LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The pandemic and record-setting dry weather plaguing Nevada are being blamed for the explosion of pest-related calls for everything from rats, pigeons to an array of bugs.
Trent English with Truly Nolen pest control says calls are coming in much faster and more frequently by as much as 50%.
English says bugs and other pests are being drawn into homes as people are eating out less, creating more trash, and the weather.
"Since April, it really started to increase on an upward scale and it just has been nonstop," said English.
He says that was around the time the region saw the last sizable rainfall, combined with business shutdowns and stay at home orders.
"I've seen an increase in sanitation issues because people -- I've got kids -- we don't leave the house like we used to, we're not expecting company, so we're not cleaning up like we normally do and that compounds cleanliness issues, not cleaning up food, and dust, and organic debris as often as we did before," explained English.
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The trend means critters are moving into homes and attics.
"I've been so busy with rats this year and traditionally, we have not entered rodent season, usually, these issues pop up from time to time in the summer, but not like this, I'm going on three or four rat inspections every single day," added English.
English provided a video of a rat caught in a sticky trap inside a Las Vegas law office on Wednesday.
He says rats had damaged the carpet and were chewing on client files.
In the home, English says pests, especially rats can leave behind disease-carrying droppings and damage like chewed wires.
"With the cooler weather, roof rats like warm environments, like inside attics and homes, so right now they're moving back-and-forth from home to home, they're more active on the outside, but when winter hits and the cold weather hits, they're gonna want to get inside where it's nice and warm," said English.
English says the pest troubles are currently widespread across the Las Vegas valley but adds areas that are near made-made water features and fruit trees seem to be more vulnerable to pest invasions.
English recommends cleaning up food debris near grill areas and especially inside the home and collect and dispose of loose trash and vegetation in yards or property.
He also recommends sealing off any holes to discourage pests from taken up residence in your home.
