What does the pest forecast look like for California and northwest Nevada as temperatures rise and pest activity in and around homes ramps up?

According to the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) Bug Barometer®, erratic weather patterns throughout the winter and an anticipated warm spring will lead to increased populations of pests including ticks, mosquitoes, ants and more. The NPMA Bug Barometer® is a bi-annual look at what Americans can expect from pest populations in their respective regions across the U.S. this spring and summer, based on weather patterns, long-term forecasts, and pest biology.

“The U.S. has experienced some wild weather this year,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. “We have seen everything from heavy snowfall to extreme flooding and even unseasonable warmth in some areas. While we typically anticipate an increase in pest activity during the spring and summer, these conditions, paired with warm temperatures and rainfall on the horizon, can create the ideal conditions for pest populations to boom.”  

California and northwest Nevada pest forecast

With forecasts in the California and the western U.S. calling for below-average rainfall and warm temperatures this spring, activity for moisture-loving pests such as ants and cockroaches could be delayed until the summer rain arrives.

In some cases, below-average rainfall and warm temperatures can create conditions conducive to pest outbreaks. Pests that thrive in dry, warm conditions, such as certain species of mites and beetles, may experience population booms. However, the dry and warm conditions are ideal for an increase in scorpion activity throughout the season. 

What impact will the heavy winter rains that California has experienced have on pest populations? Clark, California and northwest Nevada’s friendly pest control, rodent, mosquito, and termite expert, says we can expect robust vegetation growth and excess moisture in the soil due to the record rainfall. That plant growth and moist soil could translate into increased pest pressure from termites, rodents, and other pests.

Why are pests more active in spring and summer?

Pests are more active in spring and summer due to several factors:

• Warmer temperatures: Many pests are cold-blooded and become more active as temperatures rise. Warmer weather speeds up their metabolism, making them more active and likely to reproduce. Pests may become more aggressive in their search for food and shelter.
  
• Increased food availability: Spring and summer bring new plant growth and a variety of food sources for pests. This abundance of food can lead to population growth and increased activity.
  
• It’s breeding season: Spring and summer are typically the breeding seasons for many pests. Warmer temperatures and longer days trigger mating behaviors, leading to population increases.
  
• Spring showers: Spring showers and summer humidity create ideal conditions for pests like mosquitoes, flies, and ants, which thrive in moist environments. Pests may be drawn to areas with remaining water sources, such as irrigated landscapes or buildings with leaks.
  
• More daylight: Longer daylight hours in spring and summer provide more time for pests to forage and reproduce, contributing to their increased activity.

The combination of favorable environmental conditions and increased food availability in spring and summer creates ideal circumstances for pest activity and population growth.

Call California and northwest Nevada’s trusted, friendly pest control expert at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule your home wellness inspection and defuse the threat from rodents, termites, and flying pests.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.