The Weather Woes

            I think we can all agree the world has been seeing some odd weather over the past three years. The “breadbasket” of America, the Midwest, whose agriculturally based industries require consistent rains throughout the spring and summer, saw an unprecedented drought throughout a number of states in 2012. As a result, consumers saw increases in food prices all across the board from corn to beef made from cows that feed on grass that was a crunchy yellow instead of a dark green thanks to a severe rain shortage. Events like this further fuel the debate of global climate change and what it will mean for mankind in the coming years. Well, according to Pest Control Technology magazine (PCT), the general warming that is occurring all over the Earth will mean numerous changes in insect activity that you and I will directly be affected by.

            The latest issue of PCT had an article entitled “What Does Climate Change Mean for Pests and PMP’s?” While it was written with an exterminator audience in mind, this article shed some light on a few key topics that everyone should be aware of for the future. Weather most definitely affects insects and with a general warming comes three major climate components to take into consideration: warmer winters, longer growing seasons (both plant and insect), and a higher number of unique weather events such as the drought seen across the Midwest in 2012. So what does this mean for you, a U.S. homeowner?

            For starters, because of milder, warmer winters, you can expect to see larger overall populations of all types of insects, including the ones that invade your homes. With greater populations, it stands to reason that occurrences of insects finding their way through the any openings you have in your home will be much more frequent. Because of this, you may want to treat your home more frequently than usual and possibly be even more thorough. A book entitled “General Household Pest Control” is a great place to go and learn different techniques you can use to better protect your home. While this book is geared for those who desire to become a professional exterminator, for only $30 it is a great investment for those do-it-yourselfers.

            Secondly, with much milder temperatures, insects will have the opportunity to spread out and move into new parts of the world they otherwise could not survive in. In the past, certain insect species could not survive in some areas due to the colder winters. But, as the winters become milder, they will have the opportunity to inhabit new areas. New species of mosquitoes and Fire ants may very well be seen in the more Midwestern states that up until now have not had to deal with these sorts of problems. So, if Fire Ants are foreign to you, you might think about reading up on them as it may very well be a problem for you in the near future.  Unfortunately, these changes are inevitable and the best thing anyone can do is simply prepare for them, so check out our website, and find a number of products and helpful videos that will assist in your effort to fight the changes that are sure to come.