Pests and Weather

Whether conditions in your area are hot and humid, cool and dry, or rainy with sudden downpours, your weather directly affects pests and their activities. These conditions prompt pests to invade your home to seek three very basic needs – food, water and shelter.

You can expect an increase in the number of pests you see this summer, plus more invasions, as these larger populations seek food. Specific pests you should watch for include: ants, outdoor cockroaches, spiders, crickets, ladybugs, yellow jackets, hornets, mice and rats.

Excessive rainfall over a short period of time will flood the soil and cause insects, especially ants, to seek dry ground. Some pestsretreating from the unfavorable weather conditions will find shelter in the nearest location, which is often your home.

Rain will create additional pest growth, while lack of rain promotes pest invasions. If you enjoyed a dry, cool spring, chances are pests may be fewer, but they will be relentless in their pursuit of moisture for survival.

Fewer pests are one benefit of a dry spring and summer. Extended periods of dry weather or droughts will affect the food supply also eliminating some insects.

With cooler temperatures outside, pests seek the warmth and shelter of your building. Some pests you are likely to find invading your home to escape the cooler temperatures are box elder bugs, cluster flies, ladybugs and silverfish.

Any short period of drought, extended rainfall or excessive heat or cold can force insects and other pests to invade buildings seeking relief from unfavorable weather conditions. Like people, pests are affected by extreme heat or lack of rain and will do what is necessary to survive.