When the heat gets turned up, as is this case this summer across much of the Pacific Northwest and Mountain states, insect and wildlife pests get their game on. The trio of a warmer than usual winter and spring, low moisture levels and summer heat is creating rising insect pressure across the region.
Sprague Pest Expert Lance Gray, manager of our Eugene, Oregon service center, says due to the dry, warm weather patterns insect activity has kicked into high gear much earlier this year.
“Fly activity in and around commercial accounts is at levels we usually do not see until August or September,” says Gray. “The concern is that since flies are such prolific breeders that populations will continue to grow and be a greater nuisance and potential health hazard as we move through summer and into fall.”
Gray says Sprague service specialists are using the latest fly management technology and experimenting with new control strategies that are customized to a client’s specific facility and requirements. He points to a new baiting project they are testing in a dairy cattle facility where milk production decreases because the cows are stressed and annoyed by the flies.
“Our goal is to not only solve the pest problem in the account but to also help our clients’ businesses grow and improve,” says Gray. “In the case of the dairy facility we want to reduce the fly threat but also help their animals more comfortable and to be more productive.”
Sprague’s Summer Pest Prevention Tips
✓ Be proactive when monitoring pest activity in and around your facility
✓ Establish and following good sanitation protocols
✓ Seal cracks and openings in foundations
✓ Replace exterior lighting around doors with halogen or sodium vapor
bulbs that are less attractive to pests
✓ Install door sweeps and air doors
✓ Repair screens on windows and ventilation openings
In addition to the increased fly populations Gray says they are seeing additional activity with stinging insects (the warm winter and spring has allowed for greater nest construction), ants, cockroaches, rodents and occasional invaders. Nuisance bird activity is also on the rise due in part to the increased insect populations which are a food source.
The dry weather is also forcing insects and rodents to seek moisture sources inside structures and that can lead to problems, especially for food processing, restaurant and healthcare clients.
“We recommend that our clients not wait between service visits to report any new or increased pest activity due to the unusual weather activity we are experiencing,” says Gray. “A client will only see a small number the actual insects or rodents present and the earlier we can take action the less time it will take to eliminate the problem and the less costly it will be for clients.”