Latest news with #BenHottel
American Military News
01-07-2025
- Health
- American Military News
Dangerous diseases possible as ticks spread across US, experts warn
Experts are warning of an increased possibility of people contracting dangerous diseases as ticks spread across the United States. Ben Hottel, an entomologist at Orkin, a pest control company, recently told Fox News that ticks are spreading into different regions of the United States due to some traditionally cooler areas of the country experiencing milder winters. Orkin explained that ticks prefer to live in warmer environments. According to Fox News, ticks have been able to remain active longer than usual due to milder winters and higher temperatures and have used hosts to spread outside of traditional locations in the United States. Fox News reported that experts at New York's Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center have suggested that tick-borne diseases that were previously only found in certain regions of the United States are now starting to be identified in different parts of the country. Yetrib Hathout, the director of the Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center, previously warned, 'Deer ticks are active any time it's over 39 degrees, so we have a lot longer active periods for ticks now, unfortunately.' In addition to milder winters and rising temperatures, Hottel told Fox News that human developments in various wildlife habitats have contributed to the spread of ticks. READ MORE: Outbreak of deadly disease strain confirmed in US 'Another reason for the spread of ticks is the expansion of human developments into wildlife habitats, which helps ticks more easily find human hosts,' Hottel stated. According to Fox News, experts at Ohio State University have warned that the number of concerning tick species has increased from one to five just throughout the past 15 years. Hottel told Fox News that people need to be vigilant during the summer months and use caution with regard to certain ticks, tick bites, and diseases carried by ticks. According to Fox News, experts are warning Americans to check for ticks after spending time outside, use tick repellents, and wear long clothing. 'Awareness is the first step in protecting yourself from tick-borne illness,' Hottel said. 'Some of the pathogens that are only found in the South, like the Rickettsia species that causes spotted fever, are migrating up north,' Hathout warned. 'That's why tick surveillance and tick screening for other things are important. And I think it's important to do it regularly.'
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Associated Press
Chicago Tops Orkin's 2025 Bed Bug Cities List Again as Unexpected Cities Climb the Ranks
Newcomers like Hartford and Peoria shake up this year's list as travel season threatens to spread infestations ATLANTA, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hartford, Connecticut made the biggest leap in Orkin's 2025 Top 50 Bed Bug Cities List, debuting at No. 35 after jumping an unprecedented 48 spots – indicating a significant increase in bed bug activity. In contrast, Charlotte (no. 31), Philadelphia (no. 24) and New York (no. 15) all saw significant drops, suggesting fewer reported bed bug infestations compared to the previous year. However, one thing hasn't changed: for the fifth consecutive year, Chicago holds onto its spot as the most bed bug-infested city in the nation. For more than 20,000 years, bed bugs have mastered the art of going unnoticed until it's too late. With travel-heavy months ahead, vigilance is key. Knowing how to inspect hotel rooms and luggage could mean the difference between a relaxing vacation and an itchy return home. This year's rankings are based on treatment data from metro areas where Orkin performed the most bed bug treatments from May 15, 2024 – May 14, 2025. The list includes both residential bed bug control and commercial bed bug treatments. 'Bed bugs are some of the most resilient pests in the world, making them extremely difficult to control if brought into a home or hotel,' said Ben Hottel, Orkin entomologist. 'As summer travel picks up, it is critical that people know the best ways to identify, prevent and control these pests.' Cities like Charlotte, Philadelphia and New York made significant improvements in their fight against bed bugs by taking preventative measures against this pest. These major changes in ranking prove the importance of inspecting beds and luggage for bed bugs during and after travel. Know before you go: Bed bug prevention tips Measuring only 3/16 inch long and mostly nocturnal, bed bugs are difficult to detect. These pests are hematophagous, which means blood is their only food source and their favorite supplier happens to be sleeping humans. Clinging to items such as luggage, purses and other personal belongings, bed bugs can travel from place to place with ease. Orkin recommends the following steps to help prevent travelers from bringing bed bugs home in 2025. During travel, remember the acronym S.L.E.E.P. to inspect for bed bugs: 'What makes bed bugs especially challenging is their growing resistance to certain treatments, which is why early detection and proactive prevention are so critical,' said Hottel. 'If there's any sign of bed bugs, it's important to involve a trained professional, like the Pros at Orkin, right away.' With nearly 125 years of experience with bed bugs and state-of-the-art tools and products, Orkin is well-equipped to assess your bed bug problem, offer training for short-staffed hospitality teams and mount a strategic response to help rid your home or business of the pest and provide maximum protection. For more information about bed bug prevention and bed bug control, visit About Orkin, LLC Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is an industry leader in essential pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned and operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Mexico. Orkin is committed to protecting public health by helping prevent and control pests as well as educating consumers on the potential health risks posed by these pests. As such, since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to inform the public about the health threats of mosquitoes while boosting our country's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations. Orkin is committed to hiring the world's best to help protect the places where we live, work and play. Learn more about careers at Orkin here. Visit for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orkin, LLC
New York Post
27-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Ticks are spreading disease to different US regions as experts sound the alarm
Ticks are spreading outside their comfort zone – and into ours, according to experts. As cooler regions experience milder winters, those areas are becoming more hospitable to many tick species, Ben Hottel, an Atlantic-based entomologist with Orkin, the pest control company, told Fox News Digital. This is because ticks prefer warmer climates. While the insects previously would go dormant in the cold — leaving them unable to travel very far — they're now able to stay active longer, clinging to hosts that carry them outside their typical regions. In recent years, experts at Binghamton University Tick-borne Disease Center in New York have reported that tick-borne illnesses – typically confined to specific regions – are beginning to show up in other parts of the country. 'Deer ticks are active any time it's over 39 degrees, so we have a lot longer active periods for ticks now, unfortunately,' Yetrib Hathout, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and director of the tick-born disease center, told Binghamton University previously. 5 As cooler regions experience milder winters, they are becoming more hospitable to tick species. meepoohyaphoto – The number of concerning tick species has risen from one to five in the last 15 years, according to experts at Ohio State University. Given the spread of ticks, Ohio State University's Buckeye Tick Test Lab is now identifying 'the most dangerous ticks that spread diseases.' Hottel of Orkin said it's important for people to stay vigilant as they're frequently outdoors at this time of year. 5 Ohio State University's Buckeye Tick Test Lab is now identifying 'the most dangerous ticks that spread diseases.' Chalabala – He said people need to exercise caution regarding certain species, the bites they can deliver and the disease they can cause. 'Tick surveillance and tick screening are important.' The blacklegged tick (or deer tick) is best known for transmitting Lyme disease, especially in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachian regions. While many people are aware of Lyme disease carried by the deer tick, fewer are aware of other dangerous diseases such as alpha-gal syndrome, which is spread by the lone star tick; it can trigger an allergy to red meat. 5 Ticks can be found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Appalachian regions. Mayo Clinic The American dog tick, found mostly east of the Rockies, can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and even cause tick paralysis. Its cousin, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, poses similar risks in high-elevation areas of the Rockies. 'Some of the pathogens that are only found in the South, like the Rickettsia species that causes spotted fever, are migrating up north,' according to Hathout. 5 'Tick surveillance and tick screening for other things are important. And I think it's important to do it regularly,' Ben Hottel, an entomologist, says. lordn – 'That's why tick surveillance and tick screening for other things are important. And I think it's important to do it regularly.' Hottel told Fox News Digital, 'Awareness is the first step in protecting yourself from tick-borne illness.' Among the precautionary steps to take, say experts: Wear long clothing, use tick repellents and check for ticks after outdoor activity. 5 Wearing long clothing, using tick repellents and checking for ticks after outdoor activity are precautionary steps to take to protect yourself from tick-borne illnesses. Volodymyr Shevchuk – Knowing which species to watch for can also help prevent serious tick-borne illness. 'Another reason for the spread of ticks is the expansion of human developments into wildlife habitats, which helps ticks more easily find human hosts,' said Hottel. Ticks find their hosts by detecting animals' breath and body odors, or by sensing body heat, moisture and vibrations, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 'Some species can even recognize a shadow,' the CDC site says. In addition, ticks pick a place to wait by identifying well-used paths. Then they wait for a host, resting on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Ticks can't fly or jump — but many tick species wait in this position known as 'questing.'
Fox News
18-06-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Invasive pests could stage dramatic comeback this summer, experts warn
There may be a surge in spotted lanternflies this year after the population previously experienced a significant decline, experts warn. These predictions are based on an increase in egg mass counts at a vineyard in Berks County, Pennsylvania, as Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist based in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital. "While it is unclear whether that increase will mean a true surge in populations, experts are asking people to be vigilant as activity rises this season," he said. "People may start to see more lanternfly activity in the weeks to come as the weather continues to warm," Hottel added. An article by the New York Post called them "sex-crazed," and claimed that lanternflies are "back in full force." While lanternflies pose a serious risk to plants and crops, they are not a danger to humans or animals, experts say. The insect does not sting, bite or transmit disease. The National Park Service warns, however, that these invasive insects could pose a threat to agricultural production. "Once established in an area, [the spotted lanternfly] has the potential to dramatically affect forest ecosystems, agricultural production and cultural resources," its website states. Although the lanternfly prefers feeding on the exotic tree of heaven — which is also invasive, meaning it spreads quickly and harms local ecosystems, according to Hottel — it is an "indiscriminate pest" that feeds on over 70 different plant species. They also excrete a substance that causes harmful mold growth on plants, the expert noted. Pest services like Orkin recommend that homeowners remove young tree of heaven seedlings to prevent the spotted lanternfly from invading their property. Northeastern states contain the most established populations, although lanternflies are beginning to spread into other U.S. regions like the Midwest and Southeast. "Spotted lanternflies tend to surge in populations when they invade new areas, and the population tends to decrease after a few years," Hottel told Fox News Digital. Because the insect lays its eggs on hard surfaces like vehicles, firewood, bricks, stones and other items often moved outdoors, humans can easily, and unknowingly, transport the pest. "This means lanternflies can spread more widely to new territories and cause more damage," Hottel warned. "While this might not sound significant, a large-scale die-off of native North American flora and fauna would have an impact on our local ecosystems in a big way." For more Health articles, visit People who think they have seen a spotted lanternfly should call a local pest control office to assist with identification and to address concerns about infestation.
