October 27, 2026
Common pests in Boca Raton homes: east Boca vs. west Boca
Short answer: The most common pests in Boca Raton homes are termites, palmetto bugs and other cockroaches, ants, roof rats, mosquitoes and lawn and hedge pests like chinch bugs and ficus whitefly. Which ones you see most depends on where you live: older homes near the coast and the Intracoastal tend to see more drywood termites and roof rats, while western communities built around lakes, canals and golf courses see more mosquitoes, ants and lawn insects.
Boca Raton covers a lot of ground, from the barrier island and the neighborhoods along the Intracoastal to the gated and golf communities west of the Turnpike. The pests are mostly the same family of South Florida regulars, but the mix changes from east to west. Here’s what we look for in each.
East Boca and the coast
East of I-95, many neighborhoods have older homes, mature shade trees, tall palms and lush landscaping close to the house. Along the Intracoastal and on the barrier island toward Highland Beach, homes deal with salt air, moisture and lots of wood trim, docks and outdoor living space. That combination tends to bring up:
- Drywood termites. They live inside the wood they eat, including attic framing, trim, window frames and furniture. Look for small piles of pellets and shed wings on windowsills in spring. Widespread activity is usually handled with tent fumigation.
- Roof rats. Tall palms, fruit trees and branches touching the roof give roof rats a way up. Scratching in the attic at night is a common first sign. See roof rats vs. squirrels and our Rodent Control & Exclusion service.
- Palmetto bugs. Large outdoor cockroaches move in from mulch, palms and storm drains, especially after heavy rain. Read why palmetto bugs come inside.
West Boca and the gated communities
West of I-95, and especially west of the Turnpike, many homes are in planned and gated communities with lakes, retention ponds, golf courses, St. Augustine lawns and long hedges. Homes are often newer, but newer doesn’t mean termite-proof. What we see most:
- Subterranean termites. UF/IFAS reports the Asian subterranean termite is established in South Florida and very common from Key West to West Palm Beach. These termites come up from the soil and can enter through slab joints and plumbing openings. Our termite signs guide explains what to look for and when to call.
- Mosquitoes. Lakes, canals, irrigation and containers in the yard all give mosquitoes places to breed during the rainy season. See our mosquito control service.
- Ants. Ghost ants and big-headed ants trail along irrigated lawns, pavers and pool decks and then follow plumbing inside. Read ghost ants vs. big-headed ants.
- Lawn and hedge pests. Chinch bugs in sunny St. Augustine lawns and ficus whitefly on privacy hedges are common across west Boca. See chinch bugs vs. sod webworms and why your ficus hedge is dropping leaves.
A Boca Raton pest calendar
| Season | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Spring (February to June) | Termite swarms, ants on the move, spring yard cleanups |
| Rainy season (June to October) | Mosquitoes, palmetto bugs and ants coming inside after storms |
| Dry season (November to May) | Chinch bugs in St. Augustine lawns, rodents looking for shelter, snowbird homes reopening |
If you’re a seasonal resident, our snowbird home return checklist covers what to check when you get back.
Condos, townhomes and HOAs in Boca Raton
Many Boca Raton residents live in condos and HOA communities where common areas, roofs and landscaping are handled by the association. If you see pests coming from a shared wall, a hallway or the grounds, let your manager know. Community and property managers can learn about our programs on HOA and condo association pest control.
How Q and L Pest Management helps
We start with a complimentary inspection of the inside and outside of your home, identify what’s active and what’s attracting it, and recommend a plan. Most homes start with General Household Pest Control, with termite control, Landscape Care and mosquito control added as needed. More answers are in our FAQ.
We serve all of Boca Raton, east and west, plus nearby Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach and Deerfield Beach in Broward County.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common pests in Boca Raton?
Termites, palmetto bugs and other cockroaches, ghost ants and big-headed ants, roof rats, mosquitoes, chinch bugs in St. Augustine lawns and ficus whitefly on hedges are the pests Boca Raton homeowners ask us about most.
Do Boca Raton homes get termites?
Yes. Both drywood and subterranean termites are found in Boca Raton. Drywood termites live inside wood, while subterranean termites come from the soil, so the treatment depends on which one you have.
Why are there more mosquitoes in west Boca?
Many west Boca communities are built around lakes, retention ponds, canals and irrigated landscaping, which give mosquitoes more places to breed during the rainy season. Emptying containers and saucers in the yard helps.
Do newer homes in west Boca get termites?
Yes, they can. Subterranean termites can find their way in through slab joints and plumbing openings in newer homes too, so regular inspections are worth it.
Does Q&L serve all of Boca Raton?
Yes. We serve homes across east and west Boca Raton, plus Highland Beach, Delray Beach and Deerfield Beach. See our Boca Raton pest control page.
Do you work with Boca Raton condos and HOAs?
Yes. Community and property managers can see our HOA and condo association pest control programs, including common areas, unit service and written service reports.
Request a complimentary inspection
Book a complimentary inspection and we’ll share what we find, explain your options and recommend a plan for your home.
Request a complimentary inspection: qandlpest.com/contact-us/ · (561) 725-5274
Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Inspect first. Treat smart.
About the author
Michael Ringler, Q and L Pest Management. Q and L Pest Management is a family-owned pest control company based in Lantana and serving Palm Beach County.Q and L Pest Management LLC holds FDACS Pest Control Business License #JB333443. Services are performed under FDACS Certified Pest Control Operator John Park, certificate #JF320165.
Sources
- UF/IFAS News. As Florida enters termite swarm season, UF/IFAS scientists tell consumers what to know (March 3, 2021). https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2021/03/03/as-florida-enters-termite-swarm-season-uf-ifas-scientists-tell-consumers-what-to-know/
- UF/IFAS EDIS. Asian Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes gestroi (IN285). https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN285
- UF/IFAS EDIS. Kern, W. H. Control of Roof Rats in Fruit Trees (SSWEC120/UW120). https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW120
- UF/IFAS EDIS. West Indian Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes brevis (IN236). https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN236