Heat brings pests out of woodwork

Pest control services have been run off their feet this summer with lots of flies, wasps, cockroaches and spiders around.
Manager of Bay Pest Services Rotorua Chris Brunel said he was extremely busy at the moment, receiving 10 to 20 calls a day.
He said he was heavily booked and customers had to wait up to two weeks to see him, although urgent jobs, such as wasp nests and bed bugs, could be done straight away.
Mr Brunel said summer was always busy but this summer was busier than usual because it had been so dry.
"A lot of insects are coming inside houses looking for moisture."
Mr Brunel said many calls were about wasp nests, which could be dangerous around people's homes.
Wasp nests were a problem in summer because larvae were hatching. If people saw only one or two in a month, there was no need for concern, he said.
Most calls to pest control companies came from home owners, but also from businesses and accommodation providers.
Mr Brunel said bed bugs were becoming an increasing problem in the hospitality industry and were in most motels and hotels, but many wouldn't admit to the problem. Bed bugs were rampant in parts of the United States and Asia and people could pick them up in luggage when travelling.
Head technician from Protex in Rotorua, Sheldon Harvey, said this year was not as busy for him as other years, but he was still getting calls about bug problems.
Owner of Taupo's FlyBusters Insect Control, Tony Giesen, said his business had been frantically busy throughout November and December.
He said FlyBusters were doing anything between eight and 12 homes a day and were mostly dealing with mice, spiders and a lot of ants.
Total Insect Control and Bay Pest Services were receiving endless inquiries about white tail spiders.
Owner of Total Insect Control, Rhys Wolfgram, said there was a lot of demand in Rotorua at this time and he was busier than last summer, receiving a couple of calls an hour with customers having to wait up to a week for his help.
Mr Wolfgram said bed bugs were increasing as the number of people moving around the world increased.
Cactus Jack Backpackers staff member Dan O'Connor said bed bugs were no longer a problem since the accommodation facility began getting treated regularly by a pest control service.
Bruce Beesley said his motel, Union Victoria, was also treated annually for pests and he did not have any problems with bed bugs.
Mr Brunel said if people had a pest problem they should contact a pest control company registered with the Pest Management Association of New Zealand. There were also remedies available for the public to buy and use themselves, including some natural products.
Mr Wolfgram strongly advised against pouring fuel on wasp nests and lighting them to get rid of them, saying professionals should be called. "You must be very, very careful with wasp nests."
 
TIPS FOR ... ... AVOIDING PESTS
* Clear guttering and stagnant water to avoid mosquitoes.
* Don't leave grass cuttings around as this is a fly breeding ground.
* Don't leave wet pet food out all day.
* Get rid of animal droppings in and around the house.
* Don't leave out food scraps or dirty dishes.
* Rinse containers to be recycled.