Florida Pests That Call Swimming Holes Home

Summertime in Florida is the prime season to find the nearest place to cool down. And in the interior counties of the state, some of our pristine ponds, springs, and lakes tend to fit this bill. But with this great abundance of natural swimming holes, we also have a wealth of creatures that live in those very same places. Experts in Orlando pest control, we at Apex put together a trio you should be on the lookout for the most over these warm and humid summer days.

From ladybugs to caterpillars and every bee, spider, fly or bug between, almost any insect can end up in your swimming pool water. For these three common Florida pests, the hot summer months also provoke a change in behavior. And for some of them, they are simply uncommon to find in our colder and drier winter months.

Mosquitoes: They bloom in the summer, and it all starts with water. Any lake, spring, or even river will be the spot to have maximum concentrations of this relentless pest. This will be true of all times of the year, but the summer is the peak. This summer, we’ve had a dry and warm start that has led into an extremely wet June and July. That’s led to a sudden explosion in mosquito numbers. Remember to use bug spray, wear long clothing, and avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn. Mosquitos typically thrive on stagnant water so if your pool pump is broken, it is imperative to take steps before it gets out of hand.

Water Boatmen: Water Boatmen are unusual among water pests in that they are mostly non-predatory, feeding on aquatic plants and algae instead of insects and vertebrates. Most can be found in freshwater ponds, streams, and lakes that have aquatic life, primarily feeding on plants, including algae and other vegetation, and they will not bite. A few species of Water Boatmen are predatory, but the majority are herbivorous.

Back Swimmers: These unusual water bugs are only slightly larger than Water Boatmen with beetle-like legs. Back Swimmers are unique in that they swim upside down and sting like a bee. They are also predators to Water Boatmen, so your pool will most likely not have one without the other.

• Shock pool water with chlorine
• Add algaecide
• Clean inside and underneath water filters
• Use a water skimmer after chlorine treatment

These are a few of many precautionary tips you should take note of when looking for a place to cool down this summer. For more information and to learn about the services we provide, always feel free to contact the experts in Orlando pest control at (866)675-4070.