What is happening 

Florida’s warm, wet climate creates ideal conditions for pests, especially during the late spring and summer months. If you’re seeing more bugs than usual this year, you’re not alone. A combination of heavy rains, high humidity, and warmer-than-average temperatures has led to a population boom in common pests like mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks. These pests thrive in standing water, moist soil, and dense vegetation; three things Florida has in abundance right now. 

Why does it matter 

Besides being an itchy nuisance, these pests pose real health risks: 

• Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). 

• Gnats (fungus gnats in particular) damage houseplants by feeding on roots and spreading fungus. 

• Ticks carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses that can cause long-term health problems. 

Beyond personal discomfort, uncontrolled pest populations can affect pets, native wildlife, and even disrupt local ecosystems. However, it’s important to recognize that these organisms also play essential roles in nature. Mosquito larvae help recycle nutrients in aquatic systems and serve as a major food source for fish, amphibians, and birds. Gnats contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling, while also feeding many predatory insects and birds. Even ticks, though less appreciated, form part of the food web by supporting birds and small mammals that feed on them. 

The challenge lies in managing these species responsibly, reducing their negative impact on human and animal health without disrupting the ecological services they provide. A balanced approach to pest control is essential, one that addresses public health risks while maintaining the integrity of natural systems. 

Sustainable Solutions 

Instead of turning to chemical sprays that can harm pollinators, pets, and the environment, consider these eco-friendly, sustainable pest control strategies: 

• Prevention First 
  • Eliminate standing water: empty plant saucers, clean gutters, and remove any stagnant water sources weekly to deter mosquito breeding 
  • Use well-draining soil: prevent gnat infestations by letting your plants dry out between waterings and using sand or diatomaceous earth on the surface 
  • Tick-proof your yard: create a simple, small open space with wood chips, mulch, or gravel between your lawn and any wooded or brushy area to deter ticks by creating a dry barrier 
  • Benefit other animals: utilize native landscaping to bring in predators that eat these insects 

• Natural Repellents 
  • Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint can deter mosquitos and gnats. Use them in diffusers, sprays, or garden plantings. 
  • Just remember that some of these can become invasive so use artificial planting areas 
  • Neem oil is a plant-safe option for killing gnats and deterring other insects on houseplants 
  • Cedar chips or sprays are effective against ticks and safe around pets, so create a small cedar layer between your walkway and your lawn 

• Biological Controls 
  • Plant native: this helps to introduce and establish beneficial insects like ladybugs, nematodes, or predatory mites that keep pest populations in check 
  • Install bat boxes or birdhouse: bats and birds are natural mosquito predators 

 

Sustainable pest control isn’t just better for your garden and your skin; it’s critical for long-term health and ecosystem balance. With Florida’s changing climate and increasing pest pressures, it’s more important than ever to find smarter, safer ways to coexist with nature. 

 

Information from Florida Environmental Pest Management, UF IFAS, Dr. Killigan’s Inc., A-1 Pest Control, and New Canaan Nature Center.