10 Facts About Ants

Posted on by Annie Quinn

Ants are tiny, tireless, and surprisingly complex. They are some of the most common pests in Florida homes, but also some of the most fascinating. From their impeccable strength, to their persistence on supporting the colony, they are relentless tiny insects. How do you stop ants? Ant control which we also include in our pest control services.

Here Are the Ant Facts:

1. How is the Queen Ant Chosen? 

From the time they are born, queen ants receive special attention and nourishment when they are still in the egg. The more well-nourished eggs have a much higher chance of becoming queens.

The diet that the queen ant eats allows her to grow large in size and develop specialized reproductive organs. The queen’s primary job in the colony is to reproduce as the sole reproductive.

2. Red ants can be aggressive – here’s how to control red ants

There are many species of fire ants, but the most commonly known is the red imported fire ant. These ants are highly aggressive and they are known for their painful, burning sting which results in intense itching. The effects of a sting can last up to 10 days and may even lead to an infection. Some ant stings can cause an allergic reaction, and may become severe.

Due to their aggressive behavior and the fact that only about 20% of the colony is foraging at any given time, the most effective method to eliminate fire ants from an area is to have our experts apply individual mound treatments to help to control the activity. In addition, sealing any entry points that they are coming in from, like doors and windows is also helpful to prevent them from getting into structures.

3. What are the nearly invisible ants in my kitchen?

Ghost ants or sugar ants, get their name due to their tiny size and pale color, so this makes them especially difficult to see. They can be anywhere from 1.3 – 1.5 mm, making them some of the smallest ant species in the world!

With ghost ants, sanitation is critical in the prevention and control of ants. Any food debris left on the kitchen counters and sinks serve as an easy meal for ants. Ants are especially fond of sweet/sugary foods, one of their favorites being honeydew.

4. Killing the ants you see will never be enough

It’s never enough to eradicate the workers of the colony. The queen is the reason for active reproduction within the colony. This means the colony will never stop growing until the reproduction cycle is stopped entirely. Finding the queen is crucial but not easy.

5. Ants are one of the strongest animals in the world

Ants are some of the strongest animals in the world, relative to their size. Worker ants are able to carry items 10-50 times their body weight. They are so strong, they have been seen carrying lizards! 

6. Ants use communication with each other differently

Ants don’t have ears, so they rely on their other senses to communicate. Ants use their antenna similarly to how we use our noses. They pick up on chemical signals to let them know where to go and if danger is near. When a foraging ant discovers a food source, ants lay down a pheromone trail on its way back to the nest. This scent trail guides other ants directly to the food.

7. Fire Ants can float

When the red imported fire ant is faced with a flood, instead of drowning, the colony does something incredible. They band together to form a giant floating raft made entirely from their own bodies. 

The ants grip on tight to one another using their mandibles, and they hold on until they can get to higher ground. Because fire ants are aggressive and adaptable, they can stay in these rafts for weeks in order to protect the colony and the queen. 

8. One colony can contain thousands of ants

An ant colony can contain hundreds of thousands of ants, which are headed by a queen, or multiple queens. During her peak in reproduction, a queen ant can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs per day. In her lifetime, which is up to 30 years, a queen may lay millions of eggs. 

Smaller colonies can have anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand ants while larger colonies can have anywhere from 100,000 to over 500,000 ants. There are even some supercolonies known to have millions of ants in a colony.

9. Heavy rain drives ants indoors

Because ants live in underground colonies, heavy rain can flood their nests and force them to seek higher, drier ground, which is often your home. In addition, rain can wash away their pheromone trails, which ants rely on to navigate. Without these chemical signals, they become disoriented and may wander into places they normally wouldn’t, like the inside of your house.

10. Regular Pest Control keeps ants away

Store bought pest control products are only designed to kill the ants that you see, the foragers, which account for just 10% or less of the whole colony. When the surface level ants are sprayed, the colony quickly rebounds with the queen and the majority of ants left untouched. 

Our professional pest control services covers many ant species through specialized baits and treatments that target the queen to eliminate the entire colony. Ongoing ant control is the best way to create a protective barrier around your home to repel these invaders.

What’s the Difference Between a Millipede vs Centipede?

Posted on by Annie Quinn

What is the difference between a centipede and a millipede? The best rule of thumb is to look at the feet which are also known as their legs! In Latin terms, “pede” means foot, “centi” means 100, and milli means 1,000. Think of a centipede as the hundred footed and millipede as the thousand footed. Although they don’t have that exact number of legs, you can easily tell which one has more than the other.

What is a Millipede? 

A millipede is often thought of as an insect however, it is actually a myriapods due to it having more than 6 legs and multiple body segments. In Florida, it has been approximated to have 50 different species. 

What do Millipedes Look Like?

  • Have anywhere from 30 to over 1,000 legs. The record amount found on a centipede is 1,306
  • Round, hard bodied, worm-like bodies with short, segmented antennae
  • Blackish or brownish in color
  • Two pairs of legs per segment

Do Millipedes Bite?

No, millipedes do not bite people or pets. In fact, they are herbivorous creatures. However, when threatened, they emit a foul scent from their stink glands as a defense mechanism. 

What do Millipedes Eat?

Millipedes are slow moving scavengers that like to feed on organic and decaying vegetation. 

How to Repel Millipedes?

Millipedes are drawn to moisture.You can make your home less appealing by reducing the moisture inside. It is possible one makes it into your home, if that is the case, it is likely due to high moisture levels or a door left unsealed/open. Rest assured, they usually won’t survive more than a few days inside your home. Best practice it to seal any entry points around the foundation of your home to keep them out. 

Places you might find millipedes:

  • Under trash piles
  • In mulch areas, typically flower beds
  • Piles of leaves or grass clippings
  • Lanai area

What is a Centipede?

A centipede, like a millipede, is also not an insect but rather a myriapod. These critters are fast moving and have one pair of legs per segment. 

What do Centipedes Look Like?

  • Have anywhere from 15 to over 300 legs
  • Flat, segmented bodies 
  • Yellowish to dark brown
  • One pair of legs per segment

Do Centipedes Bite?

Yes, centipedes can bite with their venomous jaws. Their bites are painful but not usually dangerous to humans but can be harmful to small pets. 

What do Centipedes Eat?

Centipedes are fast hunters that eat other small insects, like cockroaches and spiders. Centipedes kill their prey by injecting them with venom through their front legs. However, If they get attacked, they can shed a leg to escape and later regenerate the limb!

How to Repel Centipedes?

Centipedes are also drawn to moisture. A great way to make your home less inviting to centipedes is by reducing the indoor moisture levels. If one does find its way in your home it is often due to high humidity, unsealed entry points, or the presence of other pest activity which serves as a food source for centipedes.  

Places you might find millipedes:

  • Bathrooms
  • Potted plants
  • Piles of leaves or grass clippings
  • Lanai area

While millipedes and centipedes can be confused, they are both considered nuisance pests. Learning the difference between the two can help you to take further action in getting rid of them. Here at Infinite Pest Solutions, we believe in creating a barrier around the foundation of your home to keep them from coming in. Ask about our General Pest Control services as we include protection against these crawlers!

Venomous Spiders in Florida – It’s Not Just Spider Removal, It’s Advanced Spider Control

Posted on by Annie Quinn

Best way to get rid of spiders outside? Professional Spider Control — also known as our Advanced Spider Service.

Why does my pool area have so many spiders? Because spiders follow the food such as mosquitoes, gnats, and no-see-ums. These sources of food swarm water areas.

At Infinite Pest Solutions, we don’t just remove spiders — we make sure they stay gone for good. Our specialty treatment goes beyond brushing webs and spraying corners. It’s a science-backed approach that targets all spider species, including Florida’s venomous spiders, keeping your lanai, pool cage, and home safe year-round.

Florida’s Most Venomous Spiders (and How to Identify Them)

Not all spiders in Florida are dangerous — but the venomous ones deserve your attention. Here are the top offenders and where you might find them:

Black Widow Spider

  • Appearance: Glossy black body with a distinct red hourglass marking on the abdomen.
  • Behavior: Prefers dark, undisturbed spaces like patio furniture, pool pumps, and garage corners.
  • Bite: Painful and venomous — causes muscle cramps and nausea but rarely fatal.

Brown Widow Spider

  • Appearance: Tan to gray with orange or yellow hourglass marking.
  • Behavior: Common in outdoor furniture, eaves, entry ways, and fence posts.
  • Bite: Less potent than a black widow but still venomous.

Red Widow Spider

  • Appearance: Bright red cephalothorax with orange legs and a black abdomen marked with red spots.
  • Habitat: Native to Florida scrublands, sometimes spotted in residential landscapes near dunes and palm trees.


Are Brown Recluse Spiders in Florida?

The Brown Recluse is often mistaken as a Florida resident. Recluse sightings here are rare and their bites are often misidentified. it is said by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that the Mediterranean recluse has been spotted in Orange county. According to the University of Florida, “No breeding populations of any species of recluse spiders…has been found in any Florida county in a native habitat.” So Floridians and visitors can be rest assured, it is unlikely you will encounter a brown recluse. If you do, be on the lookout for a dark brown violin-shaped mark.

What To Do If You See a Venomous Spider

If you suspect a black widow, brown widow, or red widow near your home:

  1. Do not handle it.
  2. Take a photo from a safe distance and text us directly so we can identify for you.
  3. Call/text us immediately for removal.

If bitten, clean the area, apply ice, and seek medical attention — especially if you experience severe pain, muscle cramps, or dizziness.

Why Basic Spider Control Isn’t Enough?

Most people think a broom and over the counter spray are enough — but spider infestations go deeper.

  • Web removal alone do not stop eggs from hatching.
  • DIY sprays rarely penetrate nesting zones under soffits or screens.
  • Unaddressed prey insects (like mosquitoes and gnats) attract new spiders.
  • Outdoor lights lure bugs — which lure spiders.

Without a professional treatment plan, spiders rebuild webs within days, creating a never-ending cycle around your pool cage and/or home.

How Do I Keep Spiders Out of My Pool Cage?

Our Advanced Spider Service was built specifically for Florida’s environment — high humidity, screened enclosures, and year-round pest activity. Here’s how we go beyond the basics:

1. Full Perimeter & Lanai Inspection

We identify high-risk spider zones: eaves, soffits, screened pool cages, and more.

2. Egg Sac and Web Elimination

Our technicians not only remove webs and destroy egg sacs after treatment but we ensure to cover the screens, beams, and eaves with eco-friendly products to eliminate further activity.

3. Targeted Precision Treatments

We apply specialized, long-lasting eco and pet friendly solutions – top to bottom – to your screened in pool enclosure that keep you spider free by the second visit.

4. Routine Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular treatments maintain a spider-free lanai. Our recurring service plans ensure consistent protection through every season and prevent infestations during the hottest months.

Year-Round Spider Pressure in Florida

Florida’s climate keeps spiders active nearly all year. Peak “spider season” hits late summer through fall, when humidity and insect populations are high. Preventive spider control before this season helps maintain a spider-free screened in lanai — no more unwanted webs over your lanai or patio lights.

Why Choose Infinite Pest Solutions

  • Over 1,000 five-star reviews from Florida homeowners
  • Pet-friendly, people-safe treatments
  • Certified Licensed Experts
  • Locally owned and operated in Fort Myers, Naples, and Orlando

Our mission: What bugs you, bugs us!

We specialize in Spider-Free Lanai Services that others find to be too tedious and time consuming. We ensure your outdoor space stays beautiful, safe, spider and web-free.

Get Professional Spider Removal in Florida

Don’t wait for venomous spiders to take over your lanai or pool cage. Let Infinite Pest Solutions handle the problem before it grows.

📞 Call (239) 208-9918 or 407-537-9357 or get an online quote right now.

Schedule your Advanced Spider Service today — and enjoy your outdoor space without webs, worries, or venom.

Ticks vs Bed Bugs – How to Tell the Difference and More

Posted on by Annie Quinn

When tiny bugs show up in your bed, it can feel like you’re living in a nightmare. Two common culprits are ticks and bed bugs. These blood suckers are often confused because of their size and the irritation they cause. But these pests behave very differently, and knowing the difference is essential for both your peace of mind and your health.

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Can a tick look like a bed bug?

Yes, at a quick glance, ticks and bed bugs can look similar. Both are small, flat, and reddish-brown. However, ticks usually have a harder, more rounded body and visible legs that extend outward from the sides. Bed bugs are flatter, more oval-shaped, and their legs are tucked beneath the body, making them less obvious.

How do you tell if it’s a tick or a bed bug?

The fastest way to tell the difference is by where you find them and how they behave:

Ticks

  • Have 8 legs (arachnids).
  • Parasites that latch onto skin and feed on blood for hours or days.
  • Move slow.
  • If attached to you or your pet, it’s most likely a tick.

Bed bugs

  • Have 6 legs (insects).
  • Don’t stay attached.
  • Come out at night, bite quickly, and scurry.
  • Retreat back into cracks, crevices, wall art, lamp shades, bedding, etc.

Can ticks live in mattresses?

Ticks typically do not infest mattresses. Instead, they live outdoors in tall grass, shrubs, or wooded areas where they can latch onto passing hosts. While a tick might end up in your bed if carried inside by a person or pet, they won’t establish colonies in mattresses the way bed bugs do.

Do ticks crawl in bed?

Ticks can crawl into a bed if they hitchhike on clothing, pets, or people, but this is not their natural habitat. Unlike bed bugs, ticks don’t seek out beds or bedding. If you find bugs crawling around your sheets, bed bugs are the more likely culprit.

Do bed bug bites look like tick bites?

Yes, the bites can look similar, but there are differences:

Bed bug bites

  • Usually appear in clusters or straight lines,
  • Often on arms, legs, or exposed skin.
  • Itchy and red.

Tick bites

Which is more dangerous—ticks or bed bugs?

Ticks

Ticks propose more of a threat due to the health risks they can spread such as Lyme Disease.

Do ticks bite at night like bed bugs?

Ticks don’t have a specific time they bite—they latch on whenever they find a host. Bed bugs, on the other hand, are nocturnal and prefer to feed while you’re asleep at night.

What should you do if you find a tick or bed bug?

Ticks

Bed bugs

  • Contact us directly or text us directly by clicking the green chat bubble at the bottom right of your screen.
  • Look for additional signs like blood spots on sheets, shed skins, or fecal stains.

While ticks and bed bugs may seem similar at first, they behave very differently. Ticks are outdoor parasites that pose health risks, while bed bugs are indoor pests that cause nuisance infestations. Learning to spot the differences can help you take quick action—whether that’s removing a tick properly or calling Infinite Pest Solutions, we are here to help!

Why Are Florida Pests More Active During Summer

Posted on by Annie Quinn

What You Need to Know

Summer in Florida isn’t just about beach days and thunderstorms. It’s also peak season for insects invading our homes. And although it may be ending soon, the war against pests lasts year round.  Homes near nature or under construction often see the worst of it, but pretty much everyone is affected. If you’ve been wondering why are pests more active this summer, you’re not alone. Here’s the inside story — and some tips to keep them under control.

What the News Is Saying

Recently, Gulf Coast News published a report titled “Florida insects invade homes to escape the heat”, showing that Infinite Pest Solutions is getting a LOT more calls this season. 

Some of the main takeaways:

  • Bugs are seeking relief from extreme heat and rainstorms. When outdoor conditions get too hot or wet, insects like ants, palmetto roaches, spiders, millipedes, silverfish, earwigs, etc., move indoors. 
  • Rain can flood ground-level habitats, pushing pests to higher, dryer “safe zones” — often our houses. 
  • Prevention is key: sealing cracks and gaps, treating foundations, windows and doors, soffits, around plumbing and electrical penetrations — experts emphasize treating all possible entry points. 

Why Pests Are More Active in Summer

Heat & Temperature Stress

Insects are poikilothermic (cold-blooded) — they can’t regulate their internal body temperature. When external conditions get too hot, they seek cooler refuge. 

Humidity & Rain

Summer in Florida often means high humidity and heavy downpours. Rain may submerge or flood insect habitats, forcing them to move. Moisture also supports breeding for many species. 

Faster Life Cycles / More Activity in Warm Weather

Warm temperatures speed up metabolism, breeding, and activity. More food, more movement, more chances for them to invade structures. Gulf Coast News quotes entomologists saying insects “develop faster and are much more active” in warm weather. 

Shelter / Shade / Dry Spaces

As outdoor heat rises, shade and cool spots become more desirable. Homes often offer all three: cooler temperatures inside (or at least relatively cooler), shaded porches, crawlspaces, etc.

Entry Points & Human Behavior

Windows/doors open more often, cracks & gaps may expand under heat, water leaks or plumbing penetrations, outdoor lighting attracting insects, yard debris near foundation.

Summer Pest Control:

What Works and What You Can Do For You

Because pest activity ramps up so much in the summer, your pest control strategy should be more proactive.

Some professional tips:

  1. Seal up entry points: doors, windows, around plumbing/electrical, soffits, cracks in foundation.
  2. Remove yard debris, standing water, leaf litter. Clean up wet mulch or wood piles.
  3. Don’t leave out food or pet food; keep garbage sealed.
  4. Use proper foundation treatments: perimeter sprays (foundations, windows, doors) and treat around light fixtures and plumbing penetrations.
  5. Regular inspections/pest services especially after rainstorms or flooding.
  6. Keep vegetation trimmed away from the house; limit moist/shaded zones close to the building.

Does Construction Cause More Pests?

The answer is yes.

There are several reasons why including:

  • Disturbance of Habitat: Construction can destroy or disturb the natural habitat of insects (soil, debris, etc.), pushing them toward homes.
  • New Entry Points: Construction often leaves gaps, openings, unsealed spaces before finishing. This gives pests easy access.
  • Moisture and Soil Exposure: Digging, grading, laying plumbing or foundations can expose moist soil, create puddling, or water retention, all attractive to pests.
  • Landscaping Changes: Removing trees, changing slopes, installing mulch, etc., can change water flow and shade, creating inviting microhabitats.

Florida’s long, hot, and humid summers create the perfect storm for pest activity. From mosquitoes and termites to cockroaches, ants, and even silverfish, insects are driven indoors in search of cooler temperatures, moisture, and food. Add in the impacts of heavy rain and ongoing construction, and it’s no surprise that more homeowners are noticing unwanted guests this season.

The good news is that with proactive summer pest control — sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and scheduling routine professional treatments — you can keep your home protected before infestations take hold. Staying ahead of the problem not only keeps your living space comfortable but also prevents costly damage down the road.

At Infinite Pest Solutions, our team understands the unique challenges Florida homeowners face during summer. Whether pests are sneaking in to beat the heat or stirred up by nearby construction, we have proven, pet-friendly solutions to keep your home pest-free all year long.

Do I Need Rodent Control?

Posted on by Annie Quinn

Whether you’ve noticed signs of an infestation or simply want to prevent one, Rodent Control is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy space. But how do you know if it’s time to call in the professionals? Let’s go over the signs that indicate a rodent problem, different types of services, and more.

Signs You Should Call For a Rodent Inspection

Rodents are experts at hiding, so infestations often go unnoticed until they become a bigger issue. Here are some telltale signs that you may need rodent control:

1. Droppings

Rodent droppings are one of the most obvious signs of an infestation. Finding them in your kitchen, pantry, attic, or along baseboards suggests that rodents are present. Mice produce more droppings than rats, and their droppings are smaller. If you find larger droppings, especially near baseboards or in secluded areas, you may be dealing with rats.

2. Gnaw Marks and Chewed Wires

Rodents have strong teeth that constantly grow, leading them to chew on almost anything—wood, plastic, electrical wiring, and even drywall. If you notice gnaw marks on furniture, wires, or food packaging, it’s time for an inspection.

3. Scratching Noises

Hearing scratching or scurrying noises in walls, ceilings, or attics at night is a strong indication of rodent activity. Mice and rats are nocturnal and tend to be most active when the house is quiet.

4. Nesting Materials

Rodents build nests using shredded paper, insulation, fabric, and other soft materials. Discovering hidden nests in attics, garages, or behind appliances is a clear sign of an infestation.

5. Grease Marks and Tracks

Rodents leave behind oily marks along walls and floors from their fur. You may also spot tiny footprints or tail drag marks in dusty areas.

6. Unusual Pet Behavior

If your pets start staring at walls, barking at empty spaces, or sniffing around baseboards more than usual, they may be detecting rodents. Pets have stronger senses and can alert you to activity you might not see.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, call our licensed professionals right away!

What Type of Rodent Control Do I Need?

Rodent control isn’t just about setting traps. It involves a strategic approach to monitor, capture, and prevent rodents from entering your home.

Rodent Monitoring

We offer rodent monitoring which involves placing bait stations in key areas to detect activity. This is especially useful for early detection before a full-blown infestation occurs. We will keep your stations full of bait and make sure the rodents won’t be roaming around your home.

Rodent Trapping

After a thorough inspection, if we confirm activity, we will implement targeted trapping methods depending on the situation. Trapping is an effective method for eliminating active rodents inside your home.

Rodent Exclusion

Eliminating existing rodents is only half the battle. Exclusion focuses on sealing entry points to prevent future infestations. Common exclusion methods include:

• Sealing cracks and holes in walls, foundations, and around pipes

• Installing rodent-proof mesh over vents and chimneys

Rodent exclusion is crucial for long-term protection, ensuring that once the pests are gone, they stay gone.

Rodents can quickly turn from a small nuisance to a major problem if left unchecked. Whether you need monitoring, trapping, or exclusion services, we provide customized solutions to keep your home rodent-free.

There’s no need to stress when we are here to put the rodent problem to rest. Contact us today for a thorough inspection and expert rodent control in Southwest Florida and Orlando!