A vacation home can stand empty for weeks between guest stays. Florida’s warmth and humidity give pests plenty of time to move in, and by the next check-in, ants, roaches, or rodents may already be settled.
Owners and property managers in St. Petersburg, Naples, Fort Myers, and Miami all face this. Whether you manage one cottage or a portfolio of rentals, here are six checks that keep pests out between bookings.
Clear Food Residue After Every Stay
Crumbs, open packets, and pet food can start an infestation. A forgotten snack in a cabinet can draw ants across the whole kitchen. UF/IFAS Extension says cockroaches gather around bins and fridges, and survive on tiny amounts of food when water is available.
At every changeover:
- Wipe counters, stovetops, and appliances.
- Empty sink strainers and clean the dishwasher.
- Seal pet food and dry goods in containers.
- Empty the fridge drip pan.
- Recheck cabinets and bedside drawers where guests leave snacks.
Persistent sightings, including large “palmetto bugs”, justify professional help such as cockroach pest control in Florida.
Remove Standing Water and Moisture
Water draws pests faster than food. The CDC advises emptying, scrubbing, or covering anything that holds water once a week, from buckets and planters to birdbaths and flowerpot saucers. UF/IFAS notes that even a soda bottle lid can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
- Arrange a weekly visit to empty containers.
- Drain birdbaths, or clean them every four to five days.
- Fix all leaks and dripping faucets.
- Direct downspouts and air-conditioning condensate lines away from the foundation.
- Repair torn window and door screens.
Where water cannot be removed, mosquito control services, such as yard treatments, can help.
Keep Landscaping Away from the Walls
Overgrown gardens give pests a bridge to the house. UF/IFAS landscaping guidance suggests:
- Plants at least 2 feet from the house at maturity.
- Pruning limbs that touch or overhang the roof, as roof rats use them for access.
- Shrubs trimmed wider at the top than the base, reducing damp, shaded hiding spots.
- Mulch no deeper than 2 inches within 12 inches of the foundation, because deep mulch can help termites bypass treated soil.
- Dead palm fronds cleared from near buildings.
Manage Trash Between Stays
Guests check out, but full bins stay behind. They feed roaches, ants, and rodents.
- Bag and remove food waste at every changeover.
- Use bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Clean bins and the area around them regularly.
- Match pickup days to checkout dates.
- Add clear bin instructions to the welcome guide.
Seal Entry Points
Pests need only a small gap, and vacation homes have plenty of doors, vents and pipes. Mice can squeeze through gaps about 1/4 inch wide, the CDC says. Check:
- Eaves, soffits and roof vents.
- Window and door frames.
- The gap between foundation and ground.
- Openings around electrical, plumbing, cable and gas lines.
- Pipes under sinks and behind appliances.
Pack small holes with steel wool, then secure it with caulk. Larger gaps need metal or hardware cloth. Signs of activity call for rodent control professionals in Florida.
Schedule Routine Inspections
Walk through after each stay, looking for droppings, chewed packaging, and damp patches. UF/IFAS also recommends regular inspection by a licensed professional.
Share a printed checklist with cleaners and caretakers, and keep a simple log:
- Date and areas checked.
- Any signs of pests or moisture.
- Action taken and who completed it.
Suncoast Pest Control, for example, offers free home inspections covering insects, rodents, termites, entry points, and moisture problems. A termite inspection in Florida suits that routine.
Protect Your Vacation Home Between Stays
Between stays, an empty property needs a plan, not luck. Suncoast Pest Control, family-owned and operated since 1993, offers free home and office inspections and 24/7 emergency service across Tampa Bay, Southwest Florida, and Southeast Florida.
Whether you need pest control in St. Petersburg, FL, or in Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, and surrounding areas, the team can help.
Call 727-327-3202 to book a free inspection, or ask about the once-a-year plan covering roaches, ants, spiders, and silverfish.
Author’s Bio
The author is a freelance writer who covers vacation rentals, home maintenance, and property care for travel and real estate publications. She writes practical guidance for second-home owners, short-term rental hosts and property managers, drawing on public health and university extension sources. Her work focuses on simple routines that protect a property between guests.
