Pest questions from Orlando homeowners and landlords
Most questions fall into four groups: what a sign means, why Central Florida pests keep returning, what licences and reports apply, and what a homeowners policy usually leaves out.
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- WDO reports on FDACS Form 13645
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What the sign means
Does a winged termite on the porch mean I have termites?
Not by itself. Winged termites come out statewide each spring and do not prove an infestation. Keep one in a sealed bag and have it identified, and call if you see them indoors or find mud tubes.
What does a rat in the attic sound like?
Scratching and running along the rafters at night is typical. Roof rats use soffits and attic insulation, so the signs are often gnawed wire, droppings and a hollowed fruit with a neat hole.
Why pests keep returning
Do lake and pond edges cause mosquito trouble?
Not usually. The daytime biting mosquito breeds in small containers and gutters, so emptying those each week does more than anything at the lake.
Why does my lawn go yellow and brown in the summer?
Southern chinch bugs feed on St. Augustine grass in the warm months and leave patches that spread. Check the grass base before watering more.
Licences and reports
How do I check a Florida pest control licence?
Florida licenses structural pest control through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Chapter 482. Ask for the company licence and the certified operator's name, then check them with the department.
What is a WDO report for?
A wood-destroying organism inspection is required for a real-estate transaction when a fee is charged or a written report is asked for. It is written on the state's form by a qualified inspector.
Insurance
Does a homeowners policy pay for termite or rat damage?
Usually not. Termite and vermin damage is commonly excluded from standard homeowners policies, so read the policy and ask the insurer. For a complaint, the Florida Department of Financial Services takes consumer complaints.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. A technician will give you a straight answer, even if the answer is that you do not need us.