Pests Confused By Fluctuating Temperatures

There has been a lot of recent chatter about how the winter weather will affect pest populations in the coming months. Last year, much of the country experienced one of the mildest winters on record, which resulted in an early influx of pesky insects. However, this year, fluctuating temperatures across different regions of the United States have caused pests to become confused. 

For example, the Washington Post reported that higher-than-normal temperatures in late January caused stink bugs to emerge prematurely from their overwintering locations and buzz around homes. Then, cold air rushed back into the Washington area in the beginning of February, forcing this pest to quickly move back into its hibernation-like state for protection from the sudden cold and snow. 

To guard against the possible early emergence of pests, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends properly landscaping, screening windows and doors, and sealing cracks along the bottom of the house.