RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Date:  June 7, 2021
Agent:  Donna Teasley

Hello, this is Donna Teasley, horticulture agent with the North Carolina Co-operative Extension, Burke Center.

It’s been a buggy year here in Burke County.  Insects have been plentiful and many calls come to my office each day concerning some new infestation at someone’s house.  Why do we have so many insects this year?

Well, most likely we don’t have more insects this year, but because of the dry weather we’ve been experiencing, insects have moved closer to our homes and landscapes in search of food and water.  We see more bugs, therefore we think we have more bugs.  During periods of drought insects and other animals come in search of water.  We water our lawns and gardens so there is water available for them.  By watering, we are keeping plants alive and actively growing which provides a food source for these trespassers.

There are multitudes of millipedes walking down driveways and caterpillars and worms inhabiting the trees.  Rabbits, deer and moles and voles seem to be snacking ever closer to our homes.  These critters don’t usually find it necessary to share our homes with us but in order to survive, they move in.

So, don’t panic.  Most won’t invade the house.  Most of the insects cause a minor disturbance, then move on.  You can spray them if you wish but its really unnecessary and often doesn’t do any good at all.

This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.  If you would like more information on this program you can call us at 764-9480.