Fall is coming to be known for our annual reunion with stink bugs, as they make their way inside in search of a place to wait out the winter. Homeowners should know that this is prime treatment time – by working on stink bug problems now, issues next spring can be reduced.
We recently caught up with Chris Sexton, Commercial Supervisor for Western's Northern Virginia Branch.
Name: Chris Sexton
Region: Northern Virginia
Are you noticing more stink bugs in your region year-after-year?
We get lots of calls about stink bugs in the spring, but now is the time to act. Late summer is the best time for proactive service because it allows for disruption of the stink bug life cycle. Often, people's landscaping creates an attraction for stink bugs, drawing them toward the perimeter of the home, where they breed in certain trees and shrubs.
What other issues in a homeowner's control can attract insects?
A home's occupants can often feel victimized when there are pest issues. It can be unnerving. However, issues that attract pests are often human-driven. Plants look pretty – but many are pest breeding grounds. Plant-loving fungus can also create problems in offices and apartments. Like people, insects seek food, shelter, and water. A leak is a refreshing spring for the average pest.
Are bed-bug problems continuing in your region?
We do a lot of in-service presentations on bed bugs for our commercial clients, as the issue continues to gather headlines. However, there is also a lot of misinformation. There is a misconception that bed bugs are like lice...that you can sit next to someone and become infested, which likely is not a high probability.
