Pest control companies report more bugs this winter

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is no arguing that this winter hasn't felt much like winter at all.

Dog owners like William Huddleston doesn't mind the warm weather even if has been a bit rainy.

"The weather has just been fabulous," Huddleston said. "It's been really good for the dogs, too."

His dogs have gotten more exercise this winter, but there is a drawback to the warm weather.

Pest control companies told Eyewitness News, there have been more reports of fleas, roaches and ants in homes.

"It's very strange," said owner Chase Harrison. "We’ve been seeing a lot more roach activity, flea activity and ant activity which isn't too typical this time of year."

Harrison says his employees at ClearDefense have been busy with calls, especially from new clients.

The moisture and the rain have also pushed more insects inside the home. Overall, the rain has created an ideal situation for insects like fleas and roaches to multiply.

"They can reproduce quicker," Harrison said. "It's an ideal situation where they can live longer. But also the rain is going to force a lot of the insects that typically don’t' come inside and flushes them in."

Dr. Frances Deller with Long Animal Hospital in the Southend has also seen more pets come in with flea problems.

"It's been so warm so we're not able to kind of knock them out," Deller said. "We have seen more fleas on dogs."

Deller said that pet owners should continue administering flea medication through the winter months.

She says even if the temperatures get colder, it takes several days of cold temperatures for the eggs to die.

Harrison recommends quarterly pest control visits as a preventative measure against roaches and fleas getting inside your home.

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