PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Have you seen them? Insects and flying nuisances begin their summer.
Insects and pests can show up in the worst places at the worst possible time, usually accompanied by a scream.
As the weather in Western Pennsylvania begins to break down and people are enjoying the warmer temperatures, so are the insects and pests.
“I get a lot of calls about insects. Now that we’re having some hot weather, some insects are flying like paper wasps. Carpenter bees are starting to come out,” said Russ Rusiski of Complete Pest Control Services.
All sorts of spooky and creepy things keep Rusiski’s business going, such as termites.
“April was hot and cold, mostly cold. So the swarms come a little later,” Rusiski said.
Ants are also appearing in more and more households.
“It really started in March and now that it’s getting warm it’s really exploding,” added Rusiski.
Ant spray, which can be used around doors, may not keep the bugs out of your home, but Rusiski says it will certainly help lessen the impact.
Rusiski says products like Raid or Black Flag are effective, but that homeowners tend to overuse these types of products.
Carpenter bees are another insect species that’s back in full force.
“They look very aggressive and very, very intimidating. And they can sting, but almost always don’t,” Rusiski said.
If you want to get rid of bees or wasps, pay attention to where they go, and in general, finding the hole and being able to treat the hole is enough.
If you have a pet, Rusiski says most treatments won’t harm them, but it’s always good to read label precautions and always follow directions.
Rusiski also suggests using treatment products during the cooler evening hours when the insects are less active and more likely to be in their nests.
When it comes to four-legged creatures and critters, calling an exterminator now may land you on a waiting list.
Last weekend’s warm weather brought an explosion of business for local chamber exterminators, and when it comes to spooky scale, mice top the list.
“They will come here all year round looking for shelter and food,” Rusiski said.
Rusiski says a crack under a garage door is one of many welcome mats for mice, and another common area is where the air-conditioning hose comes into a home.
If you find yourself in a situation after a mouse has entered your home, you should invest in traps, according to Rusiski.
If you hear any creature in your attic, there’s a good chance it’s a raccoon or a squirrel.
Outside the home, skunks, possums, and groundhogs are usually found under a deck, patio, or shed.
Rusiski says no creatures should be taken lightly, adding that some could transmit rabies.
If you have a problem with something in your attic or outside, it’s best to call someone to come and scoop it up and remove it.
John Schumway
