Stray animals, pests find shelter from summer heat

Published June 17, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Thomas Spangler
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With the summer months fast approaching, stray animals and vermin will begin to appear around work place buildings and homes.

These animals are coming into and around offices and houses to escape the heat and find water.

There are specific types of vermin that are more common than others in the dry Las Vegas climate.

"[With regard to what people should be on the lookout for] during the summer there's going to be a lot of ants, on occasion you have a few scorpions and spiders," said Michael Williams-Smith, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron pest management supervisor.

One is more likely to spot spiders and scorpions in dark isolated places away from people and the sun.

"[Spiders and scorpions] are likely to hide in yards under patio furniture. They will normally try to find dark places, away from people, and then they go out in search of food and return to their isolated area. Garages would be a good spot for them to hide, it's dark and cooler than it is outside, and there's not a lot of foot traffic in it," Williams-Smith said.

Many of these unwanted pests can be exterminated with pesticide and chemical products found around the house.

"You can normally kill spiders with hairspray, but you have to spray it directly on the spider, because then [the chemicals in the spray] will close off its breathing because it breaths through its exoskeleton," said Williams-Smith. "For ants we tell folks especially if they see them in their house, you can use bleach, which usually works pretty well."

Williams-Smith advised good sanitation and keeping things clean in offices and homes will help keep away pests such as flies and cockroaches. However, ants may still make their way indoors despite the clean environment.

"You can keep a clean house, but ants are notorious for being able to get inside," said Williams-Smith.

Animals other than vermin, such as stray cats and dogs, will also try to find their way in and around buildings to escape the summer heat.

Pest management is responsible for capturing these animals on base.

"[If someone comes across a stray animal on base they should], contact civil engineer customer service desk. They will create a work order. We will then go out and capture the stray [animal] and coordinate with Clark County Animal Control who will then come and take it," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Crespillo, 99th CES pest management craftsman.

As the temperature continues to rise over the coming months, be on the lookout for vermin and stray animals lurking in or around offices and homes.

If you come across a stray animal while on base contact the 99th CES customer service at (702) 652-2301. If you live in base housing and come across vermin you are not comfortable dealing with on your own, call housing maintenance at (702) 643-6800 to schedule an exterminator.