Why were cockroaches so common this summer?
Cockroaches were our most common call in Tampa Bay during Summer 2026, with 631 calls to Anti-Pesto Bug Killers. Ants also kept homeowners busy, with 518 calls. For both pests, a kitchen with crumbs, accessible water and quiet hiding spots offers plenty of reasons to stay.
Summer is an active breeding and feeding season for many cockroaches. Some enter from outdoors, while others can live and reproduce inside. Look for droppings, egg cases and repeated sightings beneath sinks, behind refrigerators and around dishwashers. Seeing roaches regularly is a good reason to inspect those hidden spaces rather than just treating the one you spot.
Wipe up grease, store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Fix plumbing leaks and dry damp cabinets. Door sweeps and sealed gaps around pipes help block entry, while removing cardboard clutter leaves cockroaches fewer places to hide.
Why did ants keep coming back into the house?
Ants spend the summer gathering food for growing colonies. Once workers find a dependable source, they leave scent trails that guide other ants to it. Watch for trails along counters, baseboards, window frames and plumbing openings. Clean spills promptly, rinse recycling and follow trails to find entry points.
Carpenter ants deserve a closer look when trails keep appearing indoors or coarse, sawdust-like debris collects near wood. They hollow out wood for nesting rather than eating it. Repair leaks, address damaged wood and trim branches touching the house. Repeated activity near wood calls for an inspection, not just wiping away the debris.
What termite signs should homeowners take seriously?
Termites prompted 357 calls this summer. Some termites swarm during summer, but colonies can remain active out of sight beyond swarming season. Look for discarded wings, mud tubes on foundations, tiny pellet piles or wood that seems damaged. Avoid breaking open suspected activity before an inspection.
Winged ants and termites can look similar at a glance. Carpenter ants have pinched waists and bent antennae, while termites have broader waists and straighter antennae. Save a sample or take a clear photo if possible. Keep mulch and stored wood away from siding, reduce soil-to-wood contact and repair leaks. These steps reduce inviting conditions but do not remove an established colony.
Why were spiders showing up around doors and garages?
Spiders often settle where other insects provide meals. Summer insect activity can make porch lights, garages and sheltered corners useful hunting spots. Watch for webs around door frames, stored items and outdoor furniture. Most spiders prefer to avoid people, but avoid handling any spider you cannot identify.
Remove old webs, reduce clutter and repair damaged screens. Where practical, keep outdoor lights away from entrances or use them only when needed. Wear gloves when moving stored yard items. Reducing the insects that gather near the house also makes those spots less attractive to spiders.
Can rodents be a summer problem too?
Rodents do not wait for cooler seasons to enter homes. Food, water and protected nesting spaces can draw them inside during summer too. Scratching sounds, gnaw marks, droppings and damaged food packages are signs worth checking. Inspect garages, utility openings and areas where pipes enter walls.
Keep pet food and birdseed in sturdy, closed containers, secure trash lids and clear dense clutter near exterior walls. Have suspected entry points assessed and closed with durable materials as part of a removal plan. Do not sweep or vacuum dry rodent droppings; follow safe wet-cleaning guidance instead.
What helps with mosquitoes, flies and stinging insects?
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so empty and scrub plant saucers, buckets and birdbaths regularly. Check clogged gutters and items tucked behind sheds. For flies around bins or patios, remove food scraps and pet waste, then wash away bin residue that keeps drawing them back.
Many stinging insects build up their colonies through summer. Repeated flights to one opening can signal a nest. Give the area space, keep children and pets away, and do not seal an active entrance or disturb the nest. Arrange help when activity is near a doorway, walkway or play area.
What should Tampa Bay homeowners watch for heading into fall?
As fall approaches, keep checking for cockroach droppings, returning ant trails, fresh termite signs and rodent damage. Summer pests do not disappear on a calendar date. Maintain door sweeps, clear debris from gutters and keep food sealed. If activity returns after cleanup or appears in several rooms, an inspection can help locate the source.
