Central Virginia heat brings rise in insect populations

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With temperatures continuing to rise in Virginia, insects are emerging in significant quantities.

“We’ve had such dry weather this last month and a half, that there’s no moisture at all out,” said All Star Pest Control Owner Nick Castaldo. “Insects do need moisture to live right, so they’re coming inside.”

Out of all the bugs we are seeing and will continue to see an increase in, mosquitos are one of the most prevalent, specifically Asian Tiger mosquitos.

“They lay their eggs in manmade things,” Castaldo said. “So, gutters that hold stagnant water, flowerpots at the bottom that hold stagnant water, the bottom of tree areas… any kind of toys or pool covers.”

Castaldo said in order to avoid mosquitos, keep the area around your house clean and cut any shrubs. If you want to use bug spray, he recommends DEET.

Fleas and ticks’ numbers have also been increasing this summer, which will continue through the fall.

“If you’re going to be out hiking, you just want to stay away from where high grass meets low grass,” Castaldo said. “Keep the yard very manicured and mowed.”

Castaldo said it takes 36 to 48 hours for a tick to transmit certain diseases. That’s why it’s important to check yourself and your pets for fleas and ticks routinely.

“Leaf piles and wood piles and debris are the number one areas where roaches like to harbor,” Castaldo said. “So, if you have a tree that you use natural mulch around when you grind up the leaves and leaves around the tree, they will love to nest in those areas.”

Castaldo said Richmond’s east and west sides are hotspots due to forestry, but we will see an increase in insects everywhere.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.