Pest Library

South Florida is home to more pest species than almost any other region in the United States — and many of them are unique to Florida’s tropical climate. Use this pest library to identify what’s in your home, understand the risks, and learn what professional treatment looks like. Each page includes identification photos, biology, signs of infestation, and prevention tips specific to Palm Beach and Broward counties.

Ants

• Ghost Ants (Sugar Ants)— The most common indoor ant in South Florida — tiny, pale, and extremely hard to control without professional non-repellent baiting.
• Fire Ants— Aggressive lawn-nesting ants with a painful sting. Common in all South Florida communities.
• Carpenter Ants— Large black ants that nest in damaged wood. Often a sign of a moisture problem.
• Big-Headed Ants— Form massive underground colonies — can contain millions of workers. Require ongoing professional treatment.

Cockroaches

• Palmetto Bugs (American Cockroaches)— Large, fast-moving roaches that enter from outside through drains and gaps.
• German Cockroaches— The most difficult indoor roach — rapid breeders that resist generic sprays.

Termites

• Drywood Termites— Live inside wood — infest door frames, attics, and furniture. Require no-tent or fumigation treatment.
• Subterranean Termites— The most destructive species — travel from soil through mud tubes. Formosan termites included.

Rodents

• Roof Rats— The dominant rodent in South Florida. Climb trees to access attics, chew wiring, contaminate insulation.

Other Common South Florida Pests

• Mosquitoes
• Bed Bugs
• Spiders (Brown Widow & Wolf Spider)
• Fleas
• Wasps & Hornets
• Silverfish
• Whiteflies (Ficus & Palm)
• Chinch Bugs

Not sure what pest you’re dealing with? Call (561) 654-8998and one of our certified technicians will identify it and recommend the right treatment. Bugsy’s serves all of Palm Beach and Broward counties — view our service area.