Fort Walton Service Center

Termites pose an intense threat to homes in our area year-round. Across the southern half of the country, every yard in a suburban neighborhood will likely have at least one and probably multiple colonies of subterranean termites.

This time of year, populations of our local ant species including Argentine Ants, Pharaoh Ants and Odorous House Ants are at their peak and in search of food and water for survival. Homes often provide a great option and a minor problem can rapidly become a major infestation. These pesky pests are extremely difficult for homeowners to control on their own as each species requires a different method of treatment.

The local population of mosquitoes is at its peak this time of year and these pests are much more than just an incredible nuisance to residents. They present a significant health risk due to diseases they carry like West Nile Virus and Encephalitis which can be transmitted to your family and pets through a single bite.

During the warmest months, flea and tick populations are at their peak in our area. These pests reproduce very quickly and they have become increasingly resistant to common treatment methods which allows the breeding cycle to continue. Additionally, they pose a significant health risk to both humans and pets as any warm-blooded host will do.

Fire ant populations are at their highest this time of year. Keep an eye out for their signature mounds as wandering too close a nest can result in multiple stings from multiple ants in just a matter of seconds. In addition to their painful stings, fire ants can pose a real danger to those who suffer from allergic reactions.

The local populations of stinging insects like wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are at their highest level this time of year. They present a real danger to residents as attacks send over 500,000 people to the emergency room each year. These pests are very territorial and will attack in large numbers if they feel threatened often resulting in multiple stings by multiple insects in a matter of seconds.

Rodents like house mice, Norway rats and roof rats are a year-round problem in our area. They can enter your home through almost any opening or crack and reproduce very quickly making them difficult to control. They also transmit bacteria, can cause structural damage and carry fleas, ticks and mites into the home when they move in.

Furry pests like squirrels, raccoons and roof rats are most active during the colder months, but can still seek shelter indoors. Signs of these unwanted guests include scratching or scurrying in your walls or attic and droppings found in pantries, along baseboards or in the attic.

Squirrels are most active during the colder months, but can still seek shelter indoors. Signs of these unwanted guests include scratching or scurrying in your walls or attic and droppings found in pantries, along baseboards or in the attic.