2018 Fall and Winter Pests Forecast

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its bi-annual Bug Barometer® and predicted pest activity to spike this fall and winter. According to the NPMA, the unusual weather patterns and record rainfall in certain regions of the country are the main reasons behind the heavy pest activities.

The unusually warm and wet summer caused increased beetle and stink bug populations in the Northeast and New England. Ticks are anticipated to thrive longer than usual. And as always, rodents will try to invade our homes for shelter when the temperatures drop in the winter.

Excessive moisture left by tropical storms and Hurricane Florence provides the perfect living conditions for mosquitoes, ants, and termites to flourish in the Southeast and Florida. Residents in these regions will experience an influx of moisture-loving pests in the winter months.

On the vast land of the South Central region, rodents are aggressively foraging for food and water due to drought conditions this summer. While in most areas of Texas, heavy rainfall has caused mosquito activity to peak, and residents in these areas will experience longer mosquito activity than usual.

Increased rodent, cockroach, and ant populations are expected in the Northern Central region due to the wet summer and a wetter than usual winter ahead.

Both Northwest and Southwest regions will be battling with Rodents this winter. The unseasonably dry summer in both regions has already forced rodents into homes for food and shelter.

Preventing pests from coming in has become the priority across regions. To help prevent pests from snuggling up inside your home, follow these tips from our pest experts:

Secure the outside of your home.

• Fill holes and gaps with steel wool and expanding foam, or block them with hardware cloth.
• Seal cracks and crevices with caulk.
• Install door sweeps, or weather stripping to prevent pests from entering – don’t forget around your garage door.
• Ensure your home’s vents have a screened backing and close them when not in use.
• Consider changing the exterior lighting to a “yellow” bulb.

Play keep away.

• Pick up pet food bowls at night.
• Place leftover food in sealed containers.
• Eliminate sources of water, such as leaky pipes or clogged drains.
• Empty any container that may hold rainwater regularly.

Don’t create hiding places.

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
• Remove weeds, debris, and leaf piles, and keep shrubbery and tree branches trimmed.
• Store boxes and containers in your attic and basement, a few inches above the ground.

Contact HomeTeam Pest Defense at 855-855-4873, or visit our website for additional information about what we can do to help keep your home bug free. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for additional tips.

Source: The NPMA: https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/press-releases/the-pressure-is-on-this-fall-and-winter-pest-pressure-that-is/