Pests to know in Orlando
Termites in Orlando
UF/IFAS reports that the Formosan subterranean termite has spread to new Florida counties and has now been documented in all major cities.[1]
Pests local experts flag
In urban areas, red imported fire ants may nest under patio slabs, in lawns, along sidewalks and foundations, and in electrical boxes.[7]
Climate
Central Orlando (ZIP 32801) is in USDA plant hardiness zone 10a, where the average coldest winter night is 30 to 35°F.[9]
Public agencies that handle pests
Orange County Mosquito Control runs the county's mosquito control program and describes it as environmentally sound and scientifically tested.[3]
Hiring a licensed company
Florida law makes it unlawful to run a pest control business that is not licensed by the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.[8]
Free local help
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, at 6021 S. Conway Rd. in Orlando, runs a plant clinic Monday through Thursday.[5]
Through the year
- Spring to Summer
- In Florida, Formosan subterranean termites usually swarm from early April to late June, shortly after sunset, peaking in May.[2]
- Seasonal
- After storms and heavy rain in Central Florida, Orange County Mosquito Control works to protect residents from mosquito-borne illness and nuisance mosquitoes.[4]
- Spring to Fall
- Lovebugs appear in huge numbers across Florida for a few weeks each April-May and August-September.[6]
Sources
- UF/IFAS, “Is your neighborhood a termite hot spot? UF/IFAS researchers track the spread of destructive pests with online tool.” blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/03/19/is-your-neighborhood-a-termite-hot-spot-uf-ifas-researchers-track-the-spread-of-destructive-pests-with-online-tool/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS EDIS, “Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki.” ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN278 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Orange County Government, Florida, “Orange County Mosquito Control.” www.ocfl.net/MosquitoControl (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Orange County Government, Florida, “Heavy Rains Elevate Concerns for Mosquito-Borne Illness and Nuisance Mosquitoes in Orange County.” newsroom.ocfl.net/?p=8709 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, “UF/IFAS Extension Orange County.” sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS EDIS, “Lovebug, Plecia nearctica Hardy.” ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN694 (accessed 2026-10-06)
- UF/IFAS, “Ants.” ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/ants (accessed 2026-10-06)
- The Florida Senate, “2022 Florida Statutes, Chapter 482: Pest Control.” flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2022/Chapter482/All (accessed 2026-10-06)
- USDA ARS and PRISM, via phzmapi.org, “Plant hardiness zone for ZIP 32801 (2023 USDA map data).” phzmapi.org/32801.json (accessed 2026-10-06)
- National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)