Not every pest problem is a slow burn. Some situations demand immediate action — either because they pose a direct health risk to your family, threaten your property, or will get dramatically worse if you wait even a day.
If you're dealing with a pest emergency in St. Augustine or Northeast Florida, here's how to know when you need same-day help and what to do about it.
What Counts as a Pest Emergency?
Most pest issues — like seeing a few ants in the kitchen or the occasional spider — can be handled with a scheduled service visit. But certain situations are genuinely urgent. Here's when you should pick up the phone immediately.
1. Stinging Insect Nests Near High-Traffic Areas
A wasp nest under your porch overhang, a yellow jacket colony in your yard, or a bee swarm near your front door isn't something to "wait and see" about — especially if anyone in your household has allergies.
According to the CDC, hornet, wasp, and bee stings caused 788 deaths in the United States between 2011 and 2021, averaging 72 deaths per year. Most fatal reactions happen within minutes, and many victims didn't know they were allergic until they were stung.
In Northeast Florida, the brown widow spider has become well-established throughout the state, and the Florida Department of Agriculture confirms that Africanized honey bees have spread through southern Florida with the potential to occupy the entire state.
If you see an active nest near your doors, windows, play areas, or walkways, don't try to remove it yourself. Call a professional wasp and bee removal service immediately.
2. Venomous Spider Sightings Indoors
The good news for St. Augustine homeowners: the brown recluse spider is NOT established in Florida. According to UF/IFAS, only about 20 verified brown recluse specimens have ever been found in the state — all in buildings or vehicles, not in native habitats. In fact, up to 80% of suspected brown recluse bites in Florida are actually misdiagnosed Staphylococcus infections.
However, Florida does have four species of venomous widow spiders: the southern black widow, northern black widow, brown widow, and red widow. The southern black widow is responsible for most venomous spider-bite cases in the state, and their neurotoxic venom can cause muscular cramps within 15 minutes to 3 hours, progressing to severe pain, elevated blood pressure, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
If you're finding widow spiders indoors — especially in a home with young children, elderly family members, or pets — that's an emergency. Our team can inspect your home and treat immediately. Contact us today.
3. Rodent Activity in Your Living Space
Hearing scratching in the walls is one thing. Seeing rats or mice running across your kitchen floor is another. Active rodent sightings in your living spaces mean the population has likely grown large enough that they're competing for resources — and that means you could be dealing with dozens of rodents, not just the one you saw.
The roof rat is the most common and destructive rodent pest in Florida, according to UF/IFAS. They nest in attics and wall voids, gnawing on electrical wires and rafters, which creates a real fire risk.
The CDC documents numerous diseases transmitted directly and indirectly by rodents, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever. UF/IFAS confirms that rats and mice can carry at least 10 different kinds of diseases, and their droppings contaminate food preparation surfaces.
Active rodent sightings indoors warrant same-day service. Check out our rodent control services or call us directly.
4. Massive Cockroach Infestations
Finding one American cockroach (the large "palmetto bug") that wandered in from outside is different from turning on your kitchen light and seeing dozens scatter. If you're seeing large numbers of cockroaches during the daytime, that's a sign of a severe infestation — cockroaches are nocturnal, so daytime activity means the population has outgrown its hiding spaces.
This matters for health: the EPA identifies cockroach body parts, droppings, and saliva as asthma triggers, and UF/IFAS research has documented at least 22 species of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans isolated from American cockroaches. German cockroaches produce at least one dozen distinct allergens that are potent triggers of asthma attacks.
In Florida, approximately 1 in 11 adults and 1 in 14 children currently have asthma. A heavy cockroach infestation in a home with asthma sufferers is a genuine health emergency.
Need help with cockroach control in St. Augustine? We provide fast treatment for severe infestations.
5. Termite Swarmers Inside Your Home
Seeing a few termite swarmers outside your house during spring is normal — every colony produces them. But if you're seeing swarmers inside your home, especially in large numbers emerging from walls, flooring, or ceiling areas, that means an active colony is living within your structure.
Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States, and this damage is typically not covered by homeowners' insurance. Florida has 21 established termite species — the highest termite diversity in the mainland United States.
Interior swarmers require immediate professional inspection and treatment. Visit our termite treatment page or read our guide on 5 signs you have termites in your St. Augustine home.
6. Fire Ants in Play Areas or Near Pets
Fire ant mounds in your front yard are a nuisance. Fire ant mounds next to your child's swing set, in your dog's favorite spot, or along your walkway are an emergency.
An estimated 14 million people are stung by fire ants annually in the United States, and Florida has the highest fire-ant-related mortality rate in the country, accounting for 22 of approximately 80 recorded deaths. Young children and pets are especially vulnerable because they may not recognize the danger or move away quickly enough.
Read our in-depth guide on fire ant treatment in St. Augustine, or call us for same-day mound treatment through our ant control services.
What to Do While You Wait for Emergency Service
Once you've called for help, there are a few things you can do to keep your family safe:
- Stay away from the problem area. Don't try to treat stinging insect nests, spider harborages, or fire ant mounds yourself.
- Close off the room if possible. If rodents or heavy cockroach activity is concentrated in one area, close doors and seal gaps under them with towels.
- Document what you're seeing. Photos or videos help your pest control technician assess the situation before they arrive.
- Secure food and pet bowls. Remove accessible food sources to prevent pests from spreading to other areas.
- Don't apply store-bought pesticides. Foggers and sprays can scatter pests into walls, making professional treatment harder. They can also create chemical exposure risks if used improperly.
Why Same-Day Service Matters
The difference between a one-day delay and immediate treatment can be significant:
- Rodents reproduce rapidly. A single pair can produce a new litter every three weeks, and young rats become sexually mature in just a few months. What starts as 2 rodents in your attic can become 20 within months.
- Cockroach populations grow fast. German cockroaches can go from a few individuals to thousands in a matter of months under favorable conditions.
- Stinging insects become more aggressive. Disturbed nests (from vibrations, nearby activity, or weather changes) become more defensive, increasing the risk of mass stinging events.
Emergency Pest Control in St. Augustine and Northeast Florida
At Bug Mechanix, we understand that some pest problems can't wait for a scheduled appointment next week. We provide fast, responsive service for St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, and communities throughout St. Johns County.
All of our technicians are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Florida Statute Chapter 482, which governs all pest control operations in the state.
Dealing with a pest emergency right now? Call Bug Mechanix at (718) 873-7908. We'll get a licensed technician to your property as fast as possible. You can also request a quote online — but for true emergencies, a phone call is always fastest.
Need Pest Control Help?
Call Bug Mechanix for fast, effective treatment in Northeast Florida.