Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
link ...
Staff writer[email protected]Local pest control services are dealing with an assortment of insects and small animals invading local homes, businesses, and agricultural areas as a result of recent rains.
Lee Ann Davis, district supervisor for Southwestern Pest Control, said the pests this summer are those found in moist, humid conditions.
“Field beetles and oriental cockroaches have been coming into people’s homes this year,” said Davis.
Davis said during the previous year, the pest control service had received more calls for insects like the sun spider, which is better suited for harsh, dry conditions.
The rain has been driving bugs into homes and businesses, said Davis.
Davis said having more bugs looking for refuge inside of buildings has caused an increase in calls for spiders.
Davis said, “The spiders are after the bugs.”
Four-legged pests have become more common as well, with mice being driven inside as their natural habitats become flooded.
Larry Sparks, owner of Mac’s Four Season Pest Control, said the moisture has forced the mice to leave their underground nests in search of higher ground.
The result is more calls for mouse traps inside and outside of homes.
link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero
Fly and mosquito populations in Clovis have grown in the wake of increased precipitation. Local pest control services are keeping busy spraying and laying traps for the crawling insects that have started to invade homes and businesses to escape flooding.
David Gutierrez, owner and operator of David’s Vector Control, said that in addition to calls for mice, he has been called frequently to local dairies and farms to address the large populations of mosquitoes and flies.
Gutierrez said the mosquito population has boomed because of the amount of standing water in areas around the city.
“You can attribute the amount of mosquitos and flies to the rain.” said Gutierrez.
“I’m busier this year than I have been in a long time,” said Gutierrez, “water brings out every critter.”
Gutierrez said the more rain the city gets, the busier pest control services are going to be.
“It’s been a good, good year for pest control,” Gutierrez said.