Drought conditions could mean insect increase

WILMINGTON — The current drought conditions could mean an increase of insects, like ants, inside your home.

Stan Hollingsworth from Bug-n-a-Rug Exterminators says although ants are a problem every year around this time, the dry weather could be sending the pests inside looking for water.

A tip: keep the foundation around your house clear by cutting back trees and bushes.

Besides moisture, Hollingsworth says ants like to come inside for food and a controlled habitat.

“They’re going after food sources, moisture, a good habitat, a controlled habitat. You know, it’s a constant temperature in somebody’s house. Good food source and it’s a perfect environment for an ant colony.”

Hollingsworth also says our region is seeing a high number of palmetto bugs inside homes, most likely for the same reasons as ants.