Key takeaways
- Spring is termite swarm season in South Florida: native subterranean termites fly from winter into spring, and Formosan termites from April to June.
- Seal gaps where pipes and wires enter the house, repair screens and fix leaks before the rainy season starts.
- Keep mulch under 2 inches thick near the foundation and leave a 6-inch strip clear so termite mud tubes are easy to spot.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls at least twice a week to stop mosquitoes from breeding.
- Store food and pet food in sealed containers, fix drips under sinks and take out garbage often to starve indoor pests.
In this article
The best spring pest control is a maintenance checklist: seal the gaps pests use to get in, fix the leaks and drainage problems that attract them, and clean up the food and clutter that let them settle down. Do it before the rainy season, and you head off most of the termites, ants, roaches and mosquitoes that come with warmer weather.
In South Florida, spring is less about pests waking up from winter and more about pests ramping up. Termites swarm, lovebugs take flight, ants forage harder and the first summer rains start filling every container in the yard. Termites, rodents and other invaders can damage your home and your budget, so a thorough spring inspection of the house and any outbuildings is worth the time.
Why Spring Is a Busy Pest Season in South Florida
Warm days, longer daylight and the arrival of rain trigger breeding and swarming for many insects at once. A few of the biggest spring events:
- Termite swarms. Winged termites leave mature colonies to start new ones. Depending on the species, flights run from winter through early summer.
- Lovebug flights. UF/IFAS reports two major lovebug generations in Florida each year, in April-May and August-September, and in South Florida most adults of the first flight appear in April.
- The rainy season. Rain usually picks up around May, refilling containers and gutters that mosquitoes use for breeding.
- Foraging ants. Colonies grow quickly in warm weather and send workers indoors for food and water.
active peak
Source: UF/IFAS EDIS (IN369, IN285, IN278, IN204)
UF/IFAS notes that native subterranean termite populations in southern Florida may fly earlier in the season than those farther north. For a closer look at the insects themselves, see 7 spring insects that may move into your home.
Outdoor Spring Pest Control Checklist
Most pests come from the outside, so start with the exterior of your home.
Seal Entry Points
- Walk around the house and look for gaps, paying special attention to where utility pipes, cables and AC lines enter the walls. Seal small cracks and crevices with a silicone-based caulk.
- Replace worn weather stripping and repair loose mortar or cracks around windows and the foundation.
- Screen attic vents and other openings, and repair any tears or rips in window, door and porch screens.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors, including the door between the garage and the house.
Look for Termite Damage
Spring swarms make termites easier to spot than at any other time of year. Check for:
- Mud tubes on the foundation, slab edges or garage walls
- Discarded wings on windowsills and near doors and lights
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Bubbling or cracked paint over wood
UF/IFAS notes that homeowners often first learn about an infestation when hundreds of winged termites emerge during these flights, so call for an inspection instead of spraying. Our guide to getting ready for termites in South Florida shows what the damage looks like for each type of termite.
Fix Drainage and Moisture
- Clean leaves and debris out of gutters so rainwater does not pool.
- Make sure downspouts and splash blocks carry water away from the house.
- Fix leaking outdoor faucets, irrigation lines and AC condensate drains.
- Aim sprinklers away from the walls. UF/IFAS notes that the Florida building code requires irrigation to be installed at least 1 foot from a building sidewall.
- Repair rotted roof shingles, soffits and fascia boards. Damp, decaying wood attracts termites and other wood-damaging insects.
Trim the Landscape
- Keep grass cut and trim shrubs, vines and tree branches so they do not touch the house or roof. Branches give ants and roof rats a bridge inside.
- Keep mulch thin near the house. UF/IFAS recommends a layer of less than 2 inches within 12 inches of the foundation, plus a clear inspection strip of about 6 inches next to the wall.
- Do not store firewood, lumber or bags of mulch against the house or directly on the ground.
Drain Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in surprisingly small amounts of water, so this one cannot wait. The Florida Department of Health’s Drain and Cover campaign recommends draining water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys and flowerpots, getting rid of old tires and other unused items that hold water, and emptying and cleaning birdbaths and pet water bowls at least twice a week. Our tips to prepare for mosquito season cover repellents and yard treatments in more detail.
Check the Garage, Shed and Outbuildings
Detached garages, sheds and storage buildings get far less attention than the house, which makes them a favorite place for pests to settle in. An infestation there is just as costly, and it is often the first step toward the main house.
- Look for mud tubes on slab edges and block walls, and for wings or pellets near windows.
- Check stored boxes, bags of seed and pet food for chewing, droppings and nesting material.
- Clear clutter off the floor and away from the walls so you can see what is going on.
- Make sure doors close tightly and gaps under them are sealed.
Need help with pests in South Florida?
Toro Pest Management has protected homes and businesses since 1969. Get a free inspection and $25 off your first service, backed by our 110% Satisfaction Guarantee: if the pests come back, so do we, at no extra cost.
Indoor Spring Pest Control Checklist
Inside, the goal is simple: leave pests nothing to eat, nothing to drink and nowhere to hide.
Kitchen and Pantry
- Throw out garbage regularly in a bin with a tight-fitting lid.
- Sweep floors and wipe countertops daily to remove crumbs and spill residue.
- Store cereal, flour, rice and snacks in sealed containers.
- Keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator to avoid fruit flies.
Pets
- Keep pet bowls clean and wipe up spilled food and water right away.
- Store pet food in sealed plastic containers rather than paper bags, which pests chew through.
- Ask your veterinarian about preventive flea and tick treatment as the weather warms. See our tips on flea prevention for South Florida pet owners.
Moisture and Clutter
- Check under kitchen and bathroom sinks for drips and damp spots, and fix leaking pipes.
- Run the AC or a dehumidifier in damp areas such as laundry rooms, garages and storage closets.
- Vacuum at least once a week, including under furniture and along baseboards.
- Replace cardboard boxes in the garage and closets with sealed plastic bins.
If you are already seeing trails along the counters, our guide on how to protect your home from an ant invasion explains how to follow them back to the source.
Quick Spring Checklist
| Task | Where | Pests it helps prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Seal pipe and wire openings | Exterior walls, garage | Ants, roaches, rodents, spiders |
| Repair screens and weather stripping | Windows, doors, vents | Mosquitoes, flies, stinging insects |
| Check for mud tubes and wings | Foundation, windowsills | Subterranean termites |
| Clean gutters and redirect downspouts | Roofline, foundation | Mosquitoes, termites |
| Thin mulch and trim plants | Foundation, roofline | Termites, ants, rodents |
| Drain containers weekly | Yard, patio, pool area | Mosquitoes |
| Seal food and pet food | Kitchen, pantry, garage | Ants, roaches, rodents, pantry pests |
| Fix indoor leaks | Under sinks, AC closet | Roaches, silverfish, termites |
When to Call a Professional in Spring
A checklist prevents a lot, but it does not reach inside walls, under slabs or into the attic. Call a professional if you find mud tubes, piles of wings or hollow wood, if ants or roaches keep returning after you clean up, or if you hear scratching in the attic.
Toro’s termite control starts with a free inspection that identifies the species and how far it has spread, then recommends Sentricon baiting for subterranean termites or TORO-GUARD and tent fumigation for drywood termites. For year-round coverage of the pests that move in with warmer weather, Toro’s residential services include an every-other-month program inside and outside your home. You can also browse the termite pest library to learn which species you may be seeing.
Toro Pest Management has protected South Florida homes since 1969, and the 110% Satisfaction Guarantee means that if the bugs come back, so will Toro, at no additional cost to you.
Contact Toro today
A free inspection & $25 off your first service
A trained Toro technician inspects your home or business, explains what was found and gives you a clear plan and quote, backed by our 110% Satisfaction Guarantee.
305-594-4767Frequently Asked Questions
When does pest season start in South Florida?
Should I get a pest inspection in the spring?
What attracts bugs to my house in spring?
Do lovebugs bite or damage homes?
Is it a good idea to spray insecticide around my house every spring?
Sources
- Native Subterranean Termites: Reticulitermes flavipes, R. virginicus, R. hageni (EDIS IN369), UF/IFAS Extension
- Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus (EDIS IN278), UF/IFAS Extension
- Asian Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes gestroi (EDIS IN285), UF/IFAS Extension
- Lovebug, Plecia nearctica (EDIS IN204), UF/IFAS Extension
- The Facts About Termites and Mulch (EDIS IN651), UF/IFAS Extension
- Drain and Cover to Prevent Mosquito-Borne Illness, Florida Department of Health
Educational content. This article is for general information about pests in South Florida and is not medical, legal or professional advice. If you have a bite, sting or allergic reaction, contact your doctor; in an emergency, call 911. Pest problems vary from home to home, so a licensed professional should inspect before treatment. When using any pesticide, always read and follow the product label.
