[FosterMomma]

We are moving down to TV in a few weeks but our house is currently empty. I'm wondering what "pests" (of the critter variety) we should be concerned about and how do you combat them? We used to have a place in Punta Gorda and fire ants were a huge problem there for our Golden Retrievers so I'm concerned about that but generally, do you spray? Fumigate? What should we be looking our for? Any help would be appreciated... as would the suggestion of any pest control businesses. Thanks!

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by MiaW1948

We are moving down to TV in a few weeks but our house is currently empty. I'm wondering what "pests" (of the critter variety) we should be concerned about and how do you combat them? We used to have a place in Punta Gorda and fire ants were a huge problem there for our Golden Retrievers so I'm concerned about that but generally, do you spray? Fumigate? What should we be looking our for? Any help would be appreciated... as would the suggestion of any pest control businesses. Thanks!

when you say "pests" (of the critter variety) , are you sure you are referring to those with more than 2 legs???

I'll let those who have lived in TV longer than I give you the serious answer to your questions. I'm actually interested as well

[FosterMomma]

Yes Golfing Eagles, unless snakes, birds, bats etc are a problem... I just meant any problem critter other than humans.

[Sandtrap328]

No real pest problems. Just about everyone has a pest control company that sprays a barrier on the outside of the home. Massey is probably best.

Usual pests like rover ants, fire ants, palmetto bugs are taken care of by that.

Be cautious when walking your dog by tall grasses for things like pygmy rattlesnakes and brown recluse spiders - and both sometimes get into garages!

No mosquitoes is a great feature of The Villages!

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by MiaW1948

Yes Golfing Eagles, unless snakes, birds, bats etc are a problem... I just meant any problem critter other than humans.

Well, the lists goes on and on. Fire ants are a problem at certain times of the year (late spring/early summer, I believe). There is a powder that can be applied to their mounds.
Search this site for snakes, coyotes, bobcats, alligators---but despite the "chicken little, the sky is falling" posts, they aren't a big problem if you use common sense.
Lovebugs appear seasonally
Cockroaches are a problem everywhere, don't leave Purina cockroach chow lying around
Most people have a pest control company spray to prevent termites and the like, as well as lawn parasites

I'm sure others will add to the list, but for the most part any pests (over 2 legs) can be handled

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by MiaW1948

We are moving down to TV in a few weeks but our house is currently empty. I'm wondering what "pests" (of the critter variety) we should be concerned about and how do you combat them? We used to have a place in Punta Gorda and fire ants were a huge problem there for our Golden Retrievers so I'm concerned about that but generally, do you spray? Fumigate? What should we be looking our for? Any help would be appreciated... as would the suggestion of any pest control businesses. Thanks!

Yes. And to keep them at bay call Deans or Masseys. That is what they do.


When we used to be snowbirds we would be greeted by a few ants in the bathrooms when we returned, not fire ants, mostly pith anth. And the service would come out right away and pfft they were gone. Some fire ants in the yard happen during certain times of the year and my husband puts stuff on their ant hills. Treat them cautiously if you are new to them They hurt and sting and it lasts a long time.

[tuccillo]

If you are talking about bugs in the house, I don't do anything specific inside the house and don't see anything in the house. I do spread a generic pesticide on the lawn with a lawn spreader a couple of times per year for yard pests, including around the perimeter of the house. I know some people use pest control companies but I have never had the need. Fire ants are always problematic. I do treat the mounds with Amdro as I encounter them.

Originally Posted by MiaW1948

We are moving down to TV in a few weeks but our house is currently empty. I'm wondering what "pests" (of the critter variety) we should be concerned about and how do you combat them? We used to have a place in Punta Gorda and fire ants were a huge problem there for our Golden Retrievers so I'm concerned about that but generally, do you spray? Fumigate? What should we be looking our for? Any help would be appreciated... as would the suggestion of any pest control businesses. Thanks!

[Jima64]

You can invest a few dollars at lowes or H D and buy a pumpup sprayer or a hose end sprayer and also buy there or online the same chemicals the companies use. Permethrin and bifithin are two main ones. Talstar granules for the lawn a couple of times a year. Or a generic brand that has bifithin as the main active ingredient. Ant and roach bait traps in the closets unseen wor good also. Maxforce and dual choice are good brands for ant and roach traps.

[asianthree]

We use deans for pest, lawn and mow

[villagetinker]

OP, I did not see how long your house was vacant, or if you had home watch and exterminator. If it has been empty for a while, you may want to consider a home inspection to make sure you do not have termites, and then depending on how much work you want to do, either as suggested above start your own bug program, or hire one of the name companies. We use Deans for bugs, lawn, mowing, etc.
Hope this helps.