Wildlife Services
Wondering what pests to keep an eye out for this Spring and Summer?
Here is a list of pests to watch out for this season and prepare your home accordingly!
Every Pest should be dealt with accordingly and a professional should always be consulted before you attempt to do anything yourself. Head to ampest.com for more information!
The National Pest Management Association has released its bi-annual Bug Barometer report and we have the results to report.
The report features the forecast for bugs and pests in the various regions of the United States during the spring and summer (the second report is for the fall and winter). The Bug Barometer simplifies how the wacky winter weather has affected early pest life for the entire country and how that will affect the coming months.
“The Bug Barometer is developed by our entomologists who examine recent weather reports across the U.S. and analyze precipitation patterns to determine the effect on the pest pressure index. Inconsistent weather patterns can alter when, and even where, these pests become active, and our barometer will help people be more prepared and can safeguard their homes,” said Cindy Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Knowing what to expect for the season is especially important as some springtime pests, such as ticks and mosquitoes can have a direct impact on our health, especially with the threat of Lyme disease and Zika virus becoming a heightened concern in recent months. And other pests, including ants and termites can cause damage to our homes.”
The following are the determined forecast for the 5 sections of the U.S.:
The winter in this region, specifically December was unusually dry in the beginning and ended more wet and warmer than usual with very little snowfall. This resulted in earlier pest activity than normal and early activity with ants, ticks, and stink bugs should be expected as the early thaw continues. Also, frequent showers may attract more mosquitoes.
The winter was rainier and very warm, much more than usual. This may have enabled mosquitoes to breed in strong breeding grounds and they may continue to thrive. During the hottest times of spring and summer termite swarms and ants will be at their fullest force.
Record breaking temperatures and wetter than normal, December in the Midwest may have jumpstarted ant and tick activity. More premature mosquitoes have been reported.
Most of the Southwest experienced warmer and wetter conditions than average, with the exception of Southern Texas, which stayed mostly dry. Thankfully, a cooler spring may push off termite swarms, but increase mosquito frequency and urge ants inside. If the summer is dry, an increase in tick populations should be expected.
This portion of the US experienced heavy rainfall, more flooding, and increased snowfall this winter. Remaining rainier than average and predicted to remain wetter over the next few months, larger than normal mosquito populations are expected and ants will seek shelter indoors.
