Pest Alert: Following recent tropical depressions, the coming Hurricane Helene, and a mild winter, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has issued its bi-annual Bug Barometer®, which predicts the pest populations Americans can anticipate in their respective regions across the United States during the upcoming fall and winter. This forecast is based on weather patterns, long-term forecasts, and pest biology. Due to the continuation of warmer-than-normal temperatures, NPMA’s pest experts predict that tick and mosquito populations will remain active throughout the autumn season.
However, at the onset of winter, an increase in rodent problems can be expected due to temperature drops, as these pests seek warmth and food sources by invading homes and businesses.
PEST ALERT
“When it comes to pests, even the slightest fluctuations in temperature and precipitation can have a significant impact on their populations and activity,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. “A warm and wet fall, for example, can allow disease-carrying pests like ticks and mosquitoes to remain active and breeding much longer than we’d typically expect and just a few cold nights can result in a significant uptick in rodent sightings in homes.”
Expect high mosquito growth in the Southeast of South Carolina due to unusually warm weather and above-average rainfall caused by Hurricane Helene, which is projected to persist throughout the autumn months. South Carolina has already recorded 8 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus resulting from mosquito bites.
Based on their analysis, NPMA’s Fall & Winter 2024 Bug Barometer® is forecasting an increase in pest pressure across the U.S. Affected areas:
Northeast & New England
Unseasonably warm temperatures could allow tick and mosquito populations to remain active further into the fall and winter months than normal. Expect the drop in temperature to increase rodent activity as they look to enter homes in search of warmth and food.
Southeast
High mosquito pressure is expected in the Southeast if there are unseasonably warm temperatures and above-average rainfall continuing into the fall months. Favorable conditions will likely lead to problems with cockroaches and ants in and around homes.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley & Midwest
Anticipate the occurrence of overwintering insects like the brown marmorated stink bug and the multicolored Asian lady beetle seeking shelter in homes due to the decrease in temperatures during fall. Additionally, residents in the Midwest may experience a rise in rodent activity as these pests enter homes and commercial establishments in search of shelter and food.
North Central U.S.
Homeowners in the region should prepare for increased tick activity this fall if warmer-than-average temperatures persist as predicted. Despite the potential for a warm fall, the drop in winter temperatures is likely to cause a spike in rodent sightings around homes.
South Central U.S.
An unseasonably warm fall could allow mosquitoes to remain active later into the year than usual, increasing the number of “mosquito days” experienced in the region. Drier-than-average conditions could drive other insects including cockroaches indoors looking for moisture until winter temperatures arrive.
Southwest U.S.
With forecasts calling for a mix of unpredictable conditions across the desert region, one pest prediction that homeowners can prepare for is an increase in rodent activity in and around homes this fall as temperatures drop and these pests search for warmth, food, and shelter.
Northwest U.S.
Above-average temperatures predicted could lead to an increase in tick activity later into the year. The mountain region can also expect an increase in rodent pressure sooner in the year if cold temperatures arrive unseasonably early.
To help prevent pest problems this fall and winter, the experts at NPMA recommend keeping kitchens clean, storing food in airtight containers, and lifting boxes off the floor to avoid creating hiding spots for insects. Homeowners should also seal any cracks and holes on the exterior of the home, repair torn screens, and eliminate standing water or overgrown grass around their property.
“While prevention measures are key to keeping your home protected, a seasonal inspection with a trained pest control professional can help identify areas of your home that may be more susceptible to pest issues. If an infestation does arise, they can help you identify the pest problem and develop a course of treatment,” said Fredericks.
For more information about insect prevention, NPMA’s Bug Barometer® forecast, and to find an insect control professional near you, visit PestWorld.org.