Buffalo, New York
Pest problems are general and ongoing issues in Buffalo, New York. Critters such as cockroaches, ants and rats enjoy feeding off the large amount of waste within the city. Paired with hot summers (when pests breed heavily and fester in waste) and cold winters (when pests enter homes and buildings in search of food and warmth), it’s the perfect environment for pests to survive and rear their offspring. Bragging pleasant summers filled with plentiful sunshine, warm temperatures and moderate humidity levels, Lake Erie in the city stabilizes the extreme heat that arrives from the Ohio Valley. These periods can become uncomfortably warm and humid during the summer. However, while summers are hot and moderately humid, winters in Buffalo are generally cloudy, snowy and cold; they are capricious and subject to frequent rainfall and thawing. In a bid to deal with hot summers and cold winters, many homes and facilities use air conditioning and heating to combat the weather. Overall, Buffalo sees 157 days of sunshine each year; has pleasantly warm and bearable summers, and average winters that are subject to change.
Furthermore, Buffalo is located in one of the biggest and most developed capitals of the world. Its climate and excessive waste is the common cause of the city’s pest problem.
In the state of New York, there are 279 bugs in the Insect Identification database. Common pests in Buffalo include cockroaches, ticks, bubble, bees, beetles, wasps, mice, rats and spiders. The climate of the city is not the only cause of Buffalo’s pest problems. Another prime factor that plays a big role in pest infestation is the excessive waste in the city. These two factors contribute towards pests being seen throughout the year.
Largely due to the commonality of the infestation, most homeowners use a common DIY pest control technique to tackle the pesky breeders. DIY pest control techniques vary, depending on the type of pest involved. However, a common method used to drive out critters such as ants and roaches is to ensure homes and facilities are kept dry and moisture free. This is especially so in dark places, such as behind furniture. It also helps to ensure bathrooms are kept relatively dry since cockroaches and woodlice love damp, dark places.
The method of ‘staving’ mice and rats is used in Buffalo households to get rid of them and prevent re-infestation. To ‘starve’ them means to ensure all food and drink items are stored away properly in containers and storage boxes. Starving is regarded as one of the simplest and most effective method to prevent pests from entering a building and subsequently keeping them away.
There are other sever methods used against pests, including placing poison in pest prone areas. Setting traps or spraying poisonous chemicals, for example wasp and ant sprays, in these areas also ensure pests do not return. Although DIY techniques do save homeowners a lot of money and is implemented promptly, they’re not always the most reliable and effective method in ridding buildings of pests.
In the state of New York, pest control workers who use chemicals to kill rodents, insects and other pesky creatures are legally required to have a state-issued licence. Licensing of pest control workers are issued by the New York Department of Conservations.
There are numerous pest control organisations and officials who provide services to homeowners who do not want to deal with the matter themselves. Companies such as Empire State Exterminating Inc and Ashland Pest Control are constantly providing Buffalo New Yorkers with pest control services. They provide expert and detailed information and advice to clients, examine pest problems and identify pests before developing a personal pest control plan for each client. Various other organisations within the city such as Advanced Exterminating Co, Bugg Control Inc and Bugs No More Pest Control, offer similar quality of services and advice.
Due partly to the climate, and partly to the amount of waste within the city of Buffalo, pest infestation problem cannot be completely eliminated. However, it is highly advised that in case of pest infestation, residents contact a licensed and professional pest control contractor to investigate and remedy the problem.
