Useful Florida pest facts, in one place.
Florida’s climate, housing stock, and mix of common household pests make prevention a year-round concern. The facts below are drawn from public agencies, university extension research, and U.S. Census data.
Each item includes a direct source so it can be checked, quoted, and linked with confidence.
Termite facts for Florida homes
termite species
UF/IFAS reports that 20 termite species are established in Florida. Not every species is considered a structural pest, and the risks vary by location.
Source: UF/IFAS, June 18, 2026termite groups
Florida identifies four termite groups: dampwood, drywood, subterranean, and conehead termites. Identification matters because treatment approaches differ.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, accessed September 2, 2026What “palmetto bug” can mean
common cockroach types
UF/IFAS identifies seven cockroach types commonly found in and around Florida homes, including American, smokybrown, German, Asian, and Florida woods roaches.
Source: UF/IFAS, accessed September 2, 2026largest common roaches
The larger cockroaches commonly encountered around Florida homes range from 1 1/4 to 2 inches long. Several are often called palmetto bugs.
Source: UF/IFAS, accessed September 2, 2026Why mosquito prevention stays relevant
Florida counties
West Nile virus activity has been identified in all 67 Florida counties since the virus was first detected in the state.
Source: Florida Department of Health, accessed September 2, 2026peak West Nile period
The Florida Department of Health identifies July through September as the state’s peak period for West Nile virus transmission.
Source: Florida Department of Health, accessed September 2, 2026severe West Nile cases
About one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus develops severe illness, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Source: Florida Department of Health, accessed September 2, 2026The scale of the prevention challenge
Florida housing units
Florida had 10,789,047 housing units as of July 1, 2025. That is the scale of the homes exposed to the state’s year-round pest pressure.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 estimateowner-occupied homes
An estimated 67.6% of Florida housing units were owner occupied from 2020 through 2024, making upkeep and long-term prevention a practical household concern.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020-2024How this page is maintained
This page uses public sources from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Department of Health, and the U.S. Census Bureau. It is reviewed about monthly, or sooner when a key source changes.
Statistics are presented with the reporting period or access date supplied by the source. They describe statewide conditions and do not predict pest activity at a specific property.
Cite this page
Peyton’s Pest Prevention. “Florida Home Pest Facts & Statistics.” Updated September 2, 2026. https://peytonspest.com/florida-pest-statistics.