Beautiful, sunny Orlando and Davidson, Florida, are some of the most sought-after areas for US real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and developers.
With the amount of foot traffic that flows through these towns, Airbnbs and rentals have become one of the fastest-growing business sectors in Central Florida.
While it may feel like any business can thrive in Central Florida, your bottom line and reputation can be seriously harmed by just one pest sighting.
While overlooked by many businesses in and around Central Florida, pests like cockroaches, water bugs, and termites are a year-round threat as the tropical climate provides the perfect breeding ground for these pests to proliferate.
This guide will cover various commercial pest control options in Central Florida and familiarize you with common pests around the area that could be a huge threat to your business.
How Pests Can Harm Businesses in Central Florida
While people can envision the damage that pests can do to your reputation if it gets around town, many pests can damage your business in additional ways if you’re not careful.
- Property Damage: Rodents, termites, and wildlife can destroy insulation, wiring, wood, and even concrete if left unchecked.
- Product Contamination: Pests like rodents and ants can ruin inventory, causing food to spoil, which can be detrimental in food-related industries.
- Health Violations: Not only will the presence of pests be a huge red flag on an inspection report, but many pests carry harmful diseases that can spread amongst employees and customers.
- Reputation Damage: One bad review mentioning pests can destroy customer trust for good.
- Lost Revenue: In extreme cases, infestations can result in temporary closures, canceled bookings, or discarded inventory.
- Increased Costs: Emergency treatments, repairs, and repeat extermination services add up quickly.
While professional or preventative pest control may not be in your budget, you could end up losing substantially more in revenue if you encounter a pest infestation.
Top 10 Pests That Threaten Central Florida Businesses
So, what pests should you be worried about in Central Florida? While more can threaten your business, these ten common pests in Central Florida are by far the most dangerous for businesses.
1. Rodents (Rats and Mice)
Rodents are one of the most destructive pests for commercial properties. They chew wires (posing a fire risk), burrow through insulation, and contaminate surfaces and food. Their presence can lead to health inspections and closures.
2. Termites
Termites cause billions in property damage annually, particularly to wooden structures. In Florida, subterranean termites are especially aggressive, and an undetected infestation can cause structural failures and sky-high repair costs.
Unfortunately, getting rid of termites always requires professional control, including professionally monitored bait stations.
3. Cockroaches
These pests thrive in the humid Florida climate and can quickly overrun restaurants, break rooms, and storage areas. Their presence often results in lost business, failed inspections, and costly remediation.
4. Bed Bugs
Hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and even offices with lounge spaces can fall victim to bed bugs. They’re difficult to detect early and even harder to eliminate without professional help.
5. Stored Product Pests
Pests like flour beetles, Indian meal moths, and weevils infest dry food products. Contamination means throwing out inventory and investing in sanitation and prevention systems.
6. Nuisance Wildlife (Raccoons, Squirrels, etc.)
Wild animals often seek shelter in attics, drop ceilings, and storage areas. They can damage HVAC systems, pose safety hazards, and leave behind biohazards that require professional cleanup.
7. Flies
Fruit flies, houseflies, and drain flies can spread bacteria and make a poor impression on customers. For food service businesses, flies are a red flag for inspectors and patrons alike.
8. Mosquitoes
In outdoor dining areas, resorts, and event spaces, mosquitoes not only ruin the customer experience but also carry dangerous diseases. Regular control measures are crucial in Orlando’s mosquito-prone environment.
9. Birds (Pigeons, Starlings, etc.)
Bird droppings can erode building materials, damage signage, and create unsanitary conditions. Nesting birds can also clog drains and interfere with HVAC equipment.
10. Fleas and Ticks
Businesses with outdoor areas or pet clientele—like doggy daycares, vet clinics, or garden centers—must watch out for fleas and ticks, which can infest carpets and seating areas.
Not only are these pests a nuisance, but they can spread highly dangerous diseases.
The Importance of Commercial Pest Control in Orlando
DIY pest control might seem cost-effective at first, but it often provides only temporary relief and fails to address the root of the problem, especially in high-risk, high-traffic commercial environments.
Professional pest control services offer a more reliable solution. Experts are trained to identify specific pests and apply targeted treatments that eliminate infestations effectively.
In addition to removing current problems, commercial pest control experts like Green Behr offer preventative plans to thwart future issues by sealing entry points and implementing long-term exclusion strategies.
They also ensure your business remains compliant with local health regulations, reducing the risk of fines or shutdowns. Many providers offer discreet, after-hours service to minimize disruption to your daily operations and protect your reputation.
Commercial Pest Prevention Tips
Preventing a pest infestation is far more cost-effective than dealing with one after it starts. A professional pest control expert will recommend these strategies to limit your risk of pests in Central Florida.
- Seal Entry Points: Close gaps in doors, windows, vents, and foundations where pests could enter. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Work with a professional pest control provider to schedule monthly or quarterly inspections to catch early signs of infestation.
- Keep It Clean: Implement strict sanitation protocols—especially in kitchens, garbage areas, and food storage zones. Regular deep cleaning can eliminate food and water sources.
- Store Food Properly: Use airtight containers for all food products and supplies. Rotate stock frequently to reduce the risk of stored product pests.
- Manage Landscaping: Trim trees, shrubs, and overgrown vegetation that can act as bridges for pests like ants, rodents, and mosquitoes.
- Fix Leaks Immediately: Pests like roaches and mosquitoes are drawn to moisture. Fix plumbing leaks and maintain proper drainage to keep them at bay.
Protect Your Business with Proactive Pest Management
In Orlando’s pest-heavy environment, ignoring pest problems can have serious financial consequences.
Whether you manage a food service business, retail store, hotel, or industrial facility, a proactive, year-round pest control plan is your best defense.
Contact Green Behr for more details on our methods and pricing to see if a plan is right for you.
FAQs
How often should my business schedule pest inspections?
Commercial properties benefit from monthly or quarterly inspections, depending on the industry and risk level. High-turnover environments like restaurants or hotels may require more frequent visits.
Are commercial pest control treatments safe for customers and employees?
Reputable pest control companies use products and methods approved for use in commercial settings. Treatments are applied safely and strategically, often during off-hours to minimize exposure and disruption.
