Spooky Season? Florida Bats Shouldn’t be a Fear Factor.

Myths About Florida Bats Contribute to Misconceptions.

Myth: Bats are blind.
Fact: Bats are not blind. They have the same five senses as humans, including sight, and many species can see quite well, especially in low light. They also use echolocation (sonar) to navigate and hunt in complete darkness.



Myth: All bats are blood-suckers.
Fact: All native Florida bats are insectivorous, meaning they primarily eat insects like mosquitoes, beetles, and moths. There are only three species of “vampire bats” in the world, and they live exclusively in Central and South America, not in the United States or Florida.



Myth: Vampire bats live in Florida.
Fact: There are no vampire bats in Florida.



Myth: Bats will fly into your hair or try to build nests in it.
Fact: Bats are agile, skillful fliers and do not want to get tangled in hair. If a bat swoops near your head, it’s likely trying to catch an insect that is attracted to your body heat or breath. Also, bats do not build nests; they roost in existing structures like caves, trees, or buildings.



Myth: Bats are flying rats.
Fact: Bats are not rodents. They belong to their own unique order of mammals called Chiroptera (meaning “hand-wing”). They are actually more closely related to primates than to rats.


Myth: All bats carry rabies.
Fact: The vast majority of bats do not have rabies. Studies show that only about less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of bats in a typical population carry the disease. However, bats that are found on the ground or acting strangely are much more likely to be rabid and should never be handled.



Myth: Bats are pests and are not important to the ecosystem.
Fact: Bats are extremely beneficial. Florida’s insectivorous bats are vital for natural pest control, eating enormous quantities of agricultural and nuisance insects, including mosquitoes. They save farmers billions of dollars annually in pest control services.



Myth: Bats will attack people.
Fact: Bats are generally timid and will avoid humans. They will not attack unless they feel threatened or are provoked, such as if you try to handle one. The risk they pose is primarily related to potential rabies transmission if a sick bat is handled.



Myth: Bats are dirty.
Fact: Bats are clean animals that spend a lot of time grooming and cleaning themselves.


Florida Bats

Florida’s native bats are vital for our ecosystem. They are incredible natural pest controllers and pollinators. While we should appreciate their role, having them take up residence in your multi-family property is a definite concern for health and safety.

The Health Concerns

Bats leave behind unsanitary deposits like urea, guano (feces), and dander. When these materials accumulate, they can create a hazardous environment, potentially leading to:
Allergy flare-ups in residents.
Worsened symptoms for those with breathing difficulties or respiratory conditions.

More Than Just Bats

A bat entry point isn’t just a bat problem. It’s a sign that your building’s structural integrity is compromised. Gaps and unsealed areas that allow bats in can also serve as access points for other common pests, making effective exclusion and sealing crucial for overall pest management. Despite their environmental benefits, the sight of bats indoors can cause fear and anxiety among residents.

#florida; #floridawildlife; #bats; #eviction; #exclusion; #propertymanagement; #welltechpest

Gold Medallion Finalists are WellTech Pest and Austin Matteson

Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) will announce winners October 24, 2025

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC is pleased to be honored by Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) as Finalists for the upcoming Gold Medallion Awards.

For the individual awards, WellTech Pest Solutions’ Vice President of Account Management and Marketing is also a finalist. Matteson joined WellTech Pest Solutions in 2019 as a technician. He now has a portion of ownership of WellTech with founders Jay Wells (President) and John Wells (VP of Client Services).

WellTech is in good company with property managers and management companies whom are also in the running for the Gold Medallion Award.

WellTech, a proud member of BAAA, would like to thank those multifamily managers who nominated us for this prestigious award.

Winners will be announced by BAAA on October 24, 2025 at the Hilton in Downtown Tampa.

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC exclusively serves property managers and leasing agents to management pest control, wildlife and special services at multifamily properties. WellTech uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to best serve each multifamily lifestyle. The Bay Area coverage for these services include multifamily housing in the Florida counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota.

Florida Bats and Discreet Entries into Multifamily Structures

Florida’s multifamily communities questioning whether or not they have Florida bats on their property need to be observant. These properties may have a secret hidden world with discreet entries that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. It’s a world inhabited by a remarkable, yet misunderstood, creature: the Florida bat. While these winged mammals play a vital role in our ecosystem, their knack for finding unconventional entry points into residential buildings is creating a growing challenge for property managers and a startling surprise for residents.

The first sign of this new multifamily resident is often a curious sight. Residents, enjoying an evening in paradise on their patios, may observe what they initially mistake for birds flying erratically around the rooftops and eaves of buildings. The flight patterns are different and more agile. Upon closer inspection, the realization dawns: these are not birds, but bats.

Florida bats discover tiny gaps and vulnerabilities in a building’s structure, often finding their way into attics, wall voids, and other secluded spaces. All potential invitations for a bat may include a loose soffit, a small crack in the fascia, or a tiny gap where two building materials meet. These entry points, often no larger than a quarter, are often difficult to detect an infestation until a colony has already established itself.

Bats entryway is above the door (shown above) and is undetectable from the exterior.

What begins as a single bat seeking refuge can quickly escalate into a full-fledged colony. Female bats, looking for a warm, secure place to raise their young, find the attics of multifamily structures to be ideal nurseries. As the colony grows, the telltale signs become more apparent. Residents may hear scratching or squeaking noises from inside the walls or ceilings, particularly at dawn and dusk when the bats are most active. The most definitive proof, however, is the presence of guano on ledges, windowsills, or sidewalks below the entry points.

Florida bats are an essential part of the state’s natural pest control, devouring thousands of mosquitoes and other insects each night. Their presence in residential buildings, however is not without risks. While bat guano, typically can harbor a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, it is not prevalent in Florida. Florida properties should be more concerned with individuals with allergies. The dander and other debris from bat colonies can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, exacerbating conditions like asthma.

The discovery of a bat colony requires swift, professional intervention. Since August 15th, WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC has been at the forefront of this effort, providing expert bat removal and exclusion services.

Our approach is two-fold: first, we safely and humanely remove the bats from the property. This process involves a meticulous inspection to identify all entry and exit points, followed by the installation of one-way exclusion devices. These devices allow the bats to leave the structure at night to feed but prevent them from re-entering.

Once the bats have been successfully excluded, the second phase begins: sealing all potential entry points to prevent future infestations. This step is crucial and requires a keen eye for detail, as even the smallest crack can become a new access point. We also ensure the property is left clean and free of health risks.

Dealing with an unexpected bat colony in a multifamily community is a complex challenge, but with the right expertise and a proactive approach, it can be managed effectively by our wildlife, exclusion, and special services team (W-E-S-S) at WellTech Pest Solutions—exclusively multifamily pest and wildlife management services, and exclusively Florida!

The Post-Hurricane Termite Invasion of Tampa Bay

Recent rainfall totals may have re-ignited new termite colonies

The phrase “When it rains, it pours” took on a new, more sinister meaning for Tampa Bay residents in 2024, as a series of devastating hurricanes—Debby, Helene, and Milton—brought not only historic flooding but also a creeping, silent threat: an unprecedented surge in termite activity. The combination of saturated soil and water-damaged homes created a perfect storm for these destructive pests, and their presence has continued to be a major concern well into 2025.

While termites are notorious for thriving in damp, muddy environments, the sheer scale of the 2024 hurricane season was a game-changer. Hurricane Debby, in particular, delivered a massive blow to the region. According to reports from WTSP.com, the storm contributed to torrential rainfall, with some areas in the Tampa Bay region receiving over a foot of rain. This created widespread flooding, turning entire neighborhoods into prime habitats for termites. Following this, Hurricane Milton contributed an additional 18.31 inches of rain to areas like St. Petersburg, a rainfall event so extreme it was deemed a 1-in-1,000-year occurrence.

In the aftermath of these storms, flooded properties became like an open invitation to termites. The water-damaged structures, once solid and secure, were transformed into an all-you-can-eat buffet of soggy wood. Our technicians, performing inspections on these compromised properties, reported a significant increase in termite presence, with an early and alarming development of new colonies being observed as early as February 2025.

Although the early part of 2025 was a drier period, the recent shift in weather patterns has brought a renewed concern. The typical summer heat and humidity, combined with recent substantial rainfall from thunderstorms and tropical activity, are now stirring up the termites that had been less active over the past few months. These conditions are exactly what subterranean termites need to thrive and swarm.

Recent data highlights this renewed moisture threat. Just in the last 24 hours, significant rainfall has been recorded across the region in the RainDrop app and website (raindrop.farm):

Town and Country: 1.70 inches

Jasmine Estates: 1.78 inches

Greater Northdale: 2.03 inches

Whitfield: 2.06 inches

Wesley Chapel: 2.12 inches

Tallevast Road: 2.26 inches

Parrish: 2.39 inches

Land O’Lakes: 2.51 inches

South of Lake Parrish: 2.52 inches

Fruitville: 2.58 inches

Lutz:  2.91 inches


These rainfall totals, though seemingly small compared to the historic hurricanes of 2024, are more than enough to reactivate termite colonies and provide them with the necessary moisture to expand and seek out new food sources.

For multifamily property managers, the lesson from the 2024 hurricanes and the subsequent termite boom is clear: the threat doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede. The long-term effects of water damage and sustained moisture create a high-risk environment for termite infestations. As we move through the rest of 2025, vigilance is key. Regular inspections and prompt action are essential to protect properties from the hidden, but highly destructive, consequences of a season defined by water.

WellTech Pest Solutions offers termite inspections, termite bonds and termite service plans for multifamily properties. WellTech provides both pest control and wildlife management services, too. Find out why WellTech professionals are experts in multifamily by contacting WellTech Pest.

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Lollapestlooza for Multifamily Managers and Leasing Agents

Lollapestlooza will help you “looza” pests and wildlife from your multifamily property.

WellTech Pest Solutions is having a fun themed gathering of our own inside Rent-Chella called Lollapestlooza at booths 77 and 78 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center and Amphitheater. Get it? Lolla-pest-looza? LOL! We want property managers and leasing agents to “looza” their pests and wildlife on their multifamily properties!

Drop by our location, play a few free games and get some free insect gummies. The “Fabulous” Four Fears are the lineup of our Lollapestlooza including bats, rats, bees, and termites (oh-my). Meet six of our road crew members at Fort Myers between 5:30 to 8:30.

The Four Fears are touring throughout the areas of the Southwest Florida Apartment Association – SWFAA including Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish, Palmetto, Northport, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs. So, if you find your multifamily properties overwhelmed by bats, rats, bees, and termites, or for any general pest or wildlife issues, contact the concert manager (and pest control company 😉 — WellTech Pest Solutions.

We look forward to attending this event tomorrow night, and hope to see you there!

For more information about how to get there, click here.

Rock on!

WellTech Pest Solutions are proud members of the Southwest Florida Apartment Association, the Florida Apartment Association and the Florida Pest Management Association.

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August 15th Begins Humane and Legal Bat Exclusions in Florida

WellTech begins Humane and Legal Bat Exclusions for Florida Multifamily Properties on August 15th

As of tomorrow in two weeks, Welltech Pest Solutions will commence bat exclusion work in Florida, adhering strictly to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines. This is a critical service for multifamily properties, where bats can become an unwelcome nuisance, posing potential health risks and causing structural damage. However, due to bats’ protected status in Florida and their vital ecological role, their removal must be handled with care, precision, and strict adherence to legal mandates.

Exclusion is a non-lethal method that allows bats to exit a structure and prevents their re-entry. It is illegal to conduct bat exclusion from April 16th to August 14th. This period is designated as bat maternity season, during which female bats give birth and raise their young, called pups. Excluding bats during this time would trap flightless young inside the structure, leading to their death, which is a violation of state law.

For multifamily properties, the process of successful and legal bat exclusion involves several key steps:

1. Thorough Inspection and Identification of Entry Points: The first and most crucial step is a comprehensive inspection of the entire building exterior. Bats can squeeze through incredibly small openings, as little as 3/8 of an inch, making it imperative to identify all potential entry and exit points. This often involves looking for tell-tale signs such as brown staining from their body oils around crevices, and scattered bat guano (droppings) on the ground below. Evening observations around sunset are highly effective, as bats emerge from their roosts to forage. For larger properties, multiple teams or consecutive nights of observation may be necessary to pinpoint all active points.

2. Sealing All Non-Active Openings: Once the active entry/exit points are identified, all other potential access points on the building’s exterior must be sealed. This pre-emptive measure prevents bats from simply relocating to another part of the building once the exclusion devices are in place. Materials like caulk, flashing, screening, or heavy-duty mesh should be used. It’s vital not to use expandable foam, which can trap bats and degrade over time. Interior openings that connect potential roosting areas (like attics) to living spaces should also be sealed to prevent bats from entering occupied units.

3. Installation of One-Way Exclusion Devices: This is the core of the exclusion process. One-way devices, typically in the form of tubes or netting, are installed over the identified active entry and exit points. These devices are designed to allow bats to fly out of the structure but prevent them from re-entering. The specific type of device may vary depending on the nature of the opening, but common solutions include PVC pipes or flexible plastic tubing. The devices must be securely fastened to prevent dislodging.

4. Allowing Sufficient Time for Exclusion: FWC regulations mandate that exclusion devices must be left in place for a minimum of four consecutive nights when the overnight temperature is forecast to be at least 50°F. This timeframe allows all bats, especially those that might be less active due to weather or individual behavior, to exit the roost. If the weather turns cold or rainy, the exclusion period must be extended, as bats tend not to forage in adverse conditions. Continuous monitoring ensures the devices remain effective and no bats are still exiting.

5. Permanent Sealing of Entry Points: Once all bats have successfully exited the property through the one-way devices, these devices are removed, and the openings are permanently sealed. This final step is critical to prevent future re-infestations. Durable, weather-resistant materials should be used for sealing.

6. Post-Exclusion Cleanup and Monitoring: After successful exclusion, a thorough cleanup of bat guano and urine is often necessary, especially in attics, as it can accumulate and create unsanitary conditions. Regular follow-up checks are also recommended to ensure no new entry points have developed and the exclusion remains effective.

By contacting WellTech Pest Solutions for their bat exclusions, multifamily property managers in Florida can ensure a humane and legal resolution to bat infestations.

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WellTech Rolls Out New Customer Portal

Welltech Pest Solutions, LLC has implemented FieldWork to increase efficiency and accuracy for customers

The new field service portal, aka Field Service Management (FSM) Software, called FieldWork at FieldWorkHQ.com had been activated a few weeks now, and a number of staff and customers are excited about the ease of use of the new software.

Features are presently being added for property management accounts and leasing agents who directly work in coordinating multifamily pest control and wildlife management. Once the property is configured, property managers and leasing agents will have access to the dashboard, work orders, pest control prep sheets, service sheets and tasks. The property managers will also have access to invoicing.

The new portal is accessible on nearly any screen and any device, which means whether using a desktop, laptop, pad or smart phone, property managers and leasing agents are able to access their account. The login portal for the new FSM is labeled “NEW Customer Portal” and is located at the top left side menu of this webpage. In order to operate the portal on a mobile or smart device, save the webpage as a widget on your mobile device.

WellTech Pest Solutions is in the process of bringing all customers aboard as soon as possible to create a better system for everyone. WellTech encourages current property or leasing managers to contact WellTech Pest Solutions to obtain login details. WellTech Pest is also contacting accounts via quality assurance calls to provide instructions on accessing the portal.

Additionally, WellTech is requesting those multifamily properties in Florida who want an easy online service portal, along with consistent and predictable pest management to consider WellTech Pest Solutions for their 2026 budget. WellTech is offering a free budget planning summit for your team!

WellTech also provides a free bid for services ranging from general multifamily pest services, multifamily special services, and multifamily wildlife management.

Request a Free Quote
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Additionally, from now until October 31st, WellTech’s Four Fears promotional offer is available for a first time service of fifteen percent savings on rats, bats, bees, and termites. This offer is available by navigating to here or clicking on the page on the above menu.

Are Bats Driving Your Multi-family Properties Batty?

August 15th BEGINS BAT Exclusions (One month from today)

Bats are a protected species in Florida and can occasionally roost in your multi-family buildings. Read this article to learn about the differences of bats in Florida. Also, learn why August 15th is when WellTech can begin exclusion services at your property.

There are over 1,400 known bat species, but only three of them are vampire bats. The differences between vampire bats and most other bats are quite significant, mainly due to their specialized diets and the adaptations that come with them:

1. Diet:

  • Vampire Bats: Exclusively feed on blood (sanguivorous). The common vampire bat primarily targets mammals (like livestock and occasionally humans), while others feed on birds. They don’t “suck” blood but rather make a small incision with specialized teeth and then lap up the flowing blood.
  • Regular Bats: The vast majority of bats are insectivores, meaning they eat insects. Other common diets include fruit (frugivores), nectar and pollen (nectarivores/pollinivores), and some larger species are carnivorous, preying on small vertebrates like frogs, lizards, or even other small mammals.

2. Teeth:

  • Vampire Bats: Have razor-sharp upper incisor teeth specialized for making precise cuts in skin, and their back teeth are much smaller than in other bats. Their incisors lack enamel, which helps keep them permanently sharp.
  • Regular Bats: Have teeth adapted to their specific diets, such as sharp, pointed teeth for crushing insect exoskeletons, or flatter, blunt teeth for mashing fruit.

3. Locomotion (Movement on land):

  • Vampire Bats: Are highly agile on the ground. They can walk, run, and even jump using their strong hind limbs and specially adapted long thumbs on their wings. This allows them to approach sleeping prey without disturbing them and to take off from the ground even after a heavy meal.
  • Regular Bats: Most bats are not adept at terrestrial movement. They typically roost by hanging upside down and launch into flight by dropping from their perch.

4. Sensory Adaptations:

  • Vampire Bats: Possess specialized heat-sensing “pit organs” on their noses that allow them to detect areas of their prey where blood flows close to the skin. They also have an inferior colliculus (part of the brain that processes sound) highly adapted to detecting the breathing sounds of sleeping animals.
  • Regular Bats: Many insectivorous bats heavily rely on echolocation (emitting high-frequency sounds and interpreting the echoes) to navigate and locate prey in the dark. While vampire bats also use echolocation, their specialized heat-sensing and sound detection for prey are unique.

5. Saliva:

  • Vampire Bats: Their saliva contains powerful anticoagulants (like “Draculin”) that prevent the blood from clotting, allowing it to flow freely while they feed.
  • Regular Bats: Do not have these anticoagulants in their saliva.

6. Size and Appearance:

  • Vampire Bats: Are relatively small, with a body length of about 2-3.5 inches and a wingspan of 7-16 inches. They often have a short, conical muzzle and lack a prominent nose leaf, instead having naked pads with U-shaped grooves at the tip.
  • Regular Bats: Exhibit a wide range of sizes, from the tiny bumblebee bat (weighing less than a penny) to large flying foxes with wingspans of up to 6 feet. Their facial features, ear shapes, and nose structures vary greatly depending on the species and their specialized needs (e.g., large ears for echolocation, prominent nose leaves for directing echolocation calls).

Most Common Bats in Florida

The most commonly encountered bat species in Florida, especially in urban areas and residential buildings, include:

  • Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis): This is by far the most abundant bat in Florida’s urban areas and is often found in large colonies in man-made structures like buildings and under bridges.
  • Southeastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius): Also found in structures, though they often prefer caves for maternity colonies.
  • Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis): Commonly found in hollow trees and behind loose bark, but also frequently roosts in buildings and attics.
  • Seminole Bat (Lasiurus seminolus): Similar in appearance to the Eastern Red Bat, they are often found in trees with Spanish moss but can also be found in buildings.
  • Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis): Solitary bats that typically roost in trees, but can occasionally be found in buildings.
  • Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius): Another solitary bat that prefers roosting in dead palm fronds but may also be found in structures.
  • Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus): A larger colonial bat that frequently roosts in attics, barns, and other buildings.

When Can a Pest Control Company Begin Bat Exclusions in Buildings?

Florida has strict regulations regarding bat exclusions to protect bat populations, especially during their maternity season.

The legal window for bat exclusion in Florida is from August 15th to April 15th.

It is illegal to exclude bats during bat maternity season, which runs from April 16th to August 14th.

Here’s why and what it means for pest control companies:

  • Maternity Season (April 16th – August 14th): During this period, female bats give birth and raise their young (pups). Bat pups are flightless for several weeks. If exclusion devices are installed during this time, the flightless pups can be trapped inside the building and die, which is illegal and inhumane.
  • Exclusion Process: Bat exclusion involves identifying all entry and exit points bats are using, installing one-way devices (like netting or tubes) that allow bats to leave but prevent them from re-entering, and then, once all bats are confirmed to be out, permanently sealing those entry points..

Therefore, as of today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, pest control companies in Florida cannot legally begin bat exclusion in buildings without a special permit. They would need to wait until August 15, 2025, at the earliest, to start the exclusion process.

Source; https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/bats

Aggressive Paper Wasps with a Paper-Thin Temper

WellTech Pest Solutions Encounter Aggressive Paper Wasps

Recently, we discovered a potentially critical situation at a Tampa multifamily property. This multifamily apartment building had a growing paper wasp nest on the exterior above the window. The sheer size of this nest was at a dangerous level with the number of paper wasps inside. These wasps are extremely aggressive when stirred.

In this video, Austin Matteson was on property to assist the crew on how best to approach this massive nest. Doug Bacon, our operations manager, voices this short video clip, describing the severity of this colony of paper wasps on a multifamily property. WellTech Pest Solutions successfully sprayed chemicals and removed the nest.

The Wildlife and Special Services department handles these stinging insect situations on multifamily properties. Find out more by clicking here. Each situation is different which is why we are WellTech Pest “Solutions”. This was an unusually large nest that required extra protection and safety.

#paperwasps, #stingingpests, #pestcontrol, #wasps , #waspnest , #multifamilyproperties, #tampa

Summer Heat and Humidity- A Rapid Reproduction for Floridian Pests

How Florida’s 2025 Summer Climate will Encourage a Rapid Reproduction of Fleas, Ants, and Mosquitoes!

Florida, the Sunshine State, is renowned for its balmy temperatures and abundant humidity. While these conditions are a draw for tourists and residents alike, they also create an increasingly fertile breeding ground for a host of unwelcome guests: pests. As we navigate 2025, multifamily property owners and managers in Florida face an amplified challenge. The prevailing weather patterns are not just conducive but actively ideal for the explosive growth and aggressive spread of heat- and humidity-loving insects, particularly fleas, ants, and mosquitoes. 

Florida Climate is Ripe for Pest Reproduction

Florida’s climate is naturally subtropical to tropical, providing year-round opportunities for pests to thrive. However, current climate trends are optimizing these conditions. Rising average temperatures and increasingly frequent and intense rainfalls brew a tasty concoction for insect populations.

Temperature as a Catalyst: Insects are poikilothermic, meaning their internal body temperature fluctuates with the ambient environment. Warmer temperatures directly accelerate their metabolic rates, leading to faster development, increased feeding, and, crucially, accelerated reproductive cycles. For many pest species, a few degrees difference can mean an entire additional generation within a shorter timeframe. Click for more details on this phenomenon.

Humidity’s Role as an Amplifier: High humidity is equally critical for many common Florida pests. It reduces water loss from their bodies, aiding in survival and development. For instance, many ant species require humid environments for colony growth, especially for their delicate brood. Mosquitoes, of course, are entirely dependent on standing water for their larval and pupal stages, and increased humidity often accompanies the rainfall that provides these essential breeding sites.

The Aggressive Multiplication: Fleas, Ants, and Mosquitoes on the Rise

The combination of heat and humidity translates directly into a forecast of unprecedented pest activity for multifamily properties in 2025.

Fleas: A Year-Round Menace Intensified: Fleas, particularly the common cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), are incredibly resilient and their life cycle is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Research indicates that increasing temperatures “accelerat[e] the flea life cycle” and lead to “increased rickettsial replication within the flea,” contributing to higher transmission rates of flea-borne diseases (PubMed Central, 2023). While fleas typically have an indoor presence year-round in Florida due to consistent indoor temperatures, the external environment’s increased warmth and humidity can contribute to higher initial populations outdoors and facilitate easier transfer to pets and, subsequently, into multifamily units. A warmer climate means more generations per year and potentially higher flea densities, even if their overall distribution isn’t drastically affected (PubMed Central, 2017). For multifamily properties, this means a higher likelihood of resident complaints, particularly from those with pets, and the potential for infestations to spread between units.

Ants: The Expanding Colonizers: Florida is home to a multitude of ant species, many of which thrive in warm, humid conditions. Argentine ants and fire ants are particularly aggressive invaders. When outdoor conditions become less favorable (e.g., heavy rain forcing them to seek shelter), or simply during their natural foraging, these burgeoning ant colonies will inevitably seek new food and water sources within buildings. Multifamily complexes with shared walls and common areas provide an interconnected network for ants to exploit, leading to rapid spread from one unit to another. 

Mosquitoes: The Reign of the Biters: This is perhaps the most obvious and immediate threat. Mosquitoes are synonymous with Florida’s warm, wet seasons. Their life cycle is entirely dependent on standing water, and increased rainfall creates an abundance of new breeding sites. Peak mosquito activity aligns with high temperatures and humidity, particularly during the summer months. For multifamily properties, this means a heightened risk of outdoor nuisance, leading to reduced enjoyment of common areas, and a greater potential for mosquito-borne diseases such as the West Nile. Introduced to Florida in 2001, West Nile Virus can pose significant health concerns for tenants.

During these summer months, WellTech is offering exclusive offers for fleas, ants, and mosquitoes. Call if you have any questions about new services, or wish to add to existing services.