Seasonal Pest Control Checklist for Florida Homeowners (2025 Edition)
- Jon Stoddard
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Jonathan Stoddard, Entomologist at Imperial Pest Prevention
If you have lived in Florida for any length of time, you already know we share our paradise with more than just beaches and palm trees; we share it with pests. From mosquitoes that thrive in the rainy season to palmetto bugs sneaking indoors after a storm, it can feel like every season brings a new challenge. Florida’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect breeding ground for pests year-round, which makes prevention essential for every homeowner. As an entomologist with Imperial Pest Prevention, I have created this seasonal pest control checklist to guide Florida homeowners through the most common pest threats of each season. By following these proven Florida pest control tips, you can protect your home, safeguard your family, and stay pest-free regardless of what the calendar says.
Why Seasonal Pest Control Matters in Florida
Florida’s warm, humid climate is a paradise for pests. With a rainy season from mid-May through mid-October, a hurricane season spanning June through November, and mild winters, homes here face year-round pest pressure. Staying ahead with a seasonal checklist helps protect your property from costly infestations and keeps your living space safe and healthy.
Spring (March–May): Termite & Mosquito Preparation
Spring is when pest activity ramps up. Termites and mosquitoes emerge early, and prevention now saves big headaches later.
Spring Checklist
✅ Schedule a termite inspection; subterranean termites swarm from January through May.
✅ Look for discarded termite wings near windowsills and doors.
✅ Seal exterior gaps, install door sweeps, and repair torn screens.
✅ Keep mulch 2–3 inches deep and at least 12 inches away from siding.
✅ Clear gutters and direct water away from your foundation.
✅ Begin weekly mosquito water dumps (birdbaths, toys, containers).
✅ Prune dense vegetation to reduce mosquito and roach harborage.
✅ Apply fire ant baits on dry days (avoid just before rainfall).
Summer (June–August): Peak Pest Season
Summer brings heavy rains, heat, and booming pest populations. Mosquitoes, termites, roaches, ants, fleas, and ticks are at their worst.
Summer Checklist
✅ Maintain weekly water checks for mosquito control.
✅ Repair window/door screens and run fans on patios.
✅ Watch for drywood termite frass (tiny wood pellets).
✅ Store firewood on raised racks, not against the house.
✅ Eliminate clutter and leaf litter to deter palmetto bugs (large roaches).
✅ Keep food sealed; ghost ants love sweet foods.
✅ Vacuum carpets weekly and wash pet bedding hot/dry.
✅ Follow your vet’s flea/tick prevention plan (fleas persist year-round).
Fall (September–November): Rodent Exclusion & Storm Recovery
As rains taper off, rodents and other pests look for warm shelter, often inside your home.
Fall Checklist
✅ Seal attic vents with ¼-inch hardware cloth.
✅ Replace worn weatherstripping and door seals.
✅ Prune tree branches 6–8 feet away from the roof.
✅ Store pet/bird food in sealed containers.
✅ Check attics for signs of roof rats (droppings, gnaw marks, nests).
✅ After hurricanes or storms, remove yard debris promptly (it shelters pests).
✅ Continue monitoring for drywood termite activity.
Winter (December – February): Indoor Pest and Rodent Control
Florida winters are mild, so pests don’t entirely disappear; they move indoors.
Winter Checklist
✅ Deep-clean kitchens (behind appliances, grease traps, and drip pans).
✅ Fix plumbing leaks and reduce indoor humidity.
✅ Inspect attics for rodent nests and gnaw marks.
✅ Use dehumidifiers where needed (aim for 50–60% RH).
✅ Maintain German cockroach monitors; they thrive indoors year-round.
✅ Continue tick checks on pets during warm days.
Room-by-Room Pest Prevention Checklist
Exterior & Yard
Seal gaps around pipes and doors
Maintain a 12–18 inch vegetation-free perimeter
Keep mulch thin and away from siding
Prune trees and shrubs off the roof
Dump standing water every week.
Cap chimneys and secure vents with mesh
Garage & Attic
Store items in sealed bins away from the floor.
Inspect for rub marks, droppings, and gnawing
Use rodent-proof trash bins
Kitchen
Wipe counters and floors nightly
Store dry foods in airtight containers
Fix leaks under sinks
Empty trash daily
Pet Areas
Wash pet bedding weekly (hot/dry)
Vacuum thoroughly
Follow vet flea/tick protocols year-round
Florida Pest Quick Guides
Termites
Active March–October, peaking midsummer.
Control with source reduction, screens, and repellents.
Palmetto Bugs (Large Roaches)
Thrive outdoors but invade during heavy rains.
Ghost Ants
Prefer sweets; best controlled with sanitation and baits.
Common in attics and palm trees.
Exclude, sanitize, and trap.
Ticks & Fleas
FAQs
When is mosquito season in Florida? From March through October, peaking in midsummer.
When do termites swarm in Florida? Subterranean termites swarm January through May; drywood termites swarm in late spring and summer.
What are palmetto bugs? A Florida nickname for large cockroaches (American and Florida woods roaches).
Do ticks survive winter in Florida ? Yes. Florida’s mild winters allow ticks to remain active year-round.
How often should I get a termite inspection? At least once a year, ideally before spring swarm season.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s unique climate makes pest control a year-round necessity, not a seasonal chore. By following this seasonal pest control checklist, you can prevent the most common threats that plague Florida homes, including termites, mosquitoes, roaches, ants, rodents, fleas, and ticks. Consistent prevention not only protects your property but also safeguards your health and peace of mind.
Still, even the most vigilant homeowner can miss the subtle signs of an infestation. That is where the experts step in. At Imperial Pest Prevention, we combine scientific expertise with proven treatments to stop pests before they cause costly damage. Do not wait until you see pests inside; schedule your professional inspection today and enjoy the confidence of a pest-free home all year long.
📞 Call Imperial Pest Prevention now to book your inspection and let Florida’s pest seasons work on our schedule, not yours.