Rats, Flies – Now Bed Bugs
This quarantine has affected everyone and everything. We’ve missed birthdays, have had virtual graduations and proms, restaurants have created takeout and delivery where there may not have been, and we won’t know what kind of long-term effects this will have on mental health.
This quarantine has affected everyone and everything. We’ve missed birthdays, have had virtual graduations and proms, restaurants have created takeout and delivery where there may not have been, and we won’t know what kind of long-term effects this will have on mental health. Even pests are changing because of how we are changing. First, the rats start fighting amongst themselves and getting bolder in search of food. Next, the flies are swarming to wherever trash is accumulating causing infestations where they may not have been before. Now? The bed bugs are super hungry. What’s next? Wait – we don’t want to know. Efficiently enable exceptional benefits Ompellingly actualize go forward web-readiness through bricks-and-clicks channels Efficiently initiate multimedia Competently visualize out Globally resource Assertively synthesized Energistically embrace economically sound mindshare with compelling value. Phosfluorescently transition seamless interfaces after client-focused e-commerce.
But we did sit down with BCE entomologist, Shannon Sked, to discuss what is happening with pests during this quarantine. At least he knows what’s going on out there when it comes to pests. Here’s what he had to say:
Q: We already talked about what the quarantine is doing to rats. Are there any updates to that?
A: There was recently a great program by the NPMA (National Pest Management Association) on the impact the quarantine is having on rodents around the country. There are some new details being discovered, but the general idea is still consistent. Rodents are being starved in certain areas, causing them to move more to seek food. This, in combination with aggressive behavior between rodents in general and the lack of people out and about, is creating a situation where there are more rodent sightings and heavier pressure in areas where trash is more readily available (restaurant dumpsters, multi-family trash compactors, etc.).
One thing suspected by the experts in the industry, although we don’t know quite yet, is there’s a high chance that rodents have habituated areas that have been vacated. I would expect, of particular importance, buildings like hotels that have been relatively vacant will be found to have high levels of rodents taking up residency. This is because these areas, which used to be frequented by people are now quiet – creating a great location to take up refuge. If these low occupancy buildings are near food sources, the chances are even higher. This is extremely important for businesses looking to open back up soon. They will need to ensure any rodents that have taken up residence in their properties are eliminated before opening in order to protect their brands. Therefore, returning to routine pest control services, and some intensive services, is of utmost importance now.
Q: We also discussed the excessive number of flies associated with the accumulation of trash right now. Has anything more happened with that?
A: As we start experiencing warmer and warmer temperatures, we’ll likely see this continue and the issues increase. Flies, unlike rodents, are temperature-dependent animals. As we get into the heat of summer, their biological activities (breeding, etc.) increase. So again, it’s critical that pest control services return as soon as possible if they have been delayed. Without the service, the problem will persist and likely increase. Another important item to return to is increased sanitation services in order to make the environment less conducive for flies. Combined, these two actions will greatly help in preventing any poor health inspection report or social media posts related to fly problems.
