Wet spring creates bug concerns

An unusually wet spring has caused an early arrival of summer pests in the Clovis area.

Local pest experts said they’ve seen an increased insect activity for this time of year.

“We have found larvas of mosquitoes and disposed of them already in Clovis,” said Marcus Brice, chief code compliance officer for the city. “We will continue to dispose of larva and spray problem areas throughout the summer.”

Larry Sparks, manager of Four Seasons Pest Control, said residents could have early problems with pest like cockroaches, mosquitoes and termites due too the excess moisture.

“Chemicals do not last as long as they used to,” Sparks said. “It’s a good idea for people to spray early and throughout the summer.”

According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, the Clovis area has received 5.2 inches of rain since March, which is more than 2 inches above normal.

Charles Guthals of Guthals Nursery and Pest Control Services said tics have been a problem as early as January.

Pest control tips

Ticks

Pellet sulfur for horizontal surfaces

Permethlin spray for vertical surfaces

Mosquitoes

Enliminate standing water such as dog bowls, tires in yards, leaking swamp coolers and leaking faucets.

Report troubled areas to city offices to be sprayed.

Cockroaches

Eliminate food sources such as excess pet food and trash.

Sprays such as Viper or an IS regulator which acts as a growth retardant preventing the molting or development to an adult stage by cockroaches preventing them from mating.