Living in Central Florida means dealing with pests all year long. Orlando’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for bugs like roaches, termites, ants, and mosquitoes to thrive, inside and outside your home.
Many of these pests aren’t just annoying; they can damage your home, contaminate food, or even pose health risks to your family. Knowing how to identify them early and take the right steps can save you time, money, and stress throughout Florida’s long pest season.
Whether you’re a homeowner or just moved to the area, it helps to know which pests are most common and what signs to watch for. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 pests found in Orlando, how they affect your home, and what you can do to prevent or eliminate them.
Key Takeaways
- Many pests in Orlando are active year-round, thanks to the warm climate.
- Standing water, food waste, and structural gaps can all invite infestations.
- A professional pest control service offers the best long-term protection for your home.
- Regular maintenance like trimming shrubs, cleaning gutters, and sealing entry points helps prevent problems.
- Certain pests, like cockroaches, termites, and bed bugs, often require expert help to fully eliminate.
1. Cockroaches (Including Palmetto Bugs)
Cockroaches are one of the most common and unsettling pests in Orlando. The most frequent types include:
- American cockroaches (Palmetto bugs): Large, reddish-brown roaches often found in attics, basements, or entering through gaps near windows and pipes.
- German cockroaches: Small, fast, and usually found in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Florida woods cockroaches: Often found outdoors, but can make their way inside.
Cockroaches spread bacteria and allergens, especially harmful for people with asthma. If you see roaches during the day, it may signal a large infestation. DIY sprays usually make things worse; professional treatment is the best way to eliminate them.
2. Termites (Including Subterranean Termites)
Few pest problems in Central Florida cause more damage than termites. In particular:
- Subterranean termites are the most destructive. They live in soil and build mud tubes to reach your home.
- Florida’s humid climate keeps termites active year-round.
Early signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes on walls, or swarming insects indoors. Only professional termite control can protect your home’s structure.
3. Bed Bugs
Yes, bed bugs are a problem here too, especially in high-traffic tourist areas like Disney World, Kissimmee, and Orlando hotels.
Bed bugs hide in:
- Mattresses
- Bed frames
- Upholstered furniture
They bite at night, leaving itchy red welts. It’s notoriously hard to remove bed bugs without expert help. If you suspect them, don’t wait; get professional pest management help.
4. Fire Ants
Fire ants are a painful nuisance in Orlando yards and parks. One colony can contain hundreds of thousands of ants.
They are aggressive and deliver painful stings that can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Colonies build dome-shaped mounds in sunny areas.
Treating fire ants requires more than a quick spray. Baiting and professional fire ant control are key to eliminating the entire colony.
5. Silverfish
Silverfish are small, silvery-grey insects that thrive in humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and attics. They feed on paper, glue, clothing, and pantry goods, making them a nuisance in Orlando homes.
To prevent silverfish:
- Reduce moisture with dehumidifiers or fans.
- Store dry goods in airtight containers.
- Seal cracks along walls and floors.
If you notice silverfish damage or spot them regularly, a pest control service can treat hidden nesting areas.
6. Mosquitoes
Florida is famous for mosquitoes, and Orlando is no exception. These biting insects breed in standing water, so regular yard maintenance is key.
Why they’re a serious pest:
- Spread diseases like West Nile virus.
- Thrive near lakes, ponds, and clogged gutters.
- Stay active most of the year in Central Florida.
While using insect repellent (DEET-based) helps, it’s not enough. Targeted mosquito treatments can reduce breeding grounds and keep your yard livable.
7. Wasps
Wasps are common around Orlando homes, especially in outdoor spaces like patios and under eaves.
Their stings are painful and can trigger dangerous allergic reactions. Nest locations include:
- Roof overhangs
- Deck railings
- Inside sheds or attics.
Knocking down nests without protection is risky. Professional pest control services have the right tools to handle wasp problems safely.
8. Spiders (Including Black Widow and Brown Recluse)
While many spiders are harmless, Orlando is home to two venomous species:
- Black widow – identified by its red hourglass marking.
- Brown recluse – light brown with a violin-shaped marking.
Both hide in dark, undisturbed places: garages, attics, sheds, and inside stored boxes.
Bites can cause significant medical issues. If you’re seeing these spiders or suspect a nest, contact professional pest control immediately.
9. Love Bugs
Not dangerous, but annoying. Love bugs swarm twice a year, typically in May and September.
They’re attracted to car exhaust and bright surfaces, making them a frequent nuisance on roads around Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida.
While they don’t require pest control, washing your car promptly helps prevent paint damage from their acidic bodies.
10. Ants (Including Carpenter Ants and Ghost Ants)
Florida is home to many types of ants. The most problematic areas around the Orlando area include:
- Carpenter ants nest in wood and can damage structures.
- Ghost ants – tiny ants that invade kitchens for sweets.
- Pharaoh ants spread bacteria in medical settings.
Ant infestations can spread rapidly. While baiting works well, knowing which species you’re dealing with is key, a trained technician can help identify and target the problem.
Preventing Pest Problems in Your Orlando Home
No matter the time of year, the best way to keep your home pest-free is to focus on prevention:
- Seal all entry points with high-quality caulk.
- Eliminate standing water in birdbaths, plant saucers, and gutters.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep pet food sealed and clean up spills promptly.
- Trim shrubs and trees to reduce contact with your home’s exterior.
- Schedule regular pest control inspections, especially if you live near wooded or lake areas.
Why Professional Pest Control Is Essential in Orlando
While there are plenty of DIY tips online, Central Florida’s pests are often too tough to tackle alone. Here’s why professional pest control makes a difference:
| Feature | DIY Effort | Professional Pest Control |
|---|---|---|
| Product access | Limited to store-bought | Access to advanced, regulated products |
| Pest identification accuracy | Often incorrect | Trained experts identify species correctly |
| Long-term prevention | Rarely addressed | Included in professional plans |
| Risk of spreading infestation | High | Low-targeted treatments prevent the spread |
| Time to full elimination | Weeks or months | Often within days to weeks |
At Rowland Pest Management, we customize every treatment to your home and pest situation. We also offer:
- Free estimates and expert inspections
- Same-day service when needed
- Reduced-risk products are safe for families and pets
- Long-term pest management plans to protect your property.
Ready for Real Results? Call Rowland Pest Management
At Rowland Pest Management, we’re proud to help Orlando homeowners protect their properties from common pests. Whether you’ve seen a few bugs or suspect a full-blown infestation, we’re here to help.
Our team offers:
- Free quotes
- Thorough inspections
- Family-friendly treatments
- Honest advice and dependable service
If you’re ready to take control of the bugs in Orlando, Florida, give us a call today or request your free quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bugs active year-round in Orlando?
Yes. Our warm, humid climate allows pests like roaches, ants, termites, and mosquitoes to stay active throughout the year.
How do I prevent bugs while visiting theme parks?
Wear insect repellent (DEET-based), especially near water attractions or wooded areas. Stay aware of personal belongings, as pests like bed bugs can hitchhike home from hotels.
What are the most common indoor pests in an Orlando home?
Cockroaches, ghost ants, bed bugs, spiders, and silverfish are frequent indoor invaders.
Is it safe to handle pest control on my own?
Small problems like one ant trail or a few mosquitoes can sometimes be managed with store-bought products. But for pests like termites, roaches, bed bugs, or fire ants, it’s best to call a professional pest control company to avoid spreading the infestation or using the wrong treatment.
