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Wet winter allows bug population to thrive

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Seeing a lot of uninvited guests at your house? Pest control experts say this unusually wet dry season is creating serious bug problems and it could only be the beginning.

Randy Howard has seen it all. He works with Arrow Exterminators and says this wet winter is keeping him on the road.

NewsChannel 5 tagged along in Boca Raton today to see how the bugs are thriving this season.

"Moisture is what drives the insect world," Howard explains.

In Florida, Howard says bugs normally die in the winter, but that's not the case this year. With near-record breaking amounts of rain, insects have the water source they need to live.

Howard says he thinks it will only get worse come this spring when roaches, mosquitos, and termites start breeding.

"Because there is so many more this year, we're anticipating a really big season of insect activity in late March, early April," Howard says.

He says calls for rodent infestations are up, too. Typically when the temperatures dip in the winter, rats and mice go inside homes to stay warm.

So how can you keep these pests out your house?

Howard recommends getting rid of standing water and items which could collect water. Caulk gaps in windowsills, install felt or rubber stops under doors.

"Insects are looking for an opportunity, if we give them one, they'll probably take advantage of it," Howard points out the importance of keeping your home clean.

He says a few simple steps now can help keep these intruders out.