What pest is in your home?
Answer 3–4 quick questions about what you're seeing to get a likely match. This is a guide, not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Question 1 of 4
Where are you seeing signs of pest activity?
Choose the option that best matches what you're observing.
What are you seeing near or in the wood?
Check baseboards, door frames, window sills, trim, and any exposed wood.
When did you see the swarming insects?
Timing helps separate termite swarmers from flying ants.
What are you seeing in the kitchen or food areas?
What are you noticing in the bedroom or on your body?
What does the spider look like?
Florida has a few medically important spiders, but many common spiders are harmless.
What sounds or signs are you noticing in the attic or ceiling?
What are you seeing outside?
Subterranean Termites
Likely subterranean termite activity
What this likely means
Subterranean termites are one of the most destructive structural pests in Florida. They live underground and travel through mud tubes to reach wood in your home, often remaining hidden until damage is already underway.
Signs that support this match
- Mud tubes along foundations, walls, or plumbing entry points
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Blistering or bubbling paint on walls
- Discarded wings near windows and doors
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980Formosan Termites
A highly destructive termite type
What this likely means
Formosan termites are considered one of the most aggressive termite threats found in Florida. Large colonies can cause serious damage if the infestation is left untreated.
Signs that support this match
- Heavy swarming activity near lights
- Large or active mud tubes
- Brown carton-like nest material in hidden spaces
- Rapidly worsening wood damage
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Drywood Termites
Likely drywood termite activity
What this likely means
Drywood termites do not need soil contact and can infest dry wood directly, including attic framing, trim, flooring, and furniture. They are often discovered after visible pellets or damage appear.
Signs that support this match
- Pellet-like frass below infested wood
- Discolored or blistered wood surfaces
- Night swarming during warmer months
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980Flying Ants
Possibly flying ants rather than termites
What this likely means
Flying ants are often mistaken for termite swarmers. The key visual clues are a pinched waist, elbowed antennae, and front wings larger than rear wings. Some species, like carpenter ants, can still damage wood over time.
Signs that support this match
- Pinched waist visible
- Elbowed antennae
- Front wings larger than rear wings
- Activity near wood, stumps, or moist areas
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980Powderpost Beetles
Likely wood-boring beetle activity
What this likely means
Powderpost beetles bore into wood and leave small round exit holes with fine powdery frass. They are commonly found in hardwood flooring, furniture, and wood trim.
Signs that support this match
- Small round holes in hardwood
- Fine powdery dust below holes
- Multiple holes in a pattern
- Activity more noticeable in warmer months
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980American Cockroach
Often called a palmetto bug
What this likely means
American cockroaches are large reddish-brown roaches common in Florida. They prefer warm, moist environments and often enter homes through gaps around plumbing, doors, and utility penetrations.
Signs that support this match
- Large reddish-brown insects
- Mostly active at night
- Often found near drains, garages, or damp areas
- Dark bean-shaped egg casings in corners
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980German Cockroach
A difficult roach infestation to eliminate
What this likely means
German cockroaches are one of the hardest common indoor pests to eliminate. They reproduce quickly, hide near food and moisture, and often survive incomplete DIY treatment.
Signs that support this match
- Small tan or brown roaches with dark stripes behind the head
- Activity near appliances, cabinets, or bathrooms
- Droppings that resemble black pepper
- Musty odor in heavier infestations
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980Ghost Ants or Similar Small Indoor Ants
Likely a common Florida indoor ant species
What this likely means
Ghost ants and similar small indoor ant species commonly invade Florida homes in search of food and moisture. They often trail into kitchens, bathrooms, and wall voids.
Signs that support this match
- Tiny ants moving in trails
- Recurring activity near food or moisture
- Activity around counters, sinks, or potted plants
- Returns after surface-only DIY treatment
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980Pantry Pests
Likely moths, beetles, or weevils in stored food
What this likely means
Pantry pests infest dry goods like flour, grains, cereals, spices, and pet food. They are commonly discovered after seeing insects in food packaging or small moths in the kitchen.
Signs that support this match
- Small moths or beetles around pantry items
- Webbing or insect activity in dry food packages
- Clumped or contaminated food products
- Recurring pantry insects despite cleaning
Talk to a licensed pro about this
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(321) 334-3980House Mouse
Likely mouse activity
What this likely means
House mice enter through very small gaps and are commonly found near food storage, appliances, garages, and wall lines. They can contaminate surfaces and damage stored materials.
Signs that support this match
- Small droppings along walls or in cabinets
- Gnaw marks on food packaging
- Nesting material in hidden areas
- Greasy rub marks near floor level
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Bed Bugs
Likely bed bug activity
What this likely means
Bed bugs hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and cracks near sleeping areas. They feed at night and often remain hidden during the day, which makes them difficult to eliminate without proper treatment.
Signs that support this match
- Itchy bites in lines or clusters after sleeping
- Rust-colored spots or dark specks on bedding
- Shed skins near seams or furniture cracks
- Visible bugs or eggs around the bed area
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Roof Rats
Likely roof rat activity
What this likely means
Roof rats are common in Central Florida and often enter through rooflines, attic vents, and nearby tree branches. Once inside, they can damage insulation, stored materials, and wiring.
Signs that support this match
- Scurrying or scratching sounds at night
- Droppings in attics or along walls
- Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or pipes
- Odor or nesting activity in attic spaces
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Opossum or Squirrel
Possibly wildlife rather than a standard pest issue
What this likely means
Heavier movement in attics can indicate wildlife rather than rodents. Opossums and squirrels can damage insulation and enter through larger roof or soffit openings.
Signs that support this match
- Heavier shuffling or walking sounds
- Larger droppings than mice or rats
- Visible larger entry holes
- Possible daytime attic activity
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Fire Ants
Likely fire ant activity
What this likely means
Fire ants are widespread in Florida lawns and outdoor areas. Their mounds can appear quickly, and they respond aggressively when disturbed.
Signs that support this match
- Dirt mounds in lawn areas
- Painful stings after disturbing the mound
- Aggressive swarming behavior
- Mounds that return after basic treatment
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Mosquitoes
Likely mosquito activity
What this likely means
Mosquito pressure is common in Orlando due to heat, humidity, and standing water. Outdoor activity around dawn, dusk, and shaded wet areas is especially common.
Signs that support this match
- Biting insects at dawn or dusk
- Standing water around the yard
- More activity near shaded or wet areas
- Recurring outdoor biting pressure
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Carpenter Ants
Likely carpenter ant activity
What this likely means
Carpenter ants tunnel through wood to create nesting space. They are often found around damp or softened wood near leaks, trim, decks, or exterior wood structures.
Signs that support this match
- Large black ants near wood
- Coarse sawdust-like material below wood
- Trails moving from outdoors to structure
- Activity near damp or damaged wood
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Wasps or Yellow Jackets
Likely a stinging insect nest
What this likely means
Wasps and yellow jackets often build nests under eaves, in shrubs, wall voids, or underground. Nest location and species affect how removal should be handled.
Signs that support this match
- Visible nest under eaves or around structures
- Consistent insect traffic entering one area
- Ground-level nest entrances
- Wasps around soffits or wall gaps
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Black Widow Spider
A medically important spider
What this likely means
Black widows are found in Florida and are recognized by their glossy black body and red hourglass marking. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas like garages, sheds, and low exterior hiding spots.
Signs that support this match
- Shiny black body with red hourglass
- Messy web close to the ground
- Found in garages, sheds, or outdoor storage areas
- Presence in dark undisturbed corners
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Brown Recluse Spider
Possibly a medically important spider
What this likely means
Brown recluse spiders are less commonly identified in Florida than some other species, but similar-looking brown spiders can still be concerning. Accurate identification matters.
Signs that support this match
- Light brown spider with violin-like marking
- Long thin legs
- Found in boxes, storage, or undisturbed areas
- Spider seen indoors in hidden spaces
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Likely a Harmless Outdoor Spider
Possibly a common garden or orb-weaver spider
What this likely means
Florida has many large outdoor spiders that look alarming but are generally harmless and even beneficial because they help reduce other insect populations.
Signs that support this match
- Large spider in an outdoor web
- Web in shrubs, gardens, or exterior corners
- Spider stays outdoors and avoids contact
- No ongoing indoor infestation pattern
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Spider — Species Unknown
More information may be needed
What this likely means
Without a clear sighting, it can be difficult to identify the spider species. Repeated spider sightings indoors can sometimes signal an underlying pest issue attracting them.
Signs that support this match
- Multiple spider sightings indoors
- Webs in multiple rooms or hidden areas
- Possible bites or unexplained marks
- Other insect activity inside the home
Talk to a licensed pro about this
Free connection to an independent, licensed pest control professional in the Orlando area. No obligation to book.
(321) 334-3980Not sure? Call (321) 334-3980 and describe what you're seeing. We'll connect you with a licensed pest professional.
Identifying common pests in Florida
Florida homeowners deal with a mix of pests all year. Unlike colder states, where winter slows things down, Central Florida's warm, humid climate keeps termites, roaches, rodents, ants and mosquitoes active in every season.
Getting the identification right matters because different pests need different treatments. Mistaking termite swarmers for flying ants, or roof rat activity for a minor nuisance, leads to DIY treatment that doesn't work and lets the problem grow.
Once you have a likely match, call (321) 334-3980 to be connected with an independent, licensed pest control professional serving the Orlando area. You can also read the Central Florida pest guide.