| Like us, insects are out earlier this spring
No one's complaining about the mild winter and warm spring the area has experienced this year. Ticks were reported as early as the end of February and mosquitoes also have taken flight. While wasps and hornets can be a problem for some residents if the insects build nests near their houses, it is a good time for companies whose business is eliminating such pests. "Because it has been so warm, we've already been out (spraying houses) for some of our regular customers," he said. Bees and wasps also have been making their presence known. "The paper wasps are typically the first (flying pests) to appear each year," said Rippeth. It would take a few days of chilly temperatures strung together to kill off insects, however. Steve Rippeth, who runs Schoenbrunn Pest Control in New Philadelphia, also said termite swarms and ant swarms are the most popular calls so far this season. So far this season, the firm has mostly treated for termite swarms and carpenter ants, insects that damage wood. "We are really a month to a month and a half ahead of schedule," she said. This year has been exactly the opposite of last spring, when the region experienced a cooler season, Tom Shetler said. If it would turn cold again, it could help put a dent in the bug population. Christine Shetler, who is treasurer for her husband Tom's Action Now Pest Control in Strasburg, said the business, which started in 1989, had never seen a March like the one we just experienced. "I'd say we are about a month to six weeks ahead of where we usually are," said Chris Zoller, Tuscarawas County's extension educator in agriculture and natural resources, and county extension director with Ohio State University. I do not think it means we have more insects, it means they are out earlier. |
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Like us, insects are out earlier this spring
