How Weather Affects Pest Problems

Understanding how the weather influences pest behavior can help you prevent an infestation in your home. If a pest problem does arise, knowing how weather influences pests can help you determine how to deal with it. The temperature has a huge impact on how weather affects pest problems. 

Keeping Warm

Insects are cold-blooded. They cannot produce their own body heat and die when the weather gets too cold. When the temperature drops, insects that migrate move to areas with warmer weather. You may notice fewer insects in the winter. Insects that do not migrate also seek warmer places they can stay alive through the winter. They may hibernate, burrow into the ground, or otherwise seek shelter.     

Mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants are just a few of the insects that people have to deal with in the winter months. They will try to find warmer places or hibernate until spring. You can use this time to plan ahead and reduce your chances of being bitten by those pesky critters when they return in the spring. If you have a rodent infestation, then chances are that the weather outside is cold.

Rodents commonly seek out warm interiors during the winter to keep their babies safe and comfortable. If the weather gets cold enough, you can even get an unexpected influx of mice or rats into your home from all those holes they've been living in while they were waiting out the winter.     

Migration Patterns

When the weather warms up, bugs come out of hibernation and come back to torment humans again. Mosquitoes, wasps, and other biting or stinging insects may plague you when you're outdoors, making it less likely that you'll enjoy your time outside or use your backyard. They may also invade your home. They will look for food and water there as well.  Drought impacts pests. When there is too little water, rats and mice will search for water inside homes during droughts. Excessive precipitation can drive mosquitoes indoors as well.

Best Home & Property Services are perfect for controlling pests regardless of the weather. With season-specific treatment programs, we anticipate different pest problems throughout the year and how weather affects pest problems. We also inspect for pests that are associated with specific weather types to help keep you pest-free year-round.