TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa just made another top 10 list, but it's not a good one.
The National Pest Management Association says the Tampa Bay area is one that's at the greatest risk of seeing more vector pests this winter.
A vector pest is any rodent or bug that can get into your home, and transmit diseases and trigger nasty allergies.
Basically, they walk on your counters before leaving their waste and germs behind. Most of the time, it's so small we may not even see it when we prep foods or simply touch those areas.
Mike Bentley is an entomologist with the National Pest Management Association. He explained why Tampa is a target.
"Whenever we see the increase in temperature and increase in rainfall, those are definite warning signs that pest pressures are on the rise," Bentley said. "And you're probably going to start seeing pests earlier than you normally would."
In other words, don't be surprised if you start finding roaches in your home or even mice and if you don't see them, you might see evidence that they've been around.
The National Pest Management Association has these tips to protect yourself:
- Store food in airtight containers
- Dispose of garbage regularly
- Clean floors and counters often
- Seal potential entry points, like cracks or gaps outside or areas where plumbing or utility pipes enter the home.
If you do suspect there's a problem, it's best to call a licensed pest control pro that can help you get rid of the problem before someone in your home gets sick. You can see the other cities on this list and get more information at PestWorld.org.
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