Bug sprays are the go-to solution for many Floridians as soon as summer hits. In Florida’s pest season store shelves are lined with citronella candles, DEET sprays, and wearable repellents, promising to keep pests at bay. But if you've ever walked outside and felt like a mosquito buffet despite your best efforts, you're not alone.
Florida's unique combination of heat, humidity, and frequent rain showers creates the perfect environment for pests—and a significant challenge for over-the-counter bug repellents. So, do they actually work? And when is it time to call in the professionals?
Let's break down what repellents really do, why they often fall short in Florida's pest season, and how Turner Pest Control can help you take back your home and yard.
What Repellents Actually Do: The Good, the Bad & the Buggy
Bug repellents are designed to deter pests—not kill them. Here's a quick look at the most common options and how they perform:
Citronella:
- Found in candles, wristbands, and sprays.
- Offers limited protection and only works within a few feet of the source.
- Ineffective in breezy outdoor conditions.
DEET-Based Sprays:
- Provides the most effective topical protection against mosquitoes and ticks.
- Needs reapplication every few hours and can be harsh on sensitive skin or clothing.
- Only works on the individual who's wearing it—not a solution for your overall environment.
Wearable Devices (like ultrasonic or clip-on repellents):
- Marketed as chemical-free and convenient.
- Scientific studies have shown little to no measurable effectiveness.
- Best suited as a supplemental measure, not a primary defense.
While these repellents may help reduce the number of bites during short outings, they are not a long-term solution for large-scale pest problems—especially in Florida's pest season.
Why Florida's Weather Makes Repellents Less Reliable
Florida's climate is a paradise for bugs. Here's why you might still be getting bitten—even after you've bathed in bug spray:
1. Mosquitoes Breed Fast—and Often:
- One bottle cap of standing water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
- Rain and humidity accelerate their reproduction cycles.
- Surface-level sprays wear off quickly in the heat and rain, leaving you vulnerable again within hours.
2. Midges & No-See-Ums Don't Care About Store-Bought Sprays:
- These tiny pests are relentless and often unaffected by traditional repellents.
- Their small size allows them to sneak through screened porches and clothing.
- Candles and natural oils offer little to no protection against a determined swarm.
3. Fire Ants, Ticks & Fleas Are Built Different:
- Fire ants respond to colony disruption, not topical deterrents.
- Ticks and fleas can hide in your lawn, attach to your pets, and make their way indoors.
- Repellents do nothing to stop infestations or kill the pests in your environment.
In short, pests in Florida's pest season are just too aggressive, fast-breeding, and resilient for consumer-grade products to offer consistent relief.
When to Call Turner: Let the Pros Handle It
You shouldn't have to spray your body down multiple times a day, light candles all over your patio, and still get bitten. That's where we come in.
At Turner Pest Control, we don't rely on temporary fixes. We deliver targeted solutions that address pests at the source and offer long-lasting protection.
What We Offer: Florida’s pest season
- Professional mosquito control: Including monthly treatments and MistAway systems for continuous yard protection.
- Flea, tick, and fire ant services: Targeted treatments that eliminate these pests and prevent their return.
- No-see-um and midge management: Specialized applications for hard-to-treat biting insects.
- Interior treatments: For when outdoor pests make their way inside.
Why Our Solutions Work:
- Customized Plans: Based on your home, landscape, and pest pressure.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Safe for families and pets.
- Local Expertise: We know Florida pests—and how to stop them.
Our treatments are designed to last through Florida's pest season, unlike foggers and sprays that lose their effectiveness within hours or days.
If you're:
- Spraying yourself daily without success
- Still getting bitten indoors
- Tired of lighting candles, applying creams, and swatting all night
…it's time to call Turner Pest Control.
Don't Let Bugs Win this Florida’s pest season
Summer should be about enjoying your yard—not retreating inside. While bug sprays and store-bought repellents may offer some short-term relief, they're no match for Florida's aggressive pests and climate.
If you're tired of playing defense, it's time to bring in the offense. Turner Pest Control offers year-round, professional-grade solutions tailored for Florida homes. We eliminate pests at their source—so you can stop worrying about bites and start enjoying your summer again.
Schedule your FREE pest inspection now, or call us to speak with one of our pest pros. Let's ditch the bug spray and get serious about pest control.