In Fort Lauderdale, termite flights begin in late April and peak through June, the rainy season runs roughly from 15 May to 15 October, and hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Pests stay active year-round because the city rarely freezes, so the calendar sets when each kind of call is most likely.
Key takeaways
- Formosan subterranean termite swarms begin in late April and run through May.
- West Indian drywood termites fly in May and June, the peak for drywood flights.
- The rainy season, roughly 15 May to 15 October, brings most of the year's rain and raises mosquito and roach activity.
- Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, and post-storm calls follow the rain.
- Roaches, ants, mosquitoes and roof rats stay active in every month, because the city has no hard freeze.
When do termites swarm in Fort Lauderdale?
Termite swarms come first. Formosan subterranean termites begin swarming in late April and into May, and West Indian drywood termites fly in May and June. Both are the spring flights that homeowners and condo associations most often report.
University of Florida IFAS research in Fort Lauderdale studies the Formosan subterranean termite, and its published work places the swarms in late April to May. A swarm is a sign that a colony is nearby, so a spring check of the house and the building is a sensible routine.
Drywood termites live inside wood and fly out in May and June. A swarm seen near a window or light is a reason to have the trim and roof edge looked at, and the table below sets out the season month by month.
| Period | What happens |
|---|---|
| Late April to May | Formosan subterranean termite swarms begin |
| April to June | Peak termite flights; West Indian drywood flights peak May to June |
| Mid-May to mid-October | Rainy season: mosquito breeding, roach and rodent movement indoors |
| June to November | Hurricane season; post-storm pest calls |
| Year-round | Roof rats, ants, roaches and mosquitoes stay active (no hard freeze) |
What changes in the rainy season?
The rainy season, roughly from mid-May to mid-October, brings most of the year's rain and turns standing water into mosquito breeding ground. Roaches and rodents move indoors more often when the ground is wet, and calls rise through the summer.
A local television news report put Fort Lauderdale's rainfall for 2023 above 100 inches, which is a useful reminder of how much water arrives in these months. Gutters, plant saucers, containers and low spots in the yard collect that water and become breeding sites.
Treating before the peak is usually easier than treating after it. A technician can address the yard, the entry points and the planting early in the season, and the homeowner can keep standing water cleared each week.
How does hurricane season change pest calls?
Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. After heavy rain and flooding, roaches and rodents often move into buildings, and damaged roofs and soffits give them new entry points. Post-storm calls are common once the water recedes.
The National Hurricane Center publishes the season's outlook and advisories. Once a storm has passed, the first pest visit usually checks the roof line, the attic and the drains for damage that was opened by the weather.
A recurring plan through the season helps catch those changes early. Calls can be made at any hour, and the team will arrange a visit when a technician is available.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any month with no pest calls in Fort Lauderdale?
Not really. Termites, roaches, ants, mosquitoes and roof rats stay active year-round because the city rarely freezes. The calendar shows when each kind of call peaks, not when it stops.
When should I book a termite check?
Before late April is a good time, since Formosan swarms begin then. A check in the spring can find activity before the swarm season peaks.
Does a hurricane mean I need a pest visit?
A visit after a storm is useful if the roof, soffits or drains were damaged, or if roaches or rodents have appeared indoors. Call (855) 974-4733 and describe what you see.
Sources
- University of Florida IFAS Extension, EDIS publications
- National Hurricane Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This guide is general information for Broward County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.