Pest control companies say hot temps bring ants, fleas indoors

JACKSON, Tenn. — Pests are making an appearance in West Tennessee homes, being drawn inside due to the summer heat.

Pest control companies say they’re busy working to combat the problem.

“Right now, we’re dealing with a lot of ants and a lot of flea problems,” said David Markowski with Homestead Pest Control. “Of course, ants started early spring and they continue to run throughout this year. It’s really bad.”

Markowski said ants are attracted to moisture and food left out in open spaces. He also says fleas are not just being brought indoors due to pets.

“If your crawl space isn’t closed up, you can get animals to come into the house, drop fleas and infest your home,” Markowski said. “So if you don’t have pets and you get fleas, something like that’s probably going on.”

There also are some prevention methods homeowners can take.

“Don’t leave crumbs, anything sugary,” Markowski said. “If you have kids, they spill things, so try to clean those things up because those are the things they’re looking for.”

Don’t forget to check your pets for pests when they’ve been outdoors.

Experts say they suggest getting your home sprayed about four times each year. Most treatments last about three months.