Wet Weather Triggers Early Pest Activity in Most Regions Across the Country
As temperatures and precipitation levels increase, so too do pest populations. Despite this unwelcomed fact, especially in the midst of concerns around the growing COVID-19 pandemic here in the U.S., the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) remains dedicated in its mission to protect public health from the threats posed by pests. The organization released its bi-annual Bug Barometer, a seasonal projection of the pest pressure Americans can expect to see in their respective regions. This information is designed to encourage proper pest prevention and protection measures to reduce pest encounters that can pose a risk to both health and home.
With people spending more time in their homes and yards, they may be surprised at how much pest activity they begin to notice. Unfortunately, pest pressure and populations won’t slow down this time of year and it’s important to stay watchful against insects and rodents, which can contaminate food, cause harmful bites and stings, transmit disease and damage property.
According to the group’s team of entomologists, ongoing warm, wet weather has allowed pest populations to spike early and will enable them to thrive throughout spring and summer across most of the U.S.
“Coast to coast, our country experienced unseasonably warm and wet conditions this winter, allowing certain pest populations not usually seen during this time of year to surge in population,” said Jim Fredericks, Ph.D., chief entomologist for the NPMA. “These conditions allowed vector pests such as ticks, responsible for the spread of Lyme disease, and mosquitoes, common vectors of West Nile virus, Zika virus and Eastern equine encephalitis to get a jumpstart on activity, and with more warm and wet weather predicted for summer across most of the U.S., we’ll likely see these populations, and others, rapidly expand.”
Homeowners should also be prepared for increased pressure from structural pests as well. “Damp conditions predicted for the Northeast, Southeast and South Central regions this spring and summer will enable termite, cockroach and ant populations to take hold and thrive. In areas expecting less moisture this season, stinging insects will also pose a significant threat, as families will be spending more time outdoors, increasing their likelihood of exposure to these dangerous pests, which send over 500,000 people to the emergency room every year,” added Fredericks.
In the Northeast, A warm, dry spring followed by a warm and wet summer will contribute to an increase in tick activity. Damp conditions throughout the summer will also provide ideal conditions for ants, specifically carpenter ants, and termites to thrive.
If you need pest control services during this time, Budget Pest Control is open and uses all of the required safety equipment to keep you safe while getting rid of bugs, rodents and termites.
Contact Budget Pest Control today at 412-318-4912 to determine the extent of the problem and receive a recommendation of an appropriate course of treatment.
#budgetpestcontrol
#pestcontrol
#termitecontrol
#bedbugcontrol
#pittsburghpestcontrol
#pestinfestations
#rodentcontrol
