Insects are everywhere. Even before the inception of the human race, the insects existed. The tropics and Florida host a wide range of insects and pests. Apart from the native pests, there are invasive species in Florida from international boundaries or by accident. These pests are known to transmit diseases to not only humans but even your garden, your landscapes and your lawns. This might hamper the value and the appearance for the landscape if left unattended and unchecked.
Based on the feeding habits and ways of the insect the intensity and signs of damage in the landscape varies. Some insects have piercing-sucking mouthparts while some have chewing mouthparts that leave holes and tears in leaves. These further cause yellowing, wilting, and browning the plants.
What Pests Are Common in Florida
The most common pests of Florida are:
Fire Ants:
Are you aware of fire ants? Well these are those aggressive red ants you might have encountered in your backyard or home, running around. Florida is home to such fire ants in large numbers, mainly in huge open fields or lawns. Basically these ants nest in dry and sunny locations. These ants build their nests that look dome-like and can go upto 3 feet tall. The fire ants build a colony of 2,50,000 and go on stinging unwanted intruders. You can call us for clearing them out on the lawns.
Whiteflies:
Many Florida owners are severely facing problems with the whiteflies. They have got their name from the waxy, white substance covering their entire bodies and wings. Whiteflies cause immense damage to the plants being small in shape and size like moths. If you have ever noticed white spirals on the bottom of the leaves, it is the work of a whitefly. This infestation is laying of eggs on the underside of the leaf which is not easily visible to the human eye. After the eggs are hatched, the whiteflies suck on the sap of the leaves for nutrients with their needle-like mouth.
Chinch Bugs:
Yet another mighty little beast insect causing havoc on your property and all through your lawns are chinch bugs. These pests have silver wings and
black bodies that cause severe damage to the sidewalks and driveways. Large yellow patches and brown patches throughout the garden area are the work of these chinch bugs. You will have to seek immediate professional help.
Mosquitoes:
The most common and the most annoying pest that the entire world is bugged with are the mosquitoes. Everyone would have been bitten by a
mosquito in their lifetime. These insects, although small, are notoriously bloodsucking, itch generating and bump creating pests. They live in the yards, lawns and landscapes that have moisture and dampness in them. They breed in there and create an army to spread diseases like yellow fever, malaria and many more.
At Down To Earth Landscape, protecting and maintaining your lawn appearance, landscape and garden is our goal by eventually protecting your health. Our weed and pest control services, fertilization, are based on eliminating insects, disease to prevent the costly replacement of your grass, shrubs or trees. Our highly trained specialists have beyond 30 years experience in yard and landscape maintenance. Our equipment and application methods have proven to effectively maintain and protect your property and the environment.