat can help kill bed bugs, but once an infestation takes hold, professional treatment is usually required.
While some pest issues can be managed with DIY methods, others require expert intervention. If you’ve tried prevention techniques and are still dealing with infestations, calling a professional is the best way to ensure the problem is fully resolved.
Professional pest control services provide customized solutions tailored to your specific needs, helping you avoid repeat infestations and costly damage.
Keeping pests out of your home or business isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your property, health, and peace of mind. With Ocala’s warm climate creating the perfect conditions for pests to thrive, prevention is key. Simple strategies like sealing entry points, eliminating moisture, and maintaining cleanliness can go a long way, but for persistent issues, professional pest control is the best solution.
At Scotties Pro Pest Control, we specialize in keeping homes and businesses pest-free with effective, eco-friendly solutions. If you’re dealing with a pest problem—or want to prevent one—contact us today for a professional inspection and customized treatment plan.