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In Florida, lenders require a Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection for any mortgaged home purchase. Unlike termite inspections in many states, the Florida WDO covers more than just termites — it includes wood-destroying fungi and other wood-boring pests. Here’s what to expect and how to interpret the report.

What’s Covered in a Florida WDO Inspection

• Subterranean termites — including Eastern subterranean and Formosan
• Drywood termites
• Wood-destroying beetles — Old House Borer, Powder Post beetles, Anobiid beetles
• Wood-destroying fungi — Brown rot, white rot, soft rot
• Carpenter ants and carpenter bees — when actively damaging wood

What the Inspector Examines

A Florida WDO inspection typically covers:

• Foundation and crawlspace
• Attic structural members
• Garage
• Visible interior walls (especially baseboards)
• Exterior visible wood — siding, trim, soffits, wood porches
• Window frames and door frames

What’s NOT covered: Areas hidden by walls, behind insulation, inside wall voids, or under finished flooring. WDO inspections are visual only.

The WDO Report (Form 1145)

Florida uses a standardized form (called the 1145 or “Florida WDO” form) with four possible findings:

Finding	Meaning
Active Infestation	Live pests currently damaging the structure
Inactive (Past) Infestation	Old damage; no current activity
Wood-Destroying Damage	Damage from any wood-destroying organism, active or inactive
Conducive Conditions	Moisture issues, wood-to-soil contact, etc. that invite future infestation

What to Do Based on Findings

Active Infestation

• Get treatment quote from licensed pest control company
• Negotiate seller credit for treatment cost
• Verify treatment completed before closing
• Ensure transferable warranty

Past Damage Without Active Activity

• Hire structural engineer to assess if damage is structural
• If structural, request seller repair before closing OR adjust price accordingly
• Treat the property anyway (preventive)

Conducive Conditions Only

• Address conditions before they invite infestation (drainage, moisture, wood contact)
• Optional: get preventive treatment as added security
• Less negotiable but worth flagging in inspection contingencies

Cost of WDO Inspection

Typical cost in Florida: $50-150 for the inspection. Buyers usually pay (covered as a closing cost) but it’s negotiable depending on the market.

What If You Find Issues After Closing?

Florida law gives you 4 years to file civil action for fraud or undisclosed termite damage. But the burden of proof is high — you’ll need to prove the seller knew or should have known.

Better protection: ensure your WDO inspection is thorough. Some buyers hire two inspectors (one for general home, one for WDO) for full coverage.

Choosing a Pest Control Company for Inspection

• Verify licensing through Florida Department of Agriculture
• Choose a company NOT affiliated with the seller
• Ask if they’ll bid for treatment if needed (some won’t to avoid conflict of interest, which is a positive sign)
• Get inspector’s name; written report should match

Preventing WDO Issues

1. Annual professional inspection (~$100/year)
2. Maintain 6+ inches between mulch and house siding
3. Fix leaks promptly (moisture is the #1 invitation)
4. Keep wood (firewood, lumber) at least 20 feet from house
5. Seal foundation cracks larger than 1/16 inch
6. Improve drainage so water flows away from foundation

FAQ

How long is a WDO inspection valid?

Most lenders accept reports up to 30 days old. Some require 14 days for purchase closings.

Are WDO inspections required for cash purchases?

No, but highly recommended. Florida termite damage is one of the most common surprises for buyers who skip the inspection.

Can I do my own WDO inspection?

You can inspect, but only licensed pest control operators can issue the official WDO report required by lenders.

Where can I find related guides?

See our termite treatment options.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on linked products through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates.

Florida humidity and warmth make indoor pest pressure constant year-round. The right indoor bug spray needs to work on multiple species (ants, roaches, spiders, silverfish), be safe around pets and kids, and not cause budding in colony insects. Here are our 2026 picks.

Quick Picks

Best For	Product	Active Ingredient
Best Overall	Bifen IT (concentrate)	Bifenthrin 7.9%
Best Ready-to-Use	Ortho Home Defense	Bifenthrin
Best Non-Repellent	Taurus SC	Fipronil 9.1%
Best Natural Option	Mighty Mint Insect Spray	Peppermint oil
Best Crawling Insects	Diatomaceous Earth (food grade)	Diatomaceous earth

1. Bifen IT Concentrate — Best Overall

Professional-grade concentrate. Mix per label, apply with sprayer. Effective on ants (most species), roaches (palmetto/American), spiders, silverfish, earwigs. 90-day residual on indoor surfaces.

Where to apply: Baseboards, under sinks, around windows and doors, behind appliances. Avoid food-prep surfaces and pet-accessible areas.

Get Bifen IT →

2. Ortho Home Defense — Best Ready-to-Use

Same active ingredient as Bifen IT (bifenthrin) in pre-mixed spray bottle. Easier to use than concentrate but more expensive per square foot. Good for small homes or spot treatment.

Get Ortho Home Defense →

3. Taurus SC — Best Non-Repellent

Fipronil-based. Insects don’t detect it and walk through it. Critical for ant species that bud when sprayed (ghost ants, pharaoh ants). Apply along ant trails and entry points.

Get Taurus SC →

4. Mighty Mint — Best Natural Option

Peppermint oil-based. Genuinely repels (doesn’t kill) insects from treated areas. Safe around pets and kids. Less effective than synthetic pyrethroids but useful in food-prep areas where chemicals shouldn’t go.

Get Mighty Mint →

5. Diatomaceous Earth — Best for Crawling Insects

Mechanical kill (destroys insect exoskeletons). Slow but works on any crawling insect that walks through it. Apply in cracks where roaches, ants, silverfish travel.

Get Diatomaceous Earth →

What to Avoid

• Foggers/bug bombs. Don’t reach harborages where insects actually live.
• Spraying ant trails (most species). Causes budding for ghost, pharaoh, Argentine ants. Use bait instead.
• Generic “natural” sprays without specific active ingredients. Marketing > effectiveness. Stick to peppermint, neem, or citrus oils with proven activity.

Application Tips

1. Use a pump sprayer for large areas. Saves time and gives better coverage than spray bottles.
2. Apply at dusk for best results. Many indoor pests are active at night; freshly-applied chemicals work as they emerge.
3. Wear gloves and a mask when applying concentrates. They’re safe but proper PPE is recommended.
4. Keep pets away during application + 1-2 hours after. Once dry, treatments are typically pet-safe.
5. Don’t over-apply. “More” doesn’t mean “better.” Follow label dilution rates.

FAQ

How long does bifenthrin spray last indoors?

60-90 days under typical conditions. Re-apply quarterly for ongoing protection.

Are these safe for pets and kids?

After drying (1-2 hours), bifenthrin and fipronil are safe for pets and kids in normal contact. Don’t apply where pets eat or drink directly.

Where can I find related pest guides?

See our roach killers, ant killers, or spider ID guides.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on linked products through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates.

Florida law gives apartment tenants specific rights when bed bugs appear — and specific responsibilities. Mishandling either side of this can leave you stuck with treatment costs of $1,500+ that should have been the landlord’s. Here’s what you need to know in 2026.

Florida Bed Bug Law: The Basics

Florida Statute 83.51 requires landlords to maintain rental units in habitable condition, which courts have ruled includes bed bug-free conditions when the infestation is not tenant-caused.

What this means in practice:

• If bed bugs were present before you moved in, the landlord pays for treatment.
• If you brought bed bugs in (used furniture, travel), you’re typically responsible.
• If origin is disputed, courts often side with the tenant unless the landlord has documented inspections.

Your Rights as a Tenant

1. Right to written notice of treatment. Landlord must give 7+ days notice before pest control enters.
2. Right to pre-treatment inspection. Professional inspection determines extent and likely origin.
3. Right to relocation expenses if treatment requires you to vacate. (Landlord’s responsibility if infestation is not tenant-caused.)
4. Right to withhold rent only after written notice and proper procedures (consult an attorney before doing this).

Your Responsibilities

1. Report infestation in writing within 7 days of discovery.
2. Cooperate with treatment (prepare apartment, allow inspections).
3. Don’t move infested furniture/belongings to common areas (spreads infestation).
4. If bed bugs were tenant-caused, you may pay treatment costs.

How to Identify Bed Bugs

The Bug Itself

• Adult: 4-5mm, oval, reddish-brown after feeding
• Nymph: 1-4mm, lighter, almost translucent
• Eggs: Pinhead-size, white, in clusters

Other Signs

• Small bloodstains on sheets (from crushed bedbugs)
• Dark/black spots on mattress seams (fecal matter)
• Sweet musty odor (heavy infestations)
• Bites in lines of 3-4 (the “breakfast, lunch, dinner” pattern)

Treatment Options

Professional Heat Treatment (Most Effective)

Heat the entire apartment to 122°F for several hours. Kills all life stages including eggs. $1,500-3,000 per apartment. Effective in single treatment.

Professional Chemical Treatment

Multiple treatments over 4-6 weeks with synthetic pyrethroids and IGRs. $500-1,500 per treatment cycle. Cheaper but requires multiple visits and careful preparation.

DIY (Not Recommended for Apartments)

For renters, DIY is risky — your neighbors. Bed bugs spread through walls. If your DIY treatment fails or just relocates them to neighboring units, you’re liable for spread. Professional treatment is almost always the right call in apartment buildings.

If you do attempt DIY:

• Bedlam Plus or similar synthetic pyrethroid for cracks/crevices
• Diatomaceous earth along baseboards
• Mattress encasements to trap any bugs already inside the mattress
• Wash all bedding in hot water (120°F+)
• Vacuum daily, dispose vacuum bag outdoors immediately

Get Bed Bug Mattress Encasements →

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs

1. Document. Photo evidence with timestamps. Take pictures of bugs, bites, fecal stains.
2. Notify landlord in writing. Email + certified letter. Florida law requires written notice.
3. Inspect for source. Did you travel? Buy used furniture? Have visitors?
4. Don’t move belongings out. Spreads infestation.
5. Keep treatment receipts. If you pay and discover landlord was responsible, you can recover costs in small claims court.

Avoiding Bed Bugs in the First Place

• Inspect hotel rooms before unpacking. Pull back sheets, look at mattress seams.
• Don’t bring used furniture inside without inspection. Especially mattresses, couches, upholstered chairs.
• Wash and dry travel clothes on hot immediately after returning from any trip.
• Encase mattresses as preventive measure (also helps detect early).

FAQ

Can bed bugs spread between apartments?

Yes. Through walls, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations. One apartment infestation often spreads to 2-3 adjacent units within months.

How long can bed bugs survive without feeding?

Adults: up to 12 months in cool conditions. This is why vacant units can still harbor active populations.

Will my landlord raise my rent because of bed bugs?

Not legally — Florida law protects against retaliatory rent increases. But this is hard to prove, so document everything.

Where can I find related pest info?

See our indoor bug spray guide.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on linked products through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates.

“No see ums” are biting midges (Culicoides species) — tiny insects barely visible to the naked eye that deliver a painful, itchy bite disproportionate to their size. They’re a coastal Florida problem in particular, swarming from dawn through dusk near brackish water. Here’s how to identify and control them.

What Exactly Are No See Ums?

Biting midges are 1/8 inch long — small enough to pass through standard window screens. They’re sometimes called “punkies,” “sand flies,” or “biting gnats” depending on region. The bite feels like a sharp pinch followed by intense itching that can last 1-2 weeks.

When and Where They Bite

• Time: Dawn (1 hour before sunrise) and dusk (1 hour before/after sunset). Some species also bite midday in shaded areas.
• Locations: Within 1 mile of brackish water — coastal Florida is prime territory. Mangroves, marshes, salt flats.
• Conditions: Calm winds. Even a light breeze (5+ mph) keeps them grounded.

Personal Protection

1. DEET Repellents (Most Effective)

Standard DEET (15-30% concentration) provides 4-6 hours of protection. OFF! Deep Woods or similar.

2. Picaridin (DEET Alternative)

20% picaridin matches DEET effectiveness without the chemical smell or fabric damage. Sawyer Picaridin is the most popular pick.

3. Permethrin-Treated Clothing

Spray clothing with permethrin (0.5%) and let dry. The treatment lasts 6 weeks of wear (or 6 washings). No-see-ums avoid treated fabric entirely. Best for serious outdoor activity in coastal areas.

4. Avon Skin So Soft

The internet’s favorite folk remedy. Mixed evidence — likely works for some species, inconsistent for others. Try it if you prefer natural alternatives, but don’t rely on it for serious midge zones.

Yard Control

Reduce Attractants

• Eliminate standing water (same as mosquitoes)
• Reduce shaded resting areas — trim overgrown shrubs near patios
• Improve drainage in low-lying yard sections

Active Treatment

Best yard product: Bifen IT sprayed on shaded vegetation around outdoor living areas. Reduces midge population in treated zones for 21-30 days.

Get Bifen IT →

Patio Repellers

Thermacell works on no-see-ums as well as mosquitoes. Creates a 15-foot zone of protection. Useful for outdoor dining and patio time during peak biting hours.

Get Thermacell →

What Doesn’t Work

• Standard window screens. Mesh too coarse — no-see-ums pass through. Need 18×18 or finer mesh.
• Bug zappers. Don’t attract no-see-ums (they’re attracted to CO2, not UV).
• Citronella. No measurable effect on biting midges.
• Ultrasonic devices. Same as with mosquitoes — no scientific support.

Window and Door Screens

If you live in coastal Florida and want to enjoy your screened porch, replace standard 14×16 mesh screens with no-see-um mesh (18×18 or 20×20). The mesh blocks midges while still allowing airflow. Available at most hardware stores or via Amazon.

FAQ

Are no-see-um bites dangerous?

Not typically. The intense itch can be very uncomfortable but doesn’t transmit serious diseases in Florida. Allergic reactions occur but are rare.

Why do my screens not stop them?

Standard window screens have 14×16 mesh openings — too coarse for biting midges. Replace with no-see-um specific mesh for full coverage.

How long do bites itch?

Typically 5-7 days. Hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines (Benadryl) reduce itch significantly.

Where can I find related guides?

See our mosquito control guide for similar techniques.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on linked products through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates.

Florida doesn’t have a flea “season” so much as a flea year. The state’s mild winters mean fleas are active year-round in most of the state, with peak activity from April through October. Here’s the realistic 2026 calendar and how to stay ahead of infestations.

Florida Flea Activity by Month

Period	Activity Level	Action
Jan-Feb	Low (north FL only)	Maintain pet treatments
Mar-Apr	Rising	Pre-treat yard, start prevention
May-Aug	PEAK	Monthly yard treatment + pet treatment + indoor monitoring
Sep-Oct	High	Continue treatment
Nov-Dec	Moderate (south FL still active)	Continue prevention

How to Tell If You Have Fleas

• Pet scratching more than usual
• Small black “dirt” on pet skin (flea feces — turns red on a wet paper towel)
• Fast-moving brown specks on socks or pant legs
• Bites on ankles and lower legs (clusters of 3-4)
• Pet hair loss in patches, especially near the tail

Treatment Strategy: 3-Pronged Approach

1. Treat Pets

Topical or oral flea preventatives are the foundation. Without this, all other treatment is wasted.

• Topical: Frontline Plus, Advantage II — applied monthly to pet’s skin
• Oral: Bravecto (lasts 12 weeks), NexGard (monthly chew)
• Cost: $80-150 per year per pet

2. Treat Indoor Spaces

Eggs and larvae are 95% of the flea population — adults are only 5%. Indoor treatment must address all life stages.

Step 1: Vacuum thoroughly — carpets, furniture, baseboards. Empty vacuum bag immediately into outdoor trash.

Step 2: Treat with Precor 2000 Plus — kills adult fleas + insect growth regulator (IGR) prevents eggs from hatching. Indoor fogger version covers full rooms.

Step 3: Wash all pet bedding in hot water.

Get Precor 2000 Plus →

3. Treat Yard

Outdoor flea source = re-infestation cycle. Treat shaded yard areas where pets rest.

Best product: Bifen LP Granules — distribute via spreader across yard, water in. Lasts 90 days.

Get Bifen LP →

Common Flea Treatment Mistakes

1. Treating pets but not the home. The home holds 95% of the flea population. Pet treatment alone breaks the cycle slowly.
2. Skipping the yard. Untreated yard re-infests pets daily.
3. Stopping after 30 days. Flea pupae can stay dormant for months. Continue treatment for 90 days minimum.
4. Using only natural remedies. Apple cider vinegar, essential oils don’t work on established infestations.

FAQ

Can fleas live without pets?

Yes. Fleas can survive on humans, rodents, or wildlife. Vacant homes can have flea populations that swarm new occupants.

How long does it take to clear a flea infestation?

4-6 weeks with consistent treatment. Pupae dormancy is the rate-limiter.

Where can I find related pest guides?

See our best tick prevention and indoor bug spray.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on linked products through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates.

Florida is roach paradise — warm, humid, with many of the country’s most common indoor roach species. The right product depends on which species you have. Sprays kill some, fail against others, and actually make some infestations worse. Here’s the 2026 product guide.

Quick Picks by Roach Type

Roach Type	Best Product	Why
German (small, indoor)	Advion Roach Gel	Eliminates colonies via bait sharing
American/Palmetto (large, outdoor visitors)	Bifen IT (perimeter)	Stops them at the foundation
Brown-banded (small, indoor)	Advion Gel + Gentrol IGR	Bait + reproduction blocker
Smokybrown (light-attracted)	Bifen Granules	Outdoor harborage treatment

1. Advion Roach Gel Bait — Best Indoor

Advion is the gold standard for indoor roach elimination. The active ingredient (indoxacarb) is a slow-acting toxin — roaches eat the bait, return to the harborage, and other roaches feed on their bodies and feces, spreading the toxin colony-wide. Eliminates entire infestations in 2-3 weeks.

Where to apply: Tiny dots in cracks and crevices behind appliances, under sinks, in cabinet hinges. Don’t apply on open surfaces — roaches avoid them.

Get Advion Roach Gel →

2. Bifen IT — Best Outdoor Perimeter

For palmetto bugs and other outdoor species that wander indoors, treat the foundation. Bifen IT (bifenthrin) creates a 90-day barrier on the exterior perimeter that kills roaches attempting to enter.

Application: Mix per label, spray a 12-inch band where the foundation meets the soil, plus around windows, doors, and AC units.

Get Bifen IT →

3. Gentrol IGR (Insect Growth Regulator)

Used in combination with bait. Gentrol prevents young roaches from reaching reproductive maturity. Combined with Advion gel, you eliminate adults AND prevent the next generation. Critical for German cockroach infestations.

Apply in the same locations as gel bait. Gentrol spots last 4 months.

Get Gentrol IGR →

4. Diatomaceous Earth — Best Natural Option

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is sharp microscopic particles that destroy roach exoskeletons on contact. Kills roaches as they walk through it. Slow but completely non-toxic to humans and pets.

Application: Light dusting in cracks where roaches travel. Effective for 6+ months as long as it stays dry.

Get Diatomaceous Earth →

What NOT to Use

Foggers/Bug Bombs

Counterproductive. They spread chemicals into the air, scaring roaches deeper into wall voids. Don’t reach the queens or eggs. Often make infestations worse.

Generic Sprays Indoors (Raid, Hot Shot)

Kill visible roaches but trigger colony budding in German roach populations. Use bait + IGR instead.

Roach Motels (Sticky Traps)

Useful for monitoring (find out where roaches travel), useless for elimination. Catch maybe 1% of a colony.

Treatment Strategy by Severity

Mild (Few Roaches Seen)

• Advion gel in cracks and crevices
• Bifen IT perimeter spray
• Sanitation (remove crumbs, fix leaks)
• Result: clear within 2-3 weeks

Moderate (Roaches Visible Daily)

• Advion gel + Gentrol IGR
• Bifen IT perimeter
• Aggressive sanitation
• Result: clear within 4-6 weeks

Severe (Roaches in Daytime, Multiple Rooms)

• Professional service likely needed
• If DIY: Advion + Gentrol + Bifen + diatomaceous earth + clutter elimination
• Result: 6-12 weeks of consistent treatment

FAQ

How long does it take to eliminate roaches?

2-6 weeks for typical German roach infestations using Advion + Gentrol. Professional services often quote faster, but the underlying biology takes the same time.

Are these products safe for pets and kids?

Apply gel bait in cracks where pets and kids can’t access. Bifen IT is safe once dried (1-2 hours). Diatomaceous earth (food-grade only) is non-toxic to mammals.

Why do roaches return after treatment?

Either you missed a harborage, or new roaches entered from outside (palmetto bugs typically). Combine indoor bait with exterior perimeter treatment.

Where can I see related guides?

See our roach vs palmetto bug guide.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on the products linked above through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates. Picks reflect our hands-on testing in Florida conditions, not commission rates.

Florida hosts 80+ mosquito species — more than any other US state. Two species in particular (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) are aggressive daytime biters that breed in shockingly small water sources. Eliminating them from your yard is doable without hiring a professional service. Here’s how.

The 4-Layer Mosquito Defense

Layer 1: Eliminate Standing Water (Most Important)

Mosquitoes need standing water to breed. Even a bottle cap of water can produce 100+ mosquitoes. The single highest-impact thing you can do is eliminate standing water sources weekly.

Common breeding sites people miss:

• Flowerpot saucers (drain after rain)
• Children’s toys, kiddie pools
• Clogged gutters
• Birdbaths (refresh weekly)
• Tarps with sagging puddles
• Tree holes (fill with sand)
• A/C condensate puddles (redirect)
• Old tires (drill drainage holes or remove)

Layer 2: Treat Larvae in Water You Can’t Eliminate

Some water can’t be eliminated — ponds, large rain barrels, decorative water features. Use larvicide tablets:

Best product: Mosquito Dunks (Bti) — bacterial larvicide, kills mosquito larvae for 30 days. Safe for fish, pets, plants. One dunk per 100 sq ft of water surface.

Get Mosquito Dunks →

Layer 3: Treat Yard for Adult Mosquitoes

Adult mosquitoes rest on vegetation between feedings. Treating shrubs, undersides of leaves, and shady areas knocks down the resting population.

Best product: Bifen IT — professional-grade insecticide concentrate. Mix per label, apply with hose-end sprayer to vegetation. Treats 5,000+ sq ft per gallon of mix. Lasts 21-30 days per application in Florida humidity.

Get Bifen IT →

Layer 4: Personal Protection While Outside

Even with a mosquito-proofed yard, occasional bites happen. Thermacell repellers create a 15-foot mosquito-free zone around patios. Replace mats and butane every 4 hours of use.

Get Thermacell →

Florida-Specific Mosquito Strategy

April-May (Pre-Season)

• Walk yard, identify and eliminate standing water
• Apply first round of yard treatment
• Stock up on larvicide for water features

June-September (Peak Season)

• Yard treatment every 3-4 weeks
• Replace mosquito dunks every 30 days
• Check for new water collection after each rain

October-November (Tail Season)

• Continue yard treatment monthly
• Watch for fall population spike (mosquitoes seeking egg-laying sites before winter)

Winter (December-March)

• Rest period; minimal treatment needed
• Inspect and clean equipment for spring

What Doesn’t Work (Despite Marketing Claims)

• Bug zappers. Kill non-target insects more than mosquitoes. Mosquitoes prefer CO2 over UV light.
• Citronella candles. Marginally repel within 3-foot radius. Useless beyond that.
• Ultrasonic repellers. Studies repeatedly show no effect on mosquito behavior.
• “Mosquito plants” (lemongrass, lavender). Pleasant in the garden but ineffective at repelling mosquitoes from yards.

Special Mention: Mosquito Buckets / Ovitraps

DIY mosquito traps using a bucket of water + mosquito dunks lure egg-laying females away from breeding sites. Place 2-4 around your property, refresh every 2-3 weeks. Effective for Aedes species specifically.

FAQ

How effective is yard treatment alone?

By itself, ~60% reduction in mosquito activity. Combined with standing water elimination, ~85-90% reduction. The combination is what makes it work.

Are these products safe for pets and kids?

After drying (1-2 hours), Bifen-treated areas are safe for pets and children. Mosquito Dunks are non-toxic to anything except mosquito larvae.

Should I hire a mosquito service or DIY?

DIY costs $200-300/year. Professional services cost $400-800/year for similar results. Worth professional if you have a large property (1+ acre) or specific health concerns.

Where can I find related pest guides?

See our best mosquito repellents.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on the products linked above through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates. Picks reflect our hands-on testing in Florida conditions, not commission rates.

Florida is the worst state in America for termites. Subterranean and Formosan termites cause an estimated $500 million in damage to Florida homes per year. By the time you see signs, structural damage is usually already underway. Here’s how to identify, treat, and prevent termite infestations in 2026.

The Three Termite Types in Florida

Type	Damage Speed	Identification
Eastern Subterranean	Moderate	Mud tubes on foundation, pin holes in wood
Formosan (“Super Termite”)	Very fast	Massive colonies (millions of individuals), can damage homes within months
Drywood	Slow but persistent	Small piles of pellets (“frass”) below wood, no mud tubes

Signs You Have Termites

• Mud tubes on foundation walls, crawlspaces, or interior pipes (subterranean species)
• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Tiny holes in wood with frass piles below (drywood)
• Discarded wings near windowsills (swarmers after mating)
• Bubbling/peeling paint that resembles water damage
• Sagging floors or warping doors that don’t close properly

Treatment Options

1. Liquid Soil Treatment (DIY for Subterranean)

Trench around the foundation, apply termiticide. Creates a treated zone that kills termites entering or leaving the soil.

Best product: Taurus SC (fipronil) — non-repellent, undetectable to termites, kills colonies. Mix per label and apply to a 6-inch wide trench against foundation.

Cost: ~$200 for product, vs $1,500-3,000 for professional treatment. Effective for 8-10 years per application.

Get Taurus SC →

2. Termite Bait Stations (DIY for Subterranean)

In-ground bait stations placed every 10-15 feet around the home. Termites find the bait, share with the colony, eliminate it within 60-90 days.

Best product: Advance Termite Bait System — professional-grade bait stations homeowners can install. Lower upfront cost than chemical trenching but requires monitoring.

Get Termite Bait System →

3. Drywood Termite Treatment

Drywood termites don’t touch soil — they live entirely in wood. Soil treatments don’t reach them.

Localized: Drill into infested wood, inject Bifen liquid or termiticide foam. Effective for small isolated infestations.

Whole-structure: Tent fumigation. Required for widespread drywood infestation. Professional service only — $1,500-4,000 depending on home size.

4. Annual Inspection & Treatment Renewal

Florida homes should have annual termite inspections regardless of treatment status. Subterranean termites can return; drywood swarmers can establish new colonies.

DIY vs Professional Treatment

DIY works for:

• Localized drywood infestations (small areas)
• Preventive subterranean treatment (no current infestation)
• Bait station installation around foundation

Hire a professional for:

• Active widespread subterranean infestation
• Formosan termite suspicion (these multiply too fast for DIY)
• Drywood whole-house infestation (requires tent fumigation)
• Damage repair (structural reinforcement)

Cost Comparison

Treatment	DIY	Professional
Liquid Treatment	~$200	$1,500-3,000
Bait Stations	~$300-400	$1,200-2,000 + $300/yr monitoring
Drywood (localized)	~$50	$500-1,000
Tent Fumigation	N/A (professional only)	$1,500-4,000

Prevention

1. Keep wood off the ground. No mulch directly against foundation. No firewood stacked against the house.
2. Fix moisture issues. Termites need moisture. Repair plumbing leaks, fix gutter overflow, regrade soil so water flows away from the foundation.
3. Annual inspections. Florida humidity makes this non-negotiable. $50-150 inspection saves thousands later.
4. Treat soil during construction or addition projects. Easier and cheaper than retrofitting.

FAQ

How fast can Formosan termites damage a home?

A mature Formosan colony can consume 13 ounces of wood per day. Severe damage in 6-12 months is documented in Florida case studies.

Are termites covered by homeowners insurance?

Almost never. Termite damage is considered preventable through maintenance.

Where can I find related pest guides?

See our Florida termite inspection guide.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on the products linked above through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates. Picks reflect our hands-on testing in Florida conditions, not commission rates.

Florida residents call them “palmetto bugs” because no one wants to admit they have roaches. Truth is, palmetto bugs ARE roaches — specifically, American cockroaches (sometimes Australian or smokybrown). The name is regional politeness, not biological distinction. Here’s the actual breakdown.

Quick Answer

“Palmetto bug” is a Southern colloquialism for several large outdoor cockroach species, primarily the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Other roach types in Florida (German, Brown-banded) are not typically called palmetto bugs. The name distinguishes between “OMG a roach in my house!” (small, multiplies fast) and “ugh, a palmetto bug came inside” (larger, occasional intruder).

The Cockroach Species in Florida

Species	Size	Where Found	Severity
American (palmetto bug)	1.5-2 inches	Outdoors, occasional indoors	Low (single visitors)
Australian	1.25 inches	Outdoors, similar to American	Low
Smokybrown	1-1.5 inches	Outdoors, attracted to lights	Low-Medium
German	0.5-0.6 inches	Indoors only	HIGH (infestations)
Brown-banded	0.5 inches	Indoors, drier areas	High

The Critical Distinction

Palmetto Bugs (American/Australian/Smokybrown)

• Live outdoors in palm trees, mulch, sewers, woodpiles
• Wander indoors looking for water during dry spells or cold weather
• Don’t typically reproduce inside
• One in your house = annoying, not infestation
• Treatment: seal entry points + perimeter spray

German Cockroaches

• Live indoors exclusively
• Reproduce rapidly — single female produces 30,000+ offspring/year
• Concentrate in kitchens and bathrooms
• One in your house = infestation imminent or already present
• Treatment: gel bait + insect growth regulators (IGRs) + sanitation

How to Tell Which One You Have

Catch one (or photograph it) and check size:

• Bigger than a quarter: Palmetto bug (American or similar). Outdoor roach. Less urgent.
• Half-inch or smaller: German cockroach. Indoor infestation. Urgent.
• About 1 inch with light bands across body: Brown-banded. Indoor infestation. Urgent.

Treatment by Type

For Palmetto Bugs (Outdoor Species)

Focus on exclusion + perimeter:

1. Seal entry points. Caulk gaps around pipes, foundation cracks, door sweeps.
2. Eliminate moisture. Fix leaks, clean gutters, redirect downspouts.
3. Perimeter spray. Bifen IT on the foundation creates a 90-day barrier.
4. Remove harborage. Trim back palms touching the house, move woodpiles 20 feet away.

Get Bifen IT →

For German Cockroaches (Indoor Species)

Focus on bait + IGR:

1. Apply Advion Roach Gel Bait in cracks, behind appliances, under sinks. Workers eat bait, return to harborage, share with the colony. Eliminates the entire population in 2-3 weeks.
2. Add Gentrol IGR. Prevents survivors from reproducing. Combined with bait = full control.
3. Sanitation. Remove food sources. German roaches survive on crumbs invisible to you.

Get Advion Roach Gel Bait →

What NOT to Do

1. Don’t spray bug killer on visible roaches inside. For German roaches, sprays cause budding (colony splits). For palmetto bugs, kills the visitor but doesn’t address why they came in.
2. Don’t use foggers/bombs. They scatter roaches deeper into walls and don’t kill the queens or eggs.
3. Don’t ignore one roach. Especially if German size — one means hundreds you haven’t seen.

FAQ

Are palmetto bugs dangerous?

They can carry bacteria from outdoor sources (sewers, decay) but don’t reproduce indoors. Single visitors are gross, not dangerous.

Can palmetto bugs fly?

Yes. American and smokybrown cockroaches fly, especially in high humidity. Australian roaches glide. Adds to the horror factor.

How do German roaches get inside?

Usually hitchhike in: grocery bags, used appliances, cardboard boxes, secondhand furniture. Inspect anything you bring inside, especially from secondhand sources.

Where can I see roach treatment guides?

See our best roach killer for Florida.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on the products linked above through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates. Picks reflect our hands-on testing in Florida conditions, not commission rates.

Florida hosts more ant species than any other state — and they don’t all respond to the same treatment. The wrong bait or spray on the wrong ant species often makes the colony multiply (yes, multiply). Here’s how to identify which ant you have and the right product to actually eliminate it.

Quick Identification Guide

Ant Type	Identification	Best Treatment
Fire Ants	Reddish, aggressive, painful sting, mounded outdoor nests	Extinguish Plus
Ghost Ants	Tiny (1.5mm), pale legs/abdomen, indoor lines	Advion Ant Gel
Carpenter Ants	Large (5-13mm), black, damages wood, often near moisture	Taurus SC
Argentine Ants	Brown, large colonies, follow trails	Advion Ant Gel
Sugar Ants (Pharaoh)	Yellowish/brown, kitchens, multiply when sprayed	Advion Ant Gel

1. Fire Ants — Outdoor Mounds

Florida fire ants are aggressive and their stings cause painful welts. Mounds appear as 6-18 inch dirt piles in lawns. Direct treatment of mounds is risky (they’ll attack); use bait granules instead.

Best product: Extinguish Plus Fire Ant Bait — kills queens, eliminates entire colonies in 1-2 weeks. Sprinkle around mounds, not directly on them.

Backup: Drench treatment with Bifen liquid concentrate for severe infestations. Wear closed shoes; mounds will attack disturbance.

Get Extinguish Plus →

2. Ghost Ants — Indoor Tiny Trails

Florida’s most common indoor ant. They’re so small (1.5mm) people often miss them. Pale color with darker abdomen. Trail along countertops, baseboards, and inside walls.

Why sprays don’t work: Ghost ant colonies have multiple queens. Spraying kills foragers but the queens just spawn more. Worse, sprays trigger “budding” — colonies split into multiple smaller colonies, expanding the problem.

Best product: Advion Ant Gel Bait — slow-acting bait that workers carry back to feed queens. Eliminates entire colony within 7-14 days. Apply small dots near trails, not on them.

Get Advion Ant Gel →

3. Carpenter Ants — Wood Damage

Carpenter ants don’t eat wood — they tunnel through it to nest. You’ll see piles of fine sawdust (“frass”) near baseboards or window frames. Active especially in moisture-damaged wood.

Treatment requires two stages:

1. Find the nest. Listen for crinkling sounds in walls at night. Check around water leaks, soffits, exterior trim.
2. Treat with non-repellent insecticide. Taurus SC (fipronil) is undetectable to ants. They walk through it and carry it back to the colony. Spray a 12-inch perimeter band around the home foundation.

Get Taurus SC →

4. Argentine Ants — Massive Colonies

Argentine ants form supercolonies that can span entire neighborhoods. Brown, smaller than carpenters, follow strict trails. Don’t bite, but the volume becomes overwhelming.

Best approach: Combination of indoor gel bait (Advion) and outdoor perimeter granular bait. Bifen LP Granules around the foundation creates a treated zone that kills ants entering or exiting.

5. Pharaoh/Sugar Ants — Kitchen Invaders

Yellowish-brown, attracted to sweets and proteins. Sprays cause budding (worse than ghost ants). Bait-only.

Best product: Same Advion gel as ghost ants. Place near trails on cardboard squares (easy cleanup) and replace every 5-7 days until activity stops.

What NOT to Do

1. Don’t spray indoor ant trails with Raid or generic bug spray. Kills foragers but triggers colony splitting. Problem doubles within weeks.
2. Don’t disturb fire ant mounds. They attack en masse and stings can cause severe reactions.
3. Don’t apply bait near sprayed areas. Ants avoid sprayed zones. Bait there is wasted.
4. Don’t use only DIY for carpenter ants. If wood damage is significant, call a professional. Structural repairs may be needed.

FAQ

Why do ants come back after I treat them?

Either you missed the queens (sprays don’t reach them) or new colonies entered from outside. Combine indoor bait with exterior perimeter treatment.

Are these products safe for pets?

Advion gel is low-toxicity but pets shouldn’t eat it. Apply in cracks where pets can’t reach. Bifen granules are safe once watered in (about 30 minutes).

How long do treatments last?

Bifen perimeter: 90 days. Advion bait: until consumed. Taurus SC perimeter: 8-12 weeks in Florida heat.

Where can I find related pest guides?

See our roach killer guide or indoor bug spray.

A reminder: Panama City Pest Control earns commissions on the products linked above through DoMyOwn and Amazon Associates. Picks reflect our hands-on testing in Florida conditions, not commission rates.