Pest control businesses see increase in demand after wet summer

If you’ve noticed more bugs around your home this summer, you’re not alone. Local pest control companies are swamped with calls of more critters coming out after the afternoon storms.

Hank Spivey, owner of Why You Buggin Pest Control says it’s his busiest summer yet.

“I talk to customers on the phone asking to come. You know we’re booked two weeks out and from what I understand, most companies are,” he explains.

He’s been in the bug business for nearly 30 years, originally starting out in Florida before moving to Colorado.

He says summer storms are to blame for the increase in bugs. This year, the rain has brought out more spiders, centipedes, and earwigs.

Spivey says, “the ground gets saturated and all the insects that live in the soil come up to get dry.”

When entering a home, Spivey generally starts on the lowest floor of the house. He says most bugs people see come through their utility rooms or basement.

“The best thing you can do is treat your crawl space if you have one. If there is no crawl space, a thorough treatment of the utility area in the home,” he explains.

Another pest that’s making a grander appearance this summer is mice. The wet weather makes it easier for them to find more food.

On the bright side, Spivey says he hasn’t had nearly as many calls for wasp nests this summer. He credits the late cold temperatures for freezing the insects out.