Early Spring, Warm Temperatures Increase Bug Population

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

HURST (CBSDFW.COM) – North Texans who haven't mastered the art of swatting flies will have plenty of time to perfect it this spring.

"Up until this weekend our back door had a big gap in it so they would get in to the house and fly around our lamps and harass our cats," said Hurst resident Rebecca Reed about her insect problem.

An early spring brought on by winter, which skipped the Dallas/Fort Worth region was the catalyst for the current sharp increase in bug populations. Warmer temperatures and wet conditions caused insects to breed earlier and uncontrollably according to experts.

"We're expecting them to get an early start, which is going to lead to higher insect populations," said Chris Penler, from All That Crawls Pest Control about bugs like Crane flies, May flies, June bugs and mosquitos.

While many of the insects may be a nuisance Penler said the one to look out for is the mosquito. Mosquitoes are known to carry diseases and are typically a harder type of insect to get rid of.

Penler cautioned there are a few things home owners can do to try and minimize their exposure to mosquitos. Not giving the pesky insects a chance to breed near the house is one of the easiest precautions to take.

"It's important they check flower pots around the house that might hold water or trash cans or any kind of standing water," said Penler.

For people with an aggressive insect infestation that's more than they can handle a professional exterminator is the best option.

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)