The History of Multi family in Florida:

Florida’s Apartment Living Beginnings to the Present Day Multi Family Lifestyle.

Apartments began appearing in Florida in the early 20th century, particularly in urban centers like Miami and Tampa. As Florida’s population grew, especially during the 1920s land boom, so too did the need for higher-density housing.

By the 1940s and 1950s, Florida saw a substantial rise in apartment construction, often in the form of low-rise garden-style buildings that offered affordable, efficient housing for working families and retirees. These structures typically included one-story or two-story designs, often grouped around communal green spaces or pools.

From Small Units to Multi-Story Complexes in Florida

What began as modest, single-story apartment buildings in Florida eventually transformed into larger multi-building, multi-story complexes. As urbanization spread across cities like Orlando and Jacksonville, apartment developers began building three-story and higher complexes to maximize space and accommodate the influx of residents moving to Florida from other states.

By the 1980s and 1990s, many of these developments included amenities like fitness centers, gated entry, community centers, and on-site management offices. Today, Florida is home to thousands of modern multifamily developments, ranging from low-rise townhome-style units to mid- and high-rise towers.

Current Numbers of Multifamily Complexes in Florida Cities

As of the latest housing and construction data, Florida has seen tremendous growth in multifamily housing:

  • Tampa: Over 1,200 multifamily complexes, with more under construction to meet housing demand driven by population growth and in-migration.
  • Orlando: More than 1,000 multifamily housing communities, ranging from suburban garden-style apartments to urban high-rise developments.
  • Jacksonville: Close to 900 multifamily complexes, particularly in the rapidly growing Southside and Riverside neighborhoods.
  • Sarasota: Over 400 multifamily properties, with many luxury and senior-living communities near downtown and the coastline.

Statewide, Florida has an estimated 12,000+ multifamily complexes, serving millions of residents across metro and suburban areas.

Evolution of Language: From “Apartments” to “Multifamily Living”

The terminology used to describe these residential developments has evolved alongside architectural and demographic trends. While “apartments” is still a common term, developers, investors, and planners now often refer to these structures as “multifamily housing” or “multifamily residential” developments.

Alternative phrases and terms used in the industry and public discourse include:

  • Multifamily homes
  • Multifamily residences
  • Multifamily structures
  • Multifamily units
  • Multifamily living spaces
  • Residential communities
  • Apartment communities
  • Residential complexes
  • Shared living developments

In written form, you may encounter variations in spelling:

  • Multi-family (with hyphen)
  • Multifamily (no hyphen, often used in professional/industry publications)
  • Multi family (less common, informal or used in SEO contexts)

Each variant may be preferred depending on context—real estate listings may favor “multi-family homes,” while architectural reports and housing studies often use “multifamily residential.”

Ultimately in whatever way multi family, multi-family or multifamily is referenced, this is the expertise of WellTech Pest Solutions. WellTech has been serving property managers, leasing managers, leasing agents and maintenance managers in Florida for a decade. When it comes to pest removal, wildlife management and special services, we seek to be the best in the multifamily industry.

Lakeland Florida Multifamily Pest Control, Wildlife Removal and Special Services

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC provides dedicated service to Lakeland, Florida area property managers and leasing agents. We offer comprehensive pest control and wildlife removal services for multifamily communities. WellTech is a proud member of both the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) and the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO).

Our Approach to Multifamily Pest Management

WellTech Pest Solutions specializes in managing pests and wildlife in multifamily environments. We work in tandem with property managers, leasing agents, and maintenance teams in Central Florida, including Polk County, to provide a comfortable living space for residents who have made Lakeland their seasonal or permanent home. We also assist in educating properties about pest and wildlife prevention practices, which is crucial in a city with a warm, humid climate that supports year-round pest activity.

Lakeland’s unique environment, with its abundant lakes and green spaces, makes it an ideal habitat for pests like roaches, ants (including the painful fire ant), and mosquitoes. These pests can be particularly challenging to manage in multi-unit buildings where they can easily move from one residence to another. Our expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is designed to address these specific challenges. This includes routine inspections, targeted treatments using the least toxic options first, and ongoing monitoring to prevent re-infestations. WellTech provides weekly, quarterly, and customized pest management plans to fit the unique needs of each property.

Specialized Wildlife Removal and Exclusion

attic with bats
Although unseen from the ground many forms of wildlife find gaps to reach the attic areas of properties. This gap above the entryway is easy access for bats.

In addition to pest control, WellTech provides wildlife management services. In Lakeland, it’s not uncommon for nuisance animals like raccoons, bats, and squirrels to seek shelter in attics or other vulnerable areas of buildings, creating safety concerns and causing damage. Our special services are dispatched when these issues arise. We prioritize the ethical and legal removal of wildlife and adhere to all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidelines. Following removal, we inspect and seal entry points such as soffit gaps and other vulnerabilities to prevent future access and ensure the long-term safety of the property and its residents.


Pest and Wildlife Resources on the WellTech Pest Solutions website:

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.

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
Name

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

Four Fears Offers

SAVE on MULTIFAMILY WILDLIFE EXCLUSION and SPECIALTY SERVICES.

GET A 15 Percent Savings on any removal or exclusion!

Choose a removal or exclusion service from one of the “four fears” listed above: rats, bats, bees, or termites. Receive 15% off of your service! This offer is good for any one first-time service. Use promo code BEAGO for Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, promo code BETPA for Bay Area Apartment Association or promo code SWFAA for the Rent-Chella Trade Show. Offer expires October 31st, 2025.

RATS

The first of the four fears, these destructive rodents cause significant damage and health risks. They gnaw on wood, plastic, and electrical wires. They also carry diseases to humans through their droppings, urine, bites, or through parasites like fleas. They also have rapid reproduction and a small rat problem can escalate into a full-blown infestation, quickly.

BATS

The second of the four fears of multifamily residential nuisances actually is a benefit to a property. Florida is home of 13 native bat species, all of which are insectivores, and illegal to kill, harm, or harass. Bats feast on mosquitoes and other insects, consuming hundreds per night. They are adaptable to urban environments making them a nuisance for multifamily properties. WellTech follows Florida state guidelines on bat exclusions. Please click here for more information.

BEES

The third of the four fears of multifamily nuisances benefit Florida’s ecosystem and agriculture. Florida is home to over 300 native bee species. Honeybees are protected by Florida laws and federal guidelines. These bees do not become aggressive unless they are provoked. Honeybees and other bees sting when they feel threatened or a nest is disturbed. Africanized honeybees are even more aggressive and more sensitive to threats.

TERMITES

The fourth and final fear of multifamily isn’t just a nuisance. It is destructive. Florida hosts more than 20 native termites and is considered the “termite capital of the U.S.” Among the most destructive termites are the Formosan subterranean termite, the Asian subterranean termite and a variety of drywood termites. Termites are known to cause a continuous, substantial drain on property owners valuable investments due to ongoing, hidden damage.

GET A 15 Percent Savings on any removal or exclusion!

Choose a removal or exclusion service from one of the “four fears” listed above: rats, bats, bees, or termites. Receive 15% off of your service! This offer is good for any one first-time service. Use promo code BEAGO for Apartment Association of Greater Orlando or promo code BETPA for Bay Area Apartment Association. Offer expires October 31st, 2025.

Name
How did you find WellTech? (Check all that apply)
Help us understand our marketing and communications efforts. While this is not a required part of our form, it certainly helps us know more about our media partners and affiliations. Please provide any other specifics, such as if you were referred by someone, include their name and property.
Inquiry for Service
Please check all that apply. If you are a resident at a multi-family dwelling (apartment, condominium, townhouse), please request service through your property manager.
Selected Value: 0
On a scale of one to ten, how urgent is your service needed?
Multi-family household pest complaints
Pests that are currently causing issues in your complex. Check all that apply
Multi-family wildlife complaints
Wildlife that have found their way inside the home, and are currently causing issues in your complex. Check all that apply.
Selected Value: 1
Please indicate how many family units are affected by the above pests or wildlife referenced above. Slider counts in increments of 1 unit with 50 units maximum.
Property Manager Name
Best time to reach you
Choose up to six times that work best for you.
Preferred method of consultation

Winning Roach Wars for Your Residents in Multi-Family Properties

Winning Roach War in Multi-Family Properties and Gaining Independence Over Pests.

For Floridian multifamily property owners and leasing teams, this year has been an active year for roaches. A roach infestation can lead to resident dissatisfaction, negative reviews, and even lease terminations. Knowledge of the difference between American and German cockroaches, may better equip you with resident communication and outline preventative measures. Ultimately we recommend a Multi-family Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach through WellTech Pest Solutions.

Do you want to gain independence over pests? Read On!

AMERICAN ROACH “PALMETTO BUG”

American vs. German Cockroaches: Know Your Foe

While both American and German cockroaches are common pests, understanding their differences is crucial for effective treatment.

American Cockroaches ( Periplaneta americana )

  • Appearance: Often referred to as the “palmetto bug”, these are the giants of the roach world, often exceeding 1.5 inches in length. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the back of their head. They have wings and can fly, though they often prefer to scurry.
  • Habitat: American cockroaches prefer warm, damp, and dark environments. In multifamily properties, you’ll commonly find them in basements, crawl spaces, sewers, boiler rooms, and around drains. They often enter units from plumbing pathways.
  • Behavior: They are primarily nocturnal and will scatter when disturbed. They are often found in larger groups but don’t typically form dense aggregations within living spaces like German roaches.

German Cockroaches ( Blattella germanica )

  • Appearance: Much smaller than their American counterparts, German cockroaches are typically ½ to ⅝ inch long. They are light brown to tan with two parallel dark stripes running down their back, just behind their head. They have wings but rarely fly; they are much more likely to run.
  • Habitat: These are the true indoor pests. German cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments close to food and water sources. This means kitchens and bathrooms within individual units are their favorite bunkers. They can often be found in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, in cabinets, and even inside electronics.
  • Behavior: German cockroaches are notorious for rapid reproduction, leading to quickly escalating infestations. They are also nocturnal but are more likely to be seen during the day in severe infestations, indicating a high population density.

Addressing Residents When Roaches Are Found

Discovering roaches in a resident’s unit can be a sensitive issue. Transparency, empathy, and swift action are key.

  1. Listen Actively and Empathize: Acknowledge the resident’s discomfort and frustration. Validate their concerns, “I understand how unsettling it is to find pests in your home, and we take this very seriously.”
  2. Explain the Process: Clearly outline the steps your property will take to address the issue. This includes scheduling pest control treatments, advising on resident preparation (e.g., clearing cabinets), and follow-up procedures.
  3. Educate, Don’t Blame: While resident cooperation is vital for effective treatment, avoid accusatory language. Instead of saying, “You need to clean your apartment,” try, “To help our pest control team be most effective, we kindly request you prepare your unit by…” Provide clear, written instructions on preparation.
  4. Emphasize Proactive Measures: Inform residents about the preventative steps they can take, such as promptly cleaning up spills, storing food in airtight containers, taking out trash regularly, and reporting leaks.
  5. Follow Up: After treatment, check in with the resident to ensure the problem is being resolved and to address any lingering concerns. Regular communication builds trust.

Preventing Roach Colonies from Expanding and Returning

Prevention is the cornerstone of effective pest management in multifamily properties.

  • Seal Entry Points: Caulk cracks and crevices in walls, around pipes, and under sinks. Install door sweeps and seal around windows. Roaches can squeeze through incredibly small openings.
  • Manage Moisture: Fix leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and any sources of standing water promptly. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.
  • Waste Management: Ensure dumpsters are tightly sealed and emptied frequently. Encourage residents to use trash cans with lids and dispose of garbage regularly.
  • Food Storage: Advise residents to store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
  • Regular Cleaning and Inspection: Implement a robust cleaning schedule for common areas. For units, encourage residents to maintain cleanliness. Conduct regular inspections of vacant units and common areas for early detection.
  • Landscaping: Trim bushes and trees away from the building to reduce harborage points. Ensure proper drainage around the foundation.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Multifamily Properties

Because WellTech exclusively serves the multifamily environments of properties throughout Florida we have the experience of customizing “app-roaches” to eliminate these pests and minimize their return. Because one roach is more difficult to battle than the other, we all need to understand the tactics to use for victory. Since our strategy is multi-family vs a one home – one family approach, we are more effective in winning the roach war. 

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC leverages Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to provide a comprehensive and sustainable solution. IPM is not just about spraying chemicals; it’s a holistic approach that prioritizes long-term prevention and minimizes risks.

  1. Thorough Inspection and Identification: WellTech Pest conducts detailed inspections of individual units, common areas, and exterior perimeters to identify the specific type of roach, the extent of the infestation, and entry points. This is crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategy.
  2. Targeted Treatments: Instead of blanket spraying, IWellTech Pest Solutions focuses on targeted treatments. This might include baiting in sensitive areas (like kitchens and bathrooms), crack and crevice treatments, and the application of insect growth regulators (IGRs) that disrupt the roach life cycle. The type of treatment will vary based on the roach species and the severity of the infestation.
  3. Monitoring and Evaluation: WellTech Pest Solutions conducts ongoing monitoring to assess the effectiveness of treatments and identify any new or recurring activity. This might include using sticky traps to track populations.
  4. Education and Collaboration: WellTech educates your leasing and property management team to work collaboratively with residents to implement preventative measures and ensure long-term success.
  5. Documentation and Reporting: WellTech Pest provides detailed documentation of services performed, findings, and recommendations. This helps track progress and identify areas needing improvement.***
  6. Reduced Pesticide Use: WellTech Pest aims to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum pesticides by utilizing a combination of strategies, focusing on the least toxic and most effective methods. This is safer for residents, pets, and the environment.

By understanding the nuances of American and German cockroaches, communicating effectively with residents, implementing robust preventative measures, and partnering with a WellTech Pest Solutions, you can effectively manage and prevent roach infestations, ensuring a healthier and more satisfying living environment for your residents.

***WellTech Pest is switched over to a new application with a more digitally detailed approach between technicians and properties as of July 1st, 2025. If you are a current customer, please contact us on how to access the portal.

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.