Creepy, crawly and climbing through all your home’s cracks and crevices.
If you feel like this year is a pest invasion, you’re not imagining it.
Jeff Estoll with Pointe Pest Control said last year’s warm winter left many pests alive that would normally not make it through.
“So in the springtime all these bugs and all these colonies had a really big head start to the summer,” said Estoll. “That’s why we’re seeing bigger issues this year.”
Estoll said one population he’s dealing with more and more is stink bugs.
“They’re harder to control,” he explained. “They’ve just been introduced into this area. There are many methods they’re working on to try to kill them and control that population.”
Stink bugs are native to Asia and were accidentally introduced in the United States. The first stink bug was found in Pennsylvania nearly 20 years ago.
They join the boxelder, a native North American bug common in the area.
Estoll said the best defense against both is a good offense.
He recommends making sure your doors and windows are secured with proper weather stripping, especially on the south and west sides of your home, where the bugs go for warmth.
And if they’re already in your home, Estoll said the best thing to do is vacuum them up, but don’t squish them.
“Because if you squish them then you will find out real fast how they got their name,” he said. “And if you’re allergic to them you could have a rash.”
Experts say this summer’s higher population of these bugs is also why you might be seeing higher numbers of other pests like skunks and snakes that feed off the bugs.
Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.
