BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — They're creepy, they're crawly, and they're coming back sooner than you think. Experts say Buffalo's warm winter is an invite for bugs to come out and play a little earlier than usual. Elaine Sitarek, Administrative Assistant at Good Riddance Pest Control in Buffalo says her company has already seen the impact. Since the new year, she says her company has treated two dozen cases of ants inside homes.
"Which, you might not think is a lot, but it actually is for this time of year," Sitarek said.
Sitarek believes Buffalo's mild winter may be the cause. So far the city has not experienced several weeks of snow or freezing temperatures meaning insects and bugs that usually die off during the colder months may still be alive.
"Like in your attic, the garage, up in the rafters and they even occasionally will go into the foundation and survive," Sitarek said. "So they'll start reemerging."
She believes if the winter continues to be this warm, we may see an early onset of yellow jacket bees.
"Once the good weather gets here people should be diligent and walk the outside of their homes at least once a week." Sitarek says yellow jacket bees tend to nest along the roof line, gutter line, and foundation of homes. Ants, usually congregate in the kitchen area.
If you are already experiencing an influx of ants inside your home, here are some things you should know.
- Never put bait down all over the house
- Put the bait in the area where you see the ants and leave it there. The ants will share the bait with their friends and they will all begin to die off.
So remember, while we're all happy that the warmer months are coming soon, we've got tiny friends who are happy too.
