It’s no secret that the short-term rental market has exploded globally as Airbnb has become the king of the passive income market. According to Statista, over 490 million Airbnb check-ins were booked worldwide in 2024.
What better place can you make passive income on an Airbnb than an area like Central Florida and Davenport, located just a couple of miles from world-famous attractions like Disney World and SeaWorld?
While the financial possibilities are seemingly endless, some additional costs come with managing a short-term rental (STR) in Central Florida.
In addition to hiring cleaning crews and on-site management companies, you also have to worry about maintenance issues like landscaping and pest-proofing.
Incorporating a routine pest protection plan that guards against common pests like ants, termites, and mosquitoes can help protect your property from damage and give your rental an impeccable reputation.
Don’t overlook the importance of pest control for your short-term rental, as the consequences of ignoring pests at your Airbnb could turn your passive income investment into an active nightmare.
Why Pest-Proofing Matters for Airbnbs in Davenport
Pests can wreak havoc on any business, but on a business model that depends so highly on reviews, any negative experiences associated with pests on your property can harm your revenue stream and make your Airbnb unbookable.
Unfortunately, climates like Central Florida are a hotspot for pests, such as fire ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and termites.
Not only can these pests frighten guests or bite them, but wood-destroying insects like termites and carpenter ants can directly damage your property.
Failing to address pest control issues can be a massive liability for your property, whether in the form of health risks or direct structural damage that will require eventual repair.
7 Common Pests That Infest Airbnbs in Central Florida
Central Florida’s tropical and humid climate makes it a magnet for a large number of nuisance pests. While professional cleaning crews and landscapers can help minimize your risk of pests, the following pests can still make their way onto your Airbnb without proper pest control.
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers known for infesting hotels and Airbnbs. All it takes is one guest or piece of furniture to drag a bed bug infestation unknowingly onto your property. While many bugs can be overlooked, future guests will not look kindly on previous bed bug infestations, even if they are not your fault.
2. Mosquitoes
Landscaping and lawn care can only do so much to stop mosquitoes, which will lay eggs in standing water, such as pools, streams, and retention ponds.
Even overfilled bird baths and clogged gutters that don’t get dumped or inspected can attract mosquitoes and sour any guest experience at your Airbnb.
3. Ants
Ants are extremely common pests that can infest the inside and outside of your Airbnb.
Despite your best cleaning efforts, you can still find sugar ants attracted to that one little crumb your cleaning crew missed or fire ants building ant hills in your yard.
4. Termites
Central Florida is a high-risk zone for termite activity, and the only way to truly thwart these creatures is with a termite bait station.
Any softwood with minor water damage will attract termites and carpenter ants, which can slowly eat away at the framing of your property.
5. Rodents (Mice and Rats)
Drawn to warmth, shelter, and food, rodents can enter through gaps as small as a quarter and live in attics and behind walls where cleaning crews will not touch.
Once inside, these creatures will chew through wires, insulation, and even plumbing.
6. Cockroaches
The humid climate of Central Florida creates an ideal environment for American and German cockroaches, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
While cockroaches should be fairly manageable with regular cleaning, you must also keep a keen eye on your landscaping.
Many cockroaches end up in yards because of left-out trash from previous guests or even mulch that may be used for landscaping.
7. Spiders
Finally, while most spiders in Florida are harmless, their presence still unsettles guests. Some spiders, like the brown recluse, can even pose health concerns that you could be liable for.
Typically, a high concentration of spiders indicates that there are several pests on your property that need to be eliminated to get rid of the spiders.
Monthly Airbnb Pest Control Checklist
Preventative pest control is by far the most cost-effective way of dealing with pests, which will inevitably infest any property, despite your best cleaning efforts.
To help limit your short-term rental’s exposure to pests in Davenport, consider the following preventative pest control tasks:
- Inspect for signs of droppings or chew marks in baseboards, attics, and around food storage areas.
- Check window and door seals for wear and replace weatherstripping as needed.
- Run a dehumidifier in humid months to discourage cockroaches and silverfish.
- Empty standing water from plant saucers, buckets, or outdoor furniture.
- Trim trees and bushes away from the building.
- Clean gutters to avoid moisture buildup and mosquito breeding.
- Schedule a termite inspection before the rainy season (May to October).
- Seal gaps in siding, vents, and crawlspace entrances.
- Inspect attic insulation for nesting signs.
The Benefits of Seasonal Pest Control for Short-Term Rentals in Central Florida
While you can take on a part of the responsibility for monthly pest control, the whole concept of passive income revolves around doing as little as possible with your own hands.
Hiring a professional pest control company can ensure that your short-term rental and guests are protected from dangerous pests like bed bugs and termites.
Unfortunately, pest problems can quickly compound. Not only will you pay more for emergency treatments to eliminate active infestations, but this may result in lost bookings, empty rentals, and bad reviews if a customer encounters one of these pests.
Relying on your cleaning crew or management company to handle pests could leave your property vulnerable to hidden infestations.
Take the guesswork and risk out of Airbnb pest control in Davenport by hiring a reputable local extermination company like Green Behr that works extensively with short-term rentals in the area.
FAQs: Airbnb Pest Control in Davenport
How often should I schedule a pest inspection for my short-term rental?
At a minimum, you should schedule a professional pest inspection once or twice a year.
However, quarterly inspections or monthly pest maintenance are ideal in high-risk areas like Central Florida, especially during the rainy and summer seasons.
Can guests bring pests like bed bugs into my Airbnb?
Yes. Bed bugs often hitch a ride on luggage, clothing, and personal items. They can spread quickly between linens, mattresses, and furniture.
That’s why it’s essential to use protective mattress encasements and inspect bedding between each guest stay.
What can I do if I receive a pest-related complaint from a guest?
Respond promptly and professionally. Apologize, document the issue, and arrange for a pest inspection or treatment immediately.
Offering a partial refund or a future discount may help preserve your rating. Then, update your pest-proofing plan to prevent future occurrences.
