Georgia is predicted to have a warmer summer than average with much more rainfall, leading to a significant increase in insect activity.
🦟 The Details: Following a recent heatwave, meteorologists are warning of extreme weather across most of the continental U.S. for the summer of 2024. This includes heatwaves, storms, floods, and tornadoes.
One often-overlooked consequence of extreme weather is the rise in bug activity. The Pest Dude, a pest control service, analyzed predicted summer temperatures and rainfall data to forecast which pests will be more prevalent in each state. For Georgia, this means an uptick in mosquitoes, termites, ants, fleas, ticks, aphids, ladybugs, snails, slugs, gnats, and moths.
📊 By The Numbers:
- Mosquitoes: Increased standing water from rainfall provides ideal breeding grounds.
- Termites: Moist conditions create a conducive environment for termite colonies.
- Ants: Warm weather boosts ant foraging activity, while rain drives them indoors.
- Fleas: Warmer weather and higher humidity favor flea development on pets and in homes.
- Ticks: Warm and humid conditions increase tick activity.
- Aphids: Humid conditions promote rapid aphid reproduction on plants.
- Ladybugs: Warm weather boosts ladybug activity and migration.
- Snails and Slugs: Increased moisture and vegetation growth favor their activity.
- Gnats: High humidity and standing water create ideal breeding environments.
- Moths: Warm weather speeds up their breeding cycle.
💡 Why It Matters: For Georgia residents, the predicted boom in pest activity can lead to increased health risks, property damage, and higher pest control costs. Understanding and preparing for these changes can help mitigate the impact on homes and communities.
🔧 What You Can Do:
- Mosquito Control: Use insect repellents with DEET, eliminate standing water, and install mosquito nets.
- Ant Prevention: Place ant baits, seal entry points, and maintain clean surfaces.
- Termite Defense: Schedule regular inspections and install termite barriers.
- Flea Management: Use flea preventatives for pets, vacuum frequently, and wash pet bedding.
- Tick Safety: Apply tick repellents, trim vegetation, and perform regular tick checks.
- Gnat Reduction: Use gnat traps and ensure proper drainage to reduce breeding sites.
- Ladybug Handling: Seal entry points and use vacuums for indoor removal.
- Snail and Slug Barriers: Use copper tape and handpick snails and slugs.
- Moth Protection: Use pheromone traps and store items in airtight containers.
