Pest Library

South Florida Pest Identification Guide

Detailed identification guides for 16 pests common in Broward and Palm Beach Counties — each with photos, threat levels, and UF/IFAS research links.

● High Threat ● Medium Threat ● Low / Nuisance
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All pest profiles are linked to UF/IFAS Featured Creatures — the University of Florida's peer-reviewed entomology database. Accurate identification leads to more effective control. FL License JB313837 covers all 5 pest control categories including Public Health, Wood Destroying Organisms, and Lawn & Ornamental.

Yellow Fever Mosquito — South Florida pest identification
High
Mosquito

Yellow Fever Mosquito

Aedes aegypti

The primary dengue and Zika vector in South Florida. Day-biting, breeds in tiny containers — even bottle caps.

Mosquito Control ID Guide →
Asian Tiger Mosquito — South Florida pest identification
High
Mosquito

Asian Tiger Mosquito

Aedes albopictus

Identifiable by its bold white-striped pattern. Aggressive daytime biter, established throughout South Florida.

Mosquito Control ID Guide →
Southern House Mosquito — South Florida pest identification
High
Mosquito

Southern House Mosquito

Culex quinquefasciatus

West Nile's primary vector. Breeds in standing water — ditches, gutters, neglected pools — and bites at dusk and overnight.

Mosquito Control ID Guide →
No-See-Ums (Biting Midges) — South Florida pest identification
Medium
Biting Midge

No-See-Ums (Biting Midges)

Culicoides spp.

Nearly invisible at 1–3mm, but the bite is felt immediately. Worst at dawn and dusk on coastal and waterfront properties.

Mosquito Control ID Guide →
American Cockroach (Palmetto Bug) — South Florida pest identification
Medium
Cockroach

American Cockroach (Palmetto Bug)

Periplaneta americana

South Florida's largest cockroach — up to 2 inches. Enters via garage doors, soffits, and plumbing. Thrives year-round in FL's heat.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →
Roof Rat (Black Rat) — South Florida pest identification
High
Rodent

Roof Rat (Black Rat)

Rattus rattus

The dominant rodent in South Florida — sleek, agile climbers that nest in attics, soffits, and palm trees. Active year-round.

Rodent Control ID Guide →
Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick) — South Florida pest identification
High
Tick

Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick)

Ixodes scapularis

Primary Lyme disease vector in the eastern US. Carried into yards by deer and small mammals. Common in wooded and preserve-edge properties.

Tick Control ID Guide →
Formosan Subterranean Termite — South Florida pest identification
Severe
Termite

Formosan Subterranean Termite

Coptotermes formosanus

The most destructive termite species in the world. Colonies of 1–10 million workers devour wood 24/7. Requires immediate professional intervention.

Termite Protection ID Guide →
Eastern Subterranean Termite — South Florida pest identification
Severe
Termite

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Reticulitermes flavipes

The most widely distributed termite in North America. Lives underground, builds mud tubes, and silently destroys wood from the inside out.

Termite Protection ID Guide →
Drywood Termite — South Florida pest identification
High
Termite

Drywood Termite

Incisitermes snyderi

Unlike subterranean species, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they eat — furniture, framing, and trim. No soil contact needed.

Termite Protection ID Guide →
Red Imported Fire Ant — South Florida pest identification
High
Ant

Red Imported Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

Aggressive stinging ant that builds dome-shaped mounds in lawns and landscaping. Common throughout South Florida — dangerous to children and pets.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →
Ghost Ant — South Florida pest identification
Low
Ant

Ghost Ant

Tapinoma melanocephalum

South Florida's most common indoor ant — nearly transparent body makes it nearly invisible. Colonies split and spread rapidly when disturbed.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →
German Cockroach — South Florida pest identification
High
Cockroach

German Cockroach

Blattella germanica

The world's most successful cockroach pest. Breeds at explosive rates inside kitchens and bathrooms. Resistant to many over-the-counter treatments.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →
Florida Carpenter Ant — South Florida pest identification
Medium
Ant

Florida Carpenter Ant

Camponotus floridanus

Florida's largest native ant — up to 3/4 inch. Excavates galleries in wood, especially in damp or rotting areas. Active at night.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →
Black Widow Spider — South Florida pest identification
High
Spider

Black Widow Spider

Latrodectus mactans

Found in garages, utility boxes, pool equipment areas, and under outdoor furniture in South Florida. Venom is 15× more potent than rattlesnake venom.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →
Florida Bark Scorpion — South Florida pest identification
Medium
Scorpion

Florida Bark Scorpion

Centruroides gracilis

Florida's most common scorpion — found under bark, mulch, and in garages in South Florida. Nocturnal and painful but rarely dangerous to healthy adults.

Perimeter Pest Control ID Guide →

What Else Does Our Treatment Cover?

Our barrier treatments use Talstar P (bifenthrin), one of the most widely used professional pest control products in the country. The Talstar label covers over 75 pest species. In addition to those above, treated properties will also see reduction in:

SilverfishEarwigsCentipedesMillipedesClover mitesFruit fliesFungus gnatsDrain fliesHouse fliesStable fliesFleasWhitefliesAphidsBeetlesBoxelder bugsStink bugsSowbugsPillbugsWax mothsPantry mothsWeevilsCricketsGrasshoppersThripsLeafhoppers

Not sure what you're dealing with? Call us and describe what you're seeing — we can identify the pest and recommend the right treatment.

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