The long spell of drought conditions are not only impacting plants, it's also prompting insects to find a new place to live—inside our homes. Time Warner Cable News reporter Rebecca Vogt shares why it's happening, and ways to put an end to these unwelcome guests.
LOCKPORT, N.Y. -- When it's hot out, we typically like to jump in a pool or hang out in an air conditioned space for a while. Turns out, bugs like to do the exact same thing.
"They're looking for food and shelter, going to be trying to find cracks and crevices in the house - they want to get in," said Wade Gross with ProStar Pest Services.
Gross said spiders and centipedes are typical culprits, however there's another creepy crawly that has been making its way indoors during the drought that has hit our region.
"Usually we don't get a lot of ant calls this late in this season, we're getting a lot of ant calls, lot of spider calls. Yellow jacket season is starting to get going. Lot more yellow jackets," said Gross.
What can you do to keep the pesky pests away? The first thing is to make sure all outside wires and hoses that connect to your home are sealed, like gas and cable lines. Even a small crack in the foundation can be a welcome entrance for a rather unwelcome guest. Next step is likely calling the professionals to eradicate the problem.
"We would treat indoors - with ants we'd be using baits," Gross said.
If the traps aren't doing the trick, spraying is another option. Gross explained he likes to hit the entire perimeter of the home with pesticide. Many companies offer to spray multiple times a year to prevent a problem before it even starts.
"Moisture takes care of the one thing they need," said Gross, "Water being on the food side, them being able to get water in other locations other than coming indoors, it would help."
Here's to hoping a little rain will come our way - not only to cool us down - but to keep the bugs at bay.