Lake Wales sits on the southern Lake Wales Ridge — the highest topographic feature on the Florida peninsula — and is home to the historic Bok Tower Gardens (National Historic Landmark, 1929) and a concentration of late-19th and early-20th-century wood-frame residential architecture. The combination of mature oak canopy, citrus heritage, and pre-1950 wood-frame housing stock makes Lake Wales one of the highest drywood termite pressure communities in Polk County. Call the number below to be connected with an FDACS-licensed pest control operator serving Lake Wales.
The dispatched operators serve all Lake Wales zip codes (33853, 33859, 33898) and the surrounding ridge communities of Babson Park, Frostproof, Dundee, Lake Hamilton, and Indian Lake Estates.
Pest Pressures Specific to Lake Wales
Bok Tower historic district (33853 core). Lake Wales’ historic core surrounding Bok Tower Gardens and the Lake Wailes business district contains a high concentration of pre-1950 wood-frame and frame-stucco residential structures. These properties show elevated drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis, Incisitermes snyderi) infestation rates. Annual WDO inspection is recommended for properties in this district. Many Bok Tower district homes have active termite bonds.
Lake Wales Ridge agriculture and citrus. The Lake Wales Ridge is historically a major Florida citrus production area. Many older Lake Wales properties feature mature citrus trees adjacent to homes — driving elevated roof rat pressure (citrus fruit provides food and tree access). The ridge’s sandhill soils have distinct subterranean termite pressure patterns.
Newer residential developments. Lake Wales is growing southward toward Babson Park and Frostproof, with newer subdivisions on former citrus and ranch land. These newer developments show elevated fire ant (RIFA) pressure typical of disturbed agricultural soil.
Indian Lake Estates (33898). A semi-rural lakefront community east of Lake Wales. Lower density, larger lots, more wildlife pressure (raccoons, opossums, armadillos). Wildlife trapping is regulated under FFWCC, separate from FDACS structural pest control.
Frostproof corridor (33843). South of Lake Wales. Mix of agricultural and residential. Substantial fire ant pressure.
Top Pest Concerns by Lake Wales Area
| Area | Zip | Dominant Pest Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Bok Tower historic district | 33853 | Drywood termite, subterranean termite, roof rat |
| South Lake Wales / new subdivisions | 33859 | Subterranean termite, fire ant, mosquito |
| Indian Lake Estates | 33898 | Rodent, wildlife, palmetto bug |
| Babson Park / Webber International | 33827 | Subterranean termite, fire ant |
| Frostproof | 33843 | Fire ant, palmetto bug, rodent |
Services Available in Lake Wales
- Termite Treatment — High demand in historic district
- Drywood Termite Treatment — Including whole-house fumigation
- Subterranean Termite
- Bed Bug Treatment
- Mosquito Control
- Rodent Control — Citrus-tree-related roof rat pressure
- Palmetto Bug Control
- WDO Inspection — Critical for Bok Tower district real estate
Surrounding Areas Served
Babson Park · Frostproof · Dundee · Lake Hamilton · Indian Lake Estates · Highland Park · Hillcrest Heights · Lake of the Hills · Mountain Lake
For other Polk County communities: Lakeland · Winter Haven (15 miles north) · Bartow (20 miles west) · Haines City
When To Call
- Drywood termite frass piles in attic, particularly in pre-1950 Bok Tower-district homes
- Subterranean termite mud tubes on foundation
- Roof rat activity near citrus trees
- WDO inspection requirement for Bok Tower-district real estate (high frequency)
- Annual termite bond renewal inspection
- Fire ant pressure in newer subdivisions