Tampa Lawn Pests Love This Kind of Summer Weather

What Are the Conditions That Make Common Bugs in Florida Thrive?

Summer in Tampa, FL brings sunshine and backyard barbecues…and the perfect breeding ground for lawn pests. From relentless mosquitoes to destructive armyworms, these unwanted guests thrive under specific weather conditions. Want to protect your lawn before it’s damaged? It’s important to understand how temperature and rainfall affect pest activity.

Keep reading to find out the answers to weather-related questions about summer’s worst bugs. And don’t forget to get in touch with Your Green Team for expert lawn care and pest control! No matter the weather and the bugs that are “in season,” we’ll treat your yard based on its specific needs.

Does rain attract mosquitoes in Tampa, FL?

Florida’s humid climate and frequent rainfall make it a mosquito paradise. While warm temperatures allow these pests to thrive year-round, standing water really causes their numbers to explode.

Here are some things that make mosquitoes boom quickly.

Females lay eggs in tiny water collections (even bottle caps or clogged gutters) after rainfall
Heat speeds up their life cycle, leading to rapid population growth
Warmer falls allow mosquitoes to remain active even longer

Do the following to keep mosquitoes away.

Make it a routine to get rid of any standing water (birdbaths, plant saucers, toys) every few days
Keep gutters clean to prevent pooling of water
Use appropriate repellents in outdoor living areas
Schedule our professional treatments to target breeding sites

Do fleas only come out in summer?

No, fleas don’t just appear in summer. However, the season’s heat and moisture create ideal conditions for them to multiply. Check out these reasons why fleas like this season best.

Faster development: Eggs hatch 2–5x quicker in warm, humid weather
Increased host activity: You and your pets spend more time outdoors, giving fleas more chances to latch on
Indoor infestations: Yes, fleas can hitch rides inside on pets, then infest carpets or furniture

So…how can you reduce the flea population?

Mow frequently to reduce the shaded, moist habitats that they like
Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
Treat pets with vet-approved preventatives
Opt for professional yard sprays from Your Green Team to break the flea life cycle

What weather attracts ticks?

Generally, colder winters and drier springs create small populations of ticks. That means though that mild winters and wet springs will lead to more ticks eventually. Why exactly? It’s simple. Ticks breed and develop faster in warmer weather.

They’re active in the spring, summer, and fall. But why does summer feel like the time they’re the worst? The easy answer is more outdoor exposure. Hikers, kids, and pets encounter ticks in tall grass/woods more often this time of year.

Ticks are extremely dangerous because of their disease transmission capabilities. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other illnesses peak in summer because of these little guys.

Tick prevention strategies:

Create a “tick-safe zone” by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter
Wear light-colored clothing because ticks are easier to spot against these hues
Always check yourself for ticks after being outside
Invest in barrier sprays for yards near wooded areas

One last thing. Remember, ticks crawl up on hosts, so tucking pants into socks adds protection. Of course, the best tick elimination method is to call Your Green Team.

Why does summer fuel armyworm invasions?

Despite their name, fall armyworms often peak in summer, especially after rainy periods.

What triggers infestations?

The first factor is wind patterns. Seriously, these moths migrate from South America/Caribbean on summer air currents. Then, it takes around two weeks for these caterpillars to hatch and mature. All the while, they eat your lawn’s grass.

Once armyworms feast on your yard, it’ll appear brown, scorched, and dead. It only takes a handful of hours or days. Sometimes it happens overnight. Then they march to your neighbor’s yard and so on, eating as much as they can in that 14-day time period.

Do other common pests like hot spells and little rain?

Some do. Some don’t. It really just depends on the type of lawn pest.

Chinch bugs

Thrive in: Hot, dry areas (especially St. Augustine grass)
Damage: Yellow/brown patches that spread rapidly
Defense: Increase irrigation and apply targeted insecticides

Grubs

Active in: Warm, moist soil (but avoid extreme heat)
Signs: Spongy turf that pulls up easily
Solution: Summer preventative treatments stop grubs before they hatch

Sod webworms

Peak time: Late summer/early fall in humid regions
Evidence: Small brown moths flying over grass at dusk
Control: Beneficial nematodes or residual sprays

Are Summer Bugs Bugging You? Contact Us!

Is it hot? Rainy? Humid? Different lawn pests prefer different kinds of weather. So contact Your Green Team to achieve a beautiful lawn and get peace of mind. We proudly serve the greater Tampa area, ensuring high-quality lawn care and pest control services for these communities: