Spring Pest Control: Predictions For Pest Activity
Oregon pest control experts can attest to the difficulty of predicting pest control patterns judging from the weather
. There are just too many variables (including the most variable element of all, weather) to say for sure how Oregon's dry, warm 2011/2012 winter will affect pest populations. Still, we can speculate, can't we? In this article we geek out as Portland pest control experts, thinking about how different weather patterns could influence the need for Oregon Pest control. Assuming our weather stays dry and warm, here are the major factors influencing pest numbers.
Moisture Levels and Insect Food Stores
Dry weather limits the amount of food sources available for pests. Sure, many noxious pests sample from humans' pantries, trashcans, and firewood pile - but they usually also depend on local seeds, grasses, and weeds for food. Less rain means that there are fewer plants available for pests to munch on. Still, to make sure your pantry stays entirely pest-free, Portland pest specialists recommend thoroughly cleaning out your cabinets this spring. Any spare crumbs, open food containers, or sticky spill residues will attract pests.
Insect Overwintering Strategies & Weather Patterns
The other major factor influencing pest populations is soil temperature and moisture levels. Because insects are cold-blooded, they can't make their own body heat. So instead of moving around all winter like we do, most insects have developed overwintering strategies. Some, like the Monarch butterfly, migrate to warmer locations as temperatures drop. Others dig into the earth and enter a low-energy state similar to hibernation. Still others lay their eggs underground in the fall; the eggs hatch when springtime temperatures are warm enough to sustain life. Similarly, overwintering insects exit their low energy "diapause" state when it's warm enough to heat their blood.
Warmer than usual spring temperatures signals insects that it's time to become active. Given our recent dry, warm weather here in Oregon. Pest control experts expect insects to appear earlier than normal; eggs will hatch sooner, and "hibernating" insects will regain activity sooner.
Pest Species Affected By Warm, Dry Weather Patterns
Ants, bees, and wasps overwinter as adults, so look for them earlier this year, assuming our dry, warm weather continues. Mild temperatures allow more of these insects to survive the winter, so we might be in for an uptick in pest control problems.
A similar phenomenon could be seen with rodents. Cold winter temperatures kill off many mice and rats; therefore, Oregon pest control organizations suspect we could see more rodents than usual this spring.
In the end, spring weather will establish much of the upcoming Portland pest control experience. Should March be wet and cold, as in 2011, any insects that have emerged earlier than usual could die, and rodent breeding rates will also decline.
Fortunately, you can defend your home against any pest patterns that arise by practicing a few good pest control habits: 1) Prevent plants from growing near your home's exterior. 2) Maintain a tidy home to decrease pest food stores. 3) Seal any cracks in the exterior of your home. These and other proactive Portland pest control methods will work to naturally reduce the number of pests that can survive in your home. If you do happen to discover a pest infestation, don't delay - call your Oregon pest control experts as soon as possible. A proactive approach is best.
by: Mike R. Davis
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