Orkin Delray Beach, Florida

Delray Beach Pest Pressure

The coastal city of Delray Beach is located in Florida’s Palm Beach County. While they may be just steps from the ocean, residents also are just steps away from common invaders. Pests like termites and mosquitoes thrive in the area due to its geographical location, close proximity to water, and climate.

Termites are drawn to moisture and can be found tunneling underground in moist soil. These wood-eating pests can make a meal out of a home or structure, causing severe damage. In fact, termite-related damage in the U.S. can total in the billions, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Even though they can be difficult to detect, drywood termites can be identified by their frass, otherwise known as droppings, which resemble very small wood pellets. Shed wings near windows and doors and mud tubes on the exterior of a structure also are indicators of an infestation of subterranean termites.

Delray Beach residents can take action to help safeguard their homes against termites by eliminating any leaks from pipes or flooded downspouts and making sure that wood does not contact the soil. Additionally, annual inspections conducted by local and licensed termite specialists can help identify and treat an infestation before it's too late.

Another pest frequently found in South Florida and no stranger to news headlines is the mosquito. While these tiny, flying pests may seem harmless, mosquitoes can transmit diseases, such as West Nile and Zika virus. Pest experts strongly urge people to wear long pants and sleeves in addition to using a repellant spray when spending time outdoors during peak mosquito activity times. Residents can help eliminate mosquitoes on their properties by removing standing water in dog bowls, bird baths, potted plants, and toys. Excess standing water can serve as a breeding ground for this potentially hazardous pest, so residents should work to remove these sources.