If you’ve noticed more pests around your home during the summer and fall, you might be surprised to learn that warmer-than-usual winters in North Carolina could be to blame. When winter temperatures don’t drop as low as usual, it creates a perfect storm for pests to thrive. Let’s dive into why that happens, how it impacts your home, and what you can do about it.
Warmer Winters Mean More Survivors
Typically, cold winter temperatures help keep pest populations in check. Freezing weather is nature’s way of killing off many bugs and pests before they can reproduce. But when we have a mild winter, more pests survive to see the spring. That means as the weather warms up, there’s a much larger number of pests ready to breed, leading to infestations in the summer and fall.
According to a study by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), warmer winters can lead to a significant increase in pest activity. In particular, it was found that regions experiencing mild winters often see a 20-30% increase in certain pest populations like ants, mosquitoes, and ticks.
More Breeding Cycles
Many pests rely on temperature cues to start breeding. When winters are warmer, they can start the reproduction process earlier than usual. Plus, since they didn’t face harsh conditions, these pests are often healthier and reproduce at a faster rate. Some insects, like mosquitoes, can have up to five generations during a longer warm season. This results in more pests by the time summer and fall roll around.
Common Pests That Increase After Warm Winters
Here’s a list of pests you’re more likely to see after a mild winter:
- Mosquitoes: They thrive in warmer conditions and use the early warmth to hatch and reproduce. A mild winter can cause an explosion of mosquitoes, especially during the humid summer months.
- Ants: Ant colonies are particularly resilient in warmer winters. With more ants surviving the winter, you may notice more infestations, particularly as they search for food and shelter in your home.
- Ticks: Mild winters mean ticks can stay active longer and reproduce earlier. This is particularly concerning since ticks can carry Lyme disease and other illnesses.
- Spiders: Warmer conditions can extend spiders’ active season, allowing them to spin more webs and lay more eggs throughout the year.
- Cockroaches: Cockroaches love warmth, and a mild winter allows them to stay active. Once they establish themselves, they can quickly multiply in the warmer months.
The Impact on Your Home
When pests are more active, they’re more likely to invade your home in search of food, water, and shelter. Warmer winters mean pests never fully retreat, so they’re already in your yard and around your home when spring arrives. By the time summer and fall hit, the problem can feel overwhelming. And we all know how frustrating it is to constantly deal with ants in the kitchen or mosquitoes in the backyard during a summer BBQ.
What Can You Do to Prevent Pest Problems?
While you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to protect your home from an influx of pests after a warm winter:
- Seal Entry Points: Make sure doors, windows, and other potential entryways are properly sealed. Pests like ants and spiders can easily slip through cracks.
- Keep Your Yard Tidy: Remove standing water, trim overgrown bushes, and eliminate debris where pests can hide and breed.
- Use Pest-Repelling Plants: Consider planting lavender, citronella, or peppermint around your home to naturally repel mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Regular Pest Control: Schedule regular pest inspections and treatments, especially if the winter was warmer than usual.
We Can Help
North Carolina’s warmer winters can lead to more pests during the summer and fall. While this might seem like an unavoidable downside to mild winter weather, staying proactive with pest control measures can help keep your home pest-free.
At Wake Pest, we understand that fall brings cooler temperatures—and with it, a host of pests seeking shelter in your home. Here’s why you should choose us to keep your home pest-free this season:
- Tailored Solutions for Local Pests – Being based in Wake Forest, NC, we know the specific pest challenges our community faces in the fall, from rodents to spiders, and more. We tailor our solutions to the unique pest problems in our area, ensuring the most effective and targeted treatments.
- Comprehensive Pest Control Plans – Our pest control service goes beyond just eliminating visible pests. We offer a thorough inspection of your home to identify current infestations and potential risk areas, creating a comprehensive plan that addresses prevention, exclusion, and treatment.
- Eco-Friendly and Family-Safe Products – We prioritize the safety of your home and family while delivering powerful results. Our eco-friendly products are effective against pests without harming your loved ones, including pets. You can trust us to provide a safe solution to your pest problems.
- Long-Term Pest Prevention – We focus on long-term solutions, not just quick fixes. By identifying and sealing entry points, removing attractants, and implementing preventive treatments, we help ensure pests don’t come back once they’re gone.
- Responsive and Reliable Service – We know pest issues can be stressful, especially during the busy fall season. That’s why we offer quick, reliable service with flexible scheduling to address your pest problems when it’s most convenient for you.
- Expertise You Can Trust – With years of experience serving Wake Forest and surrounding areas, we’re a trusted name in pest control. Our licensed technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable about the most effective ways to keep your home pest-free.
Choosing Wake Pest means investing in a trusted local expert dedicated to keeping your home safe and pest-free this fall and beyond. Let us protect your home from unwanted guests so you can enjoy the season with peace of mind!