New Year, No Pests: Florida Home Resolutions for a Healthier 2026
Start the Year Fresh: Declutter and Deep Clean
After the whirlwind of the holidays, many Florida homes are left with extra storage boxes, crumbs, and wrapping paper tucked into corners. Unfortunately, those small messes create perfect hiding and feeding zones for pests like ants, roaches, and silverfish.
A thorough clean-up in January not only resets your space but also removes food sources and nesting materials that pests rely on.
Your 4-Step "Fresh Start" Cleaning Plan
Declutter Storage Areas
Go through attics, garages, and closets to remove stacks of cardboard boxes, newspapers, and gift packaging.
Pests such as cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders love nesting in dark, undisturbed paper materials.
Replace cardboard with airtight plastic bins — they resist moisture and block pest access.
Use Airtight Food Containers
Transfer open packages of flour, rice, cereal, or pet food into sealed glass or heavy-duty plastic containers.
This simple step prevents pantry pests like moths, weevils, and ants from contaminating your dry goods.
Wipe pantry shelves with mild soap or vinegar before restocking to remove invisible food traces.
Clean Behind and Beneath Appliances
Once a month, pull out your refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher to vacuum and mop the area underneath.
Remove grease buildup and crumbs — these are prime food sources for roaches and ants.
Check electrical cords and seals for chew marks, which may indicate rodent activity.
Vacuum and Mop Regularly
Focus on corners, baseboards, under sinks, and around trash bins, where crumbs and debris often collect.
Use a crevice tool to reach small cracks and edges that sweeping can miss.
Empty vacuum bags or canisters outdoors immediately after cleaning to avoid reinfestation.
Inspect Entry Points: Stop Pests Before They Get In
Even the tiniest gaps around your home can serve as an open invitation for unwanted guests — from ants and roaches to mice and lizards. Florida's humid weather and shifting soil make it especially easy for small cracks and openings to appear around doors, windows, and foundations over time.
The good news? A careful inspection and a few simple fixes can dramatically reduce your chances of an infestation this year.
5 Key Areas to Inspect Around Your Home
Door Frames and Weather Stripping
Check for light seeping through gaps under doors or around the sides.
Worn weather stripping can let in not only pests but also moisture and hot air.
Replace old seals and install door sweeps to block crawling insects like ants and roaches.
Windows and Screens
Examine the edges of your window sills and frames for cracks or gaps.
Patch or replace torn window screens, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, where light and humidity attract insects.
Ensure windows close tightly without gaps that could let in flying pests such as gnats or mosquitoes.
Plumbing, Gas, and Dryer Vents
These small utility openings are common access points for rodents and cockroaches.
Seal gaps around pipes with steel wool or copper mesh before applying caulk.
Verify that vent covers are secure and free from tears or rust.
Attic and Roofline Openings
Inspect soffits, roof vents, and eaves for holes or loose screens.
Birds, squirrels, and rats often enter through unsealed gaps in attic vents.
Use hardware cloth or metal flashing to block entry while maintaining proper airflow.
Foundation and Siding Cracks
Walk around your home's perimeter to spot small fractures in siding or foundation concrete.
Even gaps as small as a quarter-inch can allow ants and termites to enter.
Fill cracks using silicone-based caulk that expands and contracts with Florida's temperature changes.
Simple Steps to Protect Your Home
Seal Gaps Completely
Use high-quality, weather-resistant silicone caulk for long-lasting protection.
For larger openings, reinforce with metal mesh or expanding foam to prevent chewing by rodents.
Install Barriers Where Needed
Add door sweeps and threshold guards to keep crawling insects out.
Replace worn-out window screens with fine mesh that blocks even the smallest pests.
Control Lighting Near Entrances
Flying insects are drawn to bright lights. Use yellow "bug-safe" bulbs or motion-activated lights near doors to reduce attraction.
Manage Moisture: Florida's #1 Pest Magnet
If there's one thing pests love more than warmth, it's moisture — and Florida homes have plenty of it. The Sunshine State's year-round humidity creates perfect breeding conditions for ants, termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and silverfish.
Excess moisture inside or around your home doesn't just attract pests — it also weakens wood structures, damages paint, and contributes to mold growth. Keeping your property dry is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to prevent infestations before they start.
Why Moisture Attracts Pests
Ants follow moisture to locate consistent water sources under sinks or near bathrooms.
Termites thrive in damp soil and softened wood caused by leaks or poor drainage.
Cockroaches depend on water to survive — they often gather near dishwashers, water heaters, or leaky pipes.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water — even small puddles or planters can host hundreds of larvae.
Key Moisture Control Steps for Florida Homes
Fix Leaking Faucets and Pipes Immediately
Regularly inspect plumbing under sinks, behind toilets, and around washing machines.
Even a small drip can attract roaches, ants, or termites.
Use pipe tape or sealant for temporary fixes — but schedule professional plumbing repair for long-term prevention.
Clean Gutters and Check Drainage Flow
Clogged gutters trap rainwater, which can seep into your roofline or foundation.
Make sure downspouts extend 3-4 feet away from your home to redirect water flow safely.
Add splash blocks or gutter extensions if water pools near walls.
Use Dehumidifiers in Key Areas
High humidity in attics, basements, and laundry rooms can sustain pest colonies and mold.
Keep humidity levels below 50% with a dehumidifier or proper ventilation.
Run bathroom exhaust fans after showers to reduce excess moisture.
Eliminate Standing Water Outdoors
Check for puddles in planters, birdbaths, clogged drains, or pet bowls.
Empty and scrub these areas weekly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Avoid overwatering lawns and flowerbeds — moist soil can attract subterranean termites.
Start your new year with peace of mind and confidence that your home is protected inside and out.
Contact or visit www.kingfishpest.com to schedule your New Year Pest Inspection today.
Kingfish Pest Control is a proud partner of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
