According to vast amounts of studies and numerous research projects, scientists have established that weather has a distinct and direct effect on the activities associated with insects. If you are reading this, it is likely that now that the weather is warming up a bit, you are having issues with some type of infestation. Perhaps you are starting to see more insect activity around your garden or your home. Maybe you have discovered an unwelcomed critter in your garage, attic, basement, or even in the living area of your home. Whatever the reason you are reading this, you are definitely onto to something. Weather DOES impact insects and their general level of activity.

Spider in the Snow

The Impact of Cold Weather

Insects are considered to be cold-blooded critters. This means that the body temperature that they have will directly adapt to the environment where they are located. Insects that are known to be most active in the warm months will not fair as well in the cold weather. This is especially true if the temperature falls below that of 50°F. If the temperature falls to freezing or below, cold-blooded insects will quickly become completely dormant. In some instances, there are certain insect species that will actually die in freezing temperatures.

For those insects that hatch within the spring season, most will be able to survive any temperature that is in excess of 20°F. These critters will become most active when the temperature reaches at least 50°F.

For insects that have the unique capability of boring directly into the ground at significant distances – such as the dung beetle – the drastic drop in temperature will not affect them.

One significant fact about insect activity and the winter months is that the cold weather results in a hinderance to the reproduction and growth of insects. Naturally, insects will attempt to find shelter during this time. When the weather is cold, more homeowners are likely to discover these unwelcome guests in their homes, garages, and other structures on the property.

Hibernation and Overwintering

Many insects go into a state of hibernation during the winter months. They will pinpoint a location that offers some degree of warmth to sustain life and will wait out the season tucked away in that location. The insects are capable of hibernation at all stages of life, be it larvae, nymphs, if they are pupae, simply eggs, or have reached the adult stage of their life.

Outdoor areas offering warmth include tree trunks, leaves, in trees, directly under logs, the eaves of structures, and if there is an open crawl space to a home, in this area. Spiders are insects that typically make their way into homes and tuck themselves into cracks and crevices, only making strides to exit when it becomes time to mate.

mosquito in snow

Biological Anti-Freeze

There are insects that have a built-in biological form of anti-freeze in their bodies. This substance aids in sustaining life through the cold weather. This fluid helps prevent the development of ice crystals within the body. It helps protect their cells and all of their organs from the development of these potentially deadly ice crystals. Once the weather warms up, the insects are then able to successfully return to their normal level of activity.

The downfall is, many insects with this capability will still freeze if the temperatures plummet below the supercooled point. Small insects are able to withstand colder temperatures than larger insects due to the amount of water contained within their body. For example, a mite will live where a large beetle will not.

Temperature

Ultimately, the true driving force behind all insect development is temperature. The temperature also impacts the growth and the general behavior of insects. When temperatures are warmer -along the lines of 85°F to 90°F and upwards – they are able to develop very quickly. Examples of insects that grow fast in warmer temperatures include cabbage loopers and whiteflies.

If temperatures become too hot outdoors – in the way of 120°F or higher – growth, reproduction, and general activities of behavior are extremely limited.

Additionally, excess cold temperatures result in the same type of impact. Either way, extreme cold and extreme heat are both considered to be lethal to most insects in today’s world.

wasp drinking

Moisture

Now that we have covered warm temperatures and cold temperatures, it is time to touch on the topic of moisture. This is absolutely critical in terms of the development of insects. Additionally, relative humidity may also impact insects. This is because humidity actually makes it very challenging for insects to properly regulate the amount of water loss that they experience. Low humidity levels may also contribute to the development of dehydration. If it is moist and cool, insects will suffer the most damage. This is because growth is slowed, disease may develop in an insect’s food source, and feeding activities are greatly disrupted.

Extremely wet weather may be both positive and negative. It may be positive in that it contributes to the growth of food sources for insects. It may be negative in that it ruins shelter and kills off many insects due to flooding of the areas where they frequent.

Lack of moisture – on the other hand – is detrimental to the lives of insects, regardless of what season it is. Water is a key component to survival. Extreme drought and dryness will result in all insect activities completely stopping and most often results in the deaths of those insects.

Weather Changes

We are constantly hearing about climate change and weather changes. In today’s world, changes associated with the weather are now pushing insects into new territories. They are simply seeking a location to allow for their survival and the overall survival of their species. Insects move into new areas to explore new locations to live and sustain themselves.

Unfortunately, these new territories may include your home and structures on your property, such as garages, sheds, and barns. The good news is, most pests that enter into your home are very easy to eliminate. You just need a little assistance from a professional pest control company that specializes in their elimination.

Professional Pest Control Services Work Year-Round

Regardless of where you live, what type of insects you are dealing with, or what season it is, we here at All Pest work around the clock, all year long! You only need to contact us to set up an inspection. We will listen to the issues that you are having and will then conduct a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your home. Once we have identified your problem pest or pests, we will identify how they are gaining access to your home and will create a customized pest control treatment plan that will quickly and effectively eliminate the problem that you are dealing with.

We are full-service experts. In addition to professional pest control services, we also offer complete home inspections, heat treatment for bed bugs, specialized flea treatments, and many other exciting and extremely helpful services! Your home is the largest investment of your lifetime. It should be a safe haven for you, your loved ones, and your pets. Why live with pesky little critters that have no right to the space within your home? Why open your home up to susceptible damage? Why put your health and the health of your loved ones at risk? Simply call us today at All Pest and we will help you take back your home, ensure the structural integrity of your home, and help you live in the healthiest environment possible: 765-259-0043