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Is Zika in Orlando?

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Is Zika in Orlando

As of early 2017, there were more than 5,100 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the continental United States, including over 1,000 pregnant women infected. Miami, Florida, was the first U.S. location to document local, mosquito-borne transmissions of the virus, making Florida a focal point in the fight against this illness that can have devastating effects on pregnant women and babies born to infected mothers.

Is Zika in Orlando?

While Florida’s mosquito control efforts have been somewhat successful in stopping Zika’s spread—in December 2016, Florida Governor Rick Scott even declared South Beach and all other areas of Florida to be Zika-free—the virus remains a threat in Miami-Dade County, along with other parts of the state. So what about central Florida? Is Zika in Orlando? Let’s take a look at the facts.

How Zika Spread to the United States

While the spread of Zika in the United States became public prominence in 2015, … Read Full Post »

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Why Are Bees Dying?

. Posted by in • Orlando
Why Are Bees Dying

Do you consider bees an unwelcome pest? If so, you aren’t alone. Many people are afraid of this tiny, buzzing, yellow-and-black insect—or, more specifically, scared of its sting. For people allergic to bee stings, an encounter with these stinging insects is genuinely a critical (even life-and-death) event to avoid. Even for those who aren’t allergic, chances are that you’d rather stay away from bees.

While you may know that bees play an essential role in our ecosystem, you may not realize that bee populations worldwide have experienced a significant decline. If you’re among the folks who avoid these little creatures at all costs, that may not sound like such a bad thing. Let’s talk about why bees have been dying, why they’re essential to humans, and what to do if you find a beehive in or around your home.

Why Are Bees Dying?

In 2011 in Brevard County, Florida, about 12 million bees … Read Full Post »

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Signs You Have Termites

. Posted by in • Orlando
Signs you have termites

Signs You Have Termites

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage each year, and the average termite infestation can cost homeowners tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. We’ll share the common signs of Eastern subterranean-type termites found in and around Orlando and help you with termite prevention.

Common Termites in Orlando

Subterranean termites nest in the soil to obtain moisture and can nest in wet wood. Essentially, they can quickly attack any timber in contact with the ground.

The subterranean termite colony members regularly seek food to feed themselves and their nestmates. They will travel hundreds of feet to find cellulose material to return to their nest. Subterranean termites are highly attracted to cellulose, the plant fiber used in wall and roof cavities to insulate, draught proof, and reduce noise in homes. During their travels, they may stumble upon the wood of your house and begin feasting. Termites in … Read Full Post »

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What You Need to Know About Mosquito Season in Florida

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mosquito season florida

While the year-round temperate weather is one of the many perks of living in Florida, any resident of the Sunshine State can tell you those perks come with a price—including a nearly year-round mosquito season. Thanks to plenty of warmth and moisture, two conditions where mosquito populations thrive, mosquito season in Florida doesn’t have a clear beginning or end point. However, Florida mosquito species are most active in the spring and summer months, when warm temperatures combined with frequent, heavy rains produce thriving mosquito populations.

What You Need To Know About Mosquito Season in Florida

In any geographic region, mosquito season depends on rainfall and temperature. In many parts of the country, the first warm days of spring signal the start of mosquito season, and winter’s first frost signals the end—except in more arid areas, where mosquito populations don’t pose a problem even in colder months.

But while January is typically Florida’s coldest … Read Full Post »

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How To Dispose of Household Items In Orlando

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How to dispose of trash Orlando

Practically every day, we bring new items into our homes. While it’s relatively easy to add items to our households, it can be difficult to know exactly how to dispose of certain things. Yes, we realize we can recycle plastic containers, and we shouldn’t put grease down the drain, but what about when your fridge goes on the fritz, when you have to replace that CFL light bulb, or when you change out the batteries in your child’s favorite toy?

How to Properly Dispose Of Common Household Items

It’s easy to throw something in the trash can when you no longer need or want it, but can your item help someone else in our community? If you are considering throwing away a piece of clothing, a book, or a pair of shoes, for example, look at our list of where you can donate household items in Orlando before adding them to the … Read Full Post »

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Where To Donate Household Items In Orlando

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Where do donate household items Orlando

Spring cleaning? How about any time cleaning?

When clearing clutter from your home, attic, or garage, there’s no time like the present—no matter the month or season. Getting rid of possessions that are broken, unused, or past their prime doesn’t just create space in your closets and storage areas; it also has psychological benefits as well.

You know that sense of inner calm you get from a clean, well-organized desk or room? You can have that feeling anytime you decide to go through your things and let go of items no longer in use. And if you donate your unwanted items, they can positively impact here in Orlando via charity organizations assisting people in need. It’s a win-win!

All you have to do to get started is to find out where to donate household items.

Where to Donate Unwanted Household Items in Orlando

Your closet and dresser drawers are perfect for your de-cluttering … Read Full Post »

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Everything You Need To Know About Rodents in Orlando [INFOGRAPHIC]

. Posted by in • Orlando
Rats in Florida

We feel fortunate to be based here in Orlando. From museums to sporting events to outdoor activities, our city always has something fun to do. While other parts of the country are experiencing freezing temperatures, it’s usually sunny and warm here in Central Florida.

Even living in the best city on the planet, there is one thing we wish we didn’t have to deal with: Florida rats and rice. Rodents might seem cute and furry, but they are considered household pests for a good reason.

Rodents can damage your home by chewing on wood and cause a mess by getting into birdseed, pet food, and your pantry. In addition, these tiny creatures can transmit serious diseases.

What rats and mice live here in Orlando, and how do they enter our homes? What are the warning signs to tell that they might be inside? Perhaps most importantly, how can you eliminate rodents … Read Full Post »

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Your Guide to Orlando Wildlife

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Orlando animals

Florida—the sunshine state. Known for coastline beaches, top vacation destinations, and our Walt Disney World, the state is a destination for travelers worldwide. Florida’s diverse land and ecosystems provide ideal land and aquatic animals living conditions. Here in central Florida, we live alongside different animal species.

Your Guide To Orlando Wildlife

In this post, we’ll look at the array of Orlando wildlife residents and homeowners you can come into contact with. We’ll discuss reproduction, eating habits, and where they choose to make their homes. We’ll even examine ways to ensure these animals stay off your property for good.

Read along as we dive into all there is to know about Orlando animals.

Alligators in Orlando

While it’s not very likely you will encounter an alligator approaching your home anytime soon, the reptile is plentiful around Florida. And because they are known to show up occasionally, it’s best to be prepared.

What Alligators Eat

The Florida alligator looks … Read Full Post »

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How To Get Rid of Fruit Flies

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how to get rid of fruit flies

What’s that buzzing around your kitchen? Are little bugs swarming your trash can or congregating on your fresh fruit? If you ever have tiny gnat-like insects hanging out in your kitchen, chances are they’re fruit flies. Once you begin to notice them, fruit flies appear to be everywhere. Not long after you start seeing fruit flies in your house, many homeowners realize they are ready to eliminate these pesky insects.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Before we discuss how to get rid of fruit flies in your house, let’s learn more about these animals and how they make it into your home.

What Are Fruit Flies?

These insects are small flies of the Drosophila species, and although tiny, when magnified, they look a lot like houseflies. Entomologists describe adult fruit flies as about 1/8 inch long, and although you can’t see them, they have red eyes. They can lay up to 500 … Read Full Post »

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Will Capybaras Become Orlando’s Next Pest?

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capybara facts

For anyone who has seen the cult-classic movie The Princess Bride, capybaras might bring to mind “Rodents of Unusual Size,” the giant, fanged rat creatures inhabiting the film’s Fire Swamp. While adult capybaras aren’t nearly as big or ferocious as the R.O.U.S., they’re certainly an arresting sight, at least for those of us used to smaller rodents like rats, mice, and guinea pigs. But unlike the R.O.U.S., capybaras aren’t a fantasy animal. They’re genuine and make their home in certain parts of the United States and Central and South America regions. Capybaras have recently been spotted in Florida, which has caused some scientists to wonder what impact they will have.

Will Capybaras Become Orlando’s Next Pest?

While not indigenous to the United States, capybaras are sometimes kept as pets in the U.S. Some of them have been sighted in Florida rivers and swamps. Florida’s capybara population is thought to have originated from … Read Full Post »

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