Midwest Floods Lead to Mosquito Invasion

INDIANAPOLIS — According to an article from the Chicago Tribune, four times the usual number of mosquitoes are swarming across central Indiana this summer on the heels of the state’s recent bouts of flooding and heavy rains.

Rains over the past six weeks have spurred insect reproduction, and it’s not just mosquitoes.

Exterminators also are reporting a big jump in calls for help from homeowners battling ants, termites and other insects trying to escape their flooded habitats.

Phil Bledsoe, service manager of Gold Seal Termite & Pest Control Co., said the Indianapolis business usually receives 75 to 100 calls a day in June. This year it averaged 200 to 250 calls a day from the city and surrounding counties.

Jim Erwin, chief biologist with the Marion County Health Department, said his office received about 20 mosquito complaints a night a month ago, but 90 calls a night over the past two weeks.

Click here for the complete article from the Chicago Tribune.

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Rains, food lead to increase in ants, Topeka Capital Journal

So far this year, Topeka has received nearly 3 inches more rain than normal. The damp conditions allow ants and termites to thrive.

Incidents of ant infestations are up 10 percent to 15 percent, according to the Topeka Terminix branch.

Jeff Bodine, co-owner of the family-owned Bodine’s Pest Control, estimates termite infestations are up almost 50 percent from previous years.

“It would be my assumption that because we had a wet winter that wasn’t too cold and we’ve had a long, wet spring most insects are able to reproduce and live better,” said Zachary Falin, collection manager at The University of Kansas Division of Entomology. (More…)

On the Flip Side

Drought brings bugs out in open, Rome News-Tribune

Less water means more fleas.

According to Rome pest control companies, drought conditions in Floyd County have made a number of pest problems worsen.

“The No. 1 problem this summer has been fleas,” said David Thornton, owner of Thornton Pest Control. “It is a problem that has mightily increased with the dry weather.”

Ralph Sanford, owner and chairman of Haralson Pest Solutions, said it is important to take preventive steps to protect your home from fleas. He said people with pets should vacuum frequently and throw away the bag after the third use. (More…)