By 
Horizon West is more than just a suburb in Southwest Orange County. It is being developed rapidly, and as a result of construction, pests are constantly being displaced and pushed into homes. In neighborhoods like Waterleigh and Summerlake, homes are built on land that was, until very recently, citrus groves or pine flatwoods. Below are some reasons why infestations persist here.
- Reactive approach: Many homeowners don’t think of getting professional help until the problem is severe. The truth is that you need a local company like Avata Pest Control that understands pest issues in Horizon West and can work for your home throughout the year. The Avata team insists on a proactive approach, which can reduce the need for urgent services.
- Soil disturbance: As discussed earlier, the development of new subdivisions impacts existing subterranean termite colonies that have existed for decades. Displaced termites keep looking for new cellulose sources, which results in foraging and making new homes a target.
- Retention ponds: Horizon West has water management systems that were designed to handle Florida’s storms. These ponds, common in Waterleigh, work as incubators for midges and biting flies. The presence of these pests also attracts predatory spiders, leading to massive webs that can be seen inside homes and exterior areas.
- Mediterranean design: Many homes in the region have Mediterranean architecture and feature barrel tile roofs. These tiles often have gaps that remain unchecked and offer nesting spots for species like roof rats and bats. Once rats enter your home, placing a few traps wouldn’t help.
- Over Irrigation: Given the intense sun in Florida, many homeowners over-depend on irrigation, and that attracts many species that need moisture, including silverfish, springtails, and centipedes. If the sprinklers are directed towards the main building, you can expect to have more infestations.
- Mulch: Many planned communities in Horizon West depend on mulch for landscaping. When mulch is piled against stucco, humidity allows threats like subterranean termites and carpenter ants to travel from the soil to wooden structures without being exposed to the drying air.
- Humidity: Humidity levels in Southwest Orange County tend to be much higher than in coastal regions. Cracks and crevices that aren’t fixed never dry out, which makes them hospitable to ghost ants. This species of ants is one of the bigger nuisances in the suburb.
- Outdoor lighting: Outdoor lighting in many homes attracts nocturnal insects from surrounding conservation woods, and these insects bring larger predators, including various spider species and scorpions. Eventually, all pests find a way into your home.
- Excessive DIY: With local stores stocking different types of pest control products, it is easy to assume that these will fix infestations. Unfortunately, DIY isn’t just ineffective but also risky. If you overuse products, pests can develop resistance, and the benefits are only for a few days. Florida sun and afternoon storms degrade these products within days.
Consider Yearly Pest Control for Your Home
The most effective step is to sign up for a yearly plan, which will include technician visits along with other steps. If the team finds it necessary, they may consider soil treatments to stop termites and other insects, and if you spot pests between inspections, technicians will repeat treatment for free. Top companies offering pest control in Horizon West stick to IPM norms, so professionals will only use methods that are safe. Even when technicians use chemicals, they will follow the given rules and ensure there is no risk of exposure.
If your home hasn’t been inspected in more than four years, you are already missing out. Get a professional service to complete an audit, and the technicians will share aspects they have found and how you can do better.
Comments