Why Are Pest Insects So Bad This Year?

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is warning of increased populations of pests such as ticks, mosquitoes, ants, and more due to erratic weather patterns throughout winter and a warm spring expected across the U. S. Insects are categorized as poikilotherms, meaning their development, life-cycles, and growth are all regulated by the temperature of their environment. Recognizing the conservation benefits of wasps can lead to more sustainable pest management practices and a greater understanding of their role in ecosystem health.

Tuxedo bugs and elm seed bugs are two more invasive species to Canada that are growing in population. They overwinter as adults and lay eggs in the early season. Smelly bugs, which emit a foul odor when squashed, attract more stink bugs. Mice are also experiencing a surge in infestations this year due to rampant construction activities and unusually warm autumn. Wasps, natural predators of garden pests, help keep these harmful insects in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Mosquitoes are becoming more common this year due to their buzzing, bite, and carrying diseases that can be harmful to health. The lack of rainfall could potentially delay peak season for pests like earwigs, millipedes, and centipedes that typically thrive in the wet. Sunny days are providing enough warmth to wake up some occasional invader type insects like stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian beetles.

The increase in insects in the summer is even bad news for some insects, as temperatures increase and pest mortality increases. Insects are very weather-sensitive, so there is always a lot of variation from one year to the next. Crop-eating pests love warm weather, and proactive inspection and treatment should be prioritized.