Warmer weather causing bugs to come out

February 17, 2012|By Clifton French (cfrench@wsbt.com) | WSBT-TV Reporter

ELKHART COUNTY – This warmer than normal weather means we may be seeing some bugs and insects that aren't common this time of year. Some people are saying that means we may be seeing more pests throughout the year.

"We're also predicting that some of these warmer temperatures will also have repercussions as we move into the spring time," Said Missy Henriksen with the National Pest Management Association, a non-profit organization that supports the pest management industry.

Henriksen says NPMA is predicting and increase in ant, bee and termite populations this year.

"Right now all bets are on the bug, so it's very important that homeowners are taking precautions to protect their families and their homes," Henriksen said.

But local experts don't necessarily agree. They say it's way too early to speculate.

"You really don't know, and there's a lot of winter left to go, we're only in February right now," said Jeff Burbrink, Elkhart County Purdue Extension educator.

Burbrink says some bugs and insects do better in warmer weather but insects tend to eat each other, so predators are also doing well.

Burbrink also says disease and fungi can develop in warmer weather that can kill insects off. And certain insects, including a species of mosquito, actually require a fairly cold winter to thrive during the summer.

He adds that although we may be seeing more bugs in our homes earlier in the year, it doesn't mean their populations have gone up. He says those bugs have been hibernating in the walls of homes and have come-to because of the warmer weather.

"Those types of insects actually enter the walls in the winter months and stay there, and in the spring they wake up and start crawling out of the walls. About half of those in the wall will find their way into the household." Burbrink said.

Burbrink says right now what people are probably seeing are stink bugs and lady bugs. If you find them, simply vacuum them up and take them outside. They're already in the walls, so at this point there isn't much you can do to stop them from getting into your home. He says they don't pose any health risk, they're simply a nuisance.

In order to keep the bugs from getting into your home at all, experts say you should walk around your home in the fall, filling in any cracks, holes and gaps. You can also put down an exterior pesticide which can be found at any lawn and garden store.

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