Common pests in Leesburg, FL
Here are some of the most common pests we find in the Leesburg - Tavares area:
Termites
Termites feed on cellulose, an organic compound found in plants and wood. Drywood termite queens may lay eggs in above-ground wood structures, and since they're typically the color of the wood they choose, colonies are often discovered from the sight of swarmers, which are winged termites. Two types of moisture-loving underground termites called subterranean and Formosan termites are also found in the Leesburg - Tavares area, the latter of which can have colonies numbering in the millions.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in or near stagnant water and hide out in grassy areas, which is why they congregate in water-friendly Leesburg. While males eat plant nectar, females can bite humans and animals alike. Some mosquitoes can transmit disease-causing pathogens.
Bed Bugs
Many people who suspect that they have bed bugs first notice the bites on their skin and empty shed skins, which these creatures shed onto bedding and clothing. They like to hide out in warm, dark places and come out mostly at night.
Wasps
Paper wasps get their name because their nests look like inverted paper cones or umbrellas. They do work pollinating the environment and eating spiders and other insects and build their semi-open homes in trees, attic eaves, rafters or porch ceilings. They can be aggressive, sometimes stinging multiple times when disturbed, which is why it's important not to remove or disturb their nests yourself.
Rodents
Roof rats, Norway rats and house mice are the main rodents found in Leesburg, and they tend to live in brush or firewood piles near your property's foundation, where they can slip indoors through small openings. Roof rats are the most common in the area and can be identified by their big eyes and ears, long tails and black or brown coloring. Mice are also common in the city, and all varieties of both mice and rats can pass harmful bacteria into food and water supplies.
