Drained Tempe lake causing bug problem

TEMPE, AZ - Workers at the City Market and Deli in Tempe pride themselves on keeping their restaurant clean.

But they've had to work extra hard ever since the water drained out of Tempe Town Lake.

"We definitely saw an increase in the bug population," said cashier Alex Medina. "Before we would get the occasional bug. Now, after the lake drained, the bugs don't have anywhere to go."

For proof, you only have to look at the lights outside the deli which are covered in bugs.

Employees say they've complained about the problem to their landlord to no avail.

"With the water being drained, these bugs have nowhere to go," said Medina. "They're trying to come here and we don't want that."

A spokesperson for Tempe Town Lake says the dam break has resulted in an increase in Midge flies, little green gnat-like bugs.

Without any fish in the lake to eat the midge fly larvae, their population has exploded.

Doug Goobie likes to rollerblade around Tempe Town Lake but lately he's made it a point to wear sunglasses to keep the bugs out of his eyes.

"As long as you have your mouth closed, you're usually OK," said Goobie. "But sometimes they go down your shirt and they're biting."

Both Doug and those at deli look forward to the return of Tempe Town Lake and hope the bugs will eventually bug off.

"If the city can do something, that would be great because they shouldn't be here," said Medina.