Weather Conditions Impact Pest Populations

FAIRFAX, Va. (April 29, 2013) – From hurricanes and snowstorms to summer heat and droughts, weather conditions have a large effect on pest populations around the country – and in turn, consumers and homeowners.

Hot and dry conditions send pests indoors seeking moisture and cooler temperatures; excessive rain creates the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes; and snow forces rodents to find food, water and shelter in homes.

Over the past few years, different regions have experienced some of these extreme scenarios. In fact, record-breaking temperatures and dry conditions in 2012 resulted in an increase in spider populations, especially in the Midwest and southern regions of the United States. Now, recent heavy spring rains in Illinois and Indiana may bring out swarms of mosquitoes.