Spring Bug Forecast for 2017
19th May 2017
The National Pest Management Association released its 2017 Spring Bug Barometer, which predicts the pests that will cause a real problem this summer. Entomologists analyze the pests’ biological behaviors, previous weather conditions and forecasted weather patterns to create the nationwide forecast.
Spring Bug Forecast in Wisconsin
Experts say wacky winter weather is leading to increased pest activity across the nation. Check out the close-up Midwest map to see what’s ahead for Wisconsin:
Winter and spring so far have been warmer than usual in Wisconsin and the Midwest, boosting early tick populations. Ticks are parasites that attach to the skin of mammals to feed on their blood. American dog ticks (also called wood ticks) are the most common species in our area. Wear repellent and long-sleeved shirts and pants when you’re outside to keep them off you. Follow our step-by-step instructions to safely remove ticks if one finds you. (Hint: Using a match to burn it out of your skin isn’t effective.)
The drier spring and summer weather expected this year will be good for ants, but not for homeowners. Entomologists predict ant activity will start earlier and increase throughout the season. We most often get calls about carpenter ants, pavement ants and pharaoh ants. We use bait stations to eliminate ants from inside the nest. Spraying around the nests just scatters them around.
Warmer-than-usual spring and summer temps will also cause a boom in everyone’s least favorite bug – the mosquito. The warmer weather causes their eggs to hatch earlier. You can reduce mosquito breeding sites by changing water in birdbaths and wading pools once a week, aerating ponds and pools and eliminating standing water in your yard. Follow our Facebook page for more tips to keep mosquitoes at bay throughout the summer.
Want to know what kind of pests we’re seeing this spring? Contact us with questions and for a free estimate for your summer treatment.