By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A pest control company says business has increased by 5 percent since the COVID-19 lockdowns started in March 2020.

Julian Seymour, owner/operator of World Class Pest Solutions, told Tribune Business he has seen business “spike about 5 percent” over the past ten months.

He said: “I have been doing OK. I have no complaints. I have been seeing more rodents since the lockdowns started; a lot of rodents were busy during the lockdown period. I got about a 5 percent spike in business, but nothing major.”

Due to the forced lockdowns, persons less active on the streets leaving rodents to fill the void. Empty shops became home to animals, vectors and other pests.

David Whyms, general manager of Bug X Bahamas, said business since the COVID-19 lockdowns has been “sporadic” with many people only calling for quotes and lacking funds to spend on pest control.

He added: “With the economy the way it is, people are trying to find a way to almost co-exist with them. People are trying to find food to eat, notwithstanding you have an issue with pests."

Patricia Rolle, administrator at Tropical Exterminators, said business has not picked up in any significant way.