When it comes to keeping your Florida home safe, most people think about locks, fences, and maybe even storm protection. But one hidden danger often goes unnoticed: pests. From ants and roaches to fleas and ticks, these invaders can do more than just annoy you – they can put your children and pets at risk.
At Brock Lawn & Pest Control, we know families want more than pest-free homes – they want solutions that are safe for kids and pets, too. Here’s what every Florida homeowner should know about pests and the dangers they pose, along with how to protect your loved ones.
Common Pests Harmful to Pets and Kids in Florida
1. Fleas and Ticks
- The danger: Fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause severe skin irritation in pets. Ticks are even more dangerous – they can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses that can affect both people and pets.
- Where they hide: In shady, grassy areas of your lawn or brought in on clothing and fur.
2. Fire Ants
- The danger: Fire ant stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in children and pets. Pets that disturb a mound can suffer dozens of bites within seconds.
- Where they hide: Large mounds in yards, fields, and even playground areas.
3. Cockroaches
- The danger: Roaches can spread bacteria like salmonella, trigger asthma attacks in children, and contaminate food. They’re especially common in humid Florida homes.
- Where they hide: Kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere with food or moisture.
4. Rodents
- The danger: Rats and mice carry diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus. They also leave behind droppings that can make kids sick and chew through wires, creating fire hazards.
- Where they hide: Attics, garages, and hidden spaces inside walls.
5. Mosquitoes
- The danger: Beyond itchy bites, mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika virus, and heartworms (a major threat to dogs).
- Where they hide: Standing water, clogged gutters, or shaded yard areas.
Why Children Are Especially at Risk
Children spend more time close to the ground, crawling on floors or playing in grass where pests live. Their immune systems are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to infections, allergic reactions, and asthma triggered by pest allergens.
Why Pets Are in Danger
Pets can’t tell us when they’ve been bitten, stung, or exposed to harmful bacteria. A flea infestation can quickly spiral out of control, while a single tick bite could transmit a serious disease. Dogs and cats also explore outdoor areas where pests thrive, making prevention even more important.
Safe Pest Control for Families
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between protecting your family and protecting your pets. At Brock Lawn & Pest Control, we use methods and treatments that are effective against pests but safe for your loved ones.
- Targeted Applications – We treat only where needed, reducing unnecessary exposure.
- Pet- and Kid-Friendly Solutions – Our products are selected to be tough on pests, not harmful to your family.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – We focus on prevention first, such as sealing entry points, lawn care, and moisture control.
- Ongoing Monitoring – Regular service ensures pests don’t return, giving you year-round peace of mind.
Serving Families Across the Florida Panhandle
Brock Lawn & Pest Control proudly protects families and their pets in:
- Cities: Panama City, Destin, Marianna, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, Tyndall Air force Base, Fort Walton Beach, Lynn Haven, and surrounding areas
- Counties: Bay, Gulf, Jackson, Washington, South Walton, Walton, Okaloosa, Holmes, Calhoun and surrounding areas
Wherever you call home in the Panhandle, our team is here to provide safe, family-focused pest control solutions.
Pests aren’t just a nuisance – they’re a real health risk for kids and pets. Don’t wait until you see signs of an infestation. With Brock Lawn & Pest Control, you can have a pest-free home that’s safe for every member of your family, furry or not.
Call us today or request a free estimate online to learn more about our family- and pet-safe pest control services.
