The National Pest Management Association released the upcoming Bug Barometer for the 2015 fall and winter seasons today. The barometer looks at the spring and summer weather patterns in all major U.S. regions to get an idea of the likely fall and winter populations for common local bug and insect pests. From the overwhelming rainfall in the Midwest to high humidity and heat in the Southeast, the Bug Barometer covers all likely pest scenarios.
Of particular interest to us in the Sacramento region is the look at the ongoing drought on the West Coast and in the Pacific Northwest. While summer and spring are the prime seasons for mosquito, tick, and ant populations, these pests don’t disappear when we roll into autumn. In fact, they likely won’t leave for the year until temperatures in the area begin to maintain a consistent 50-degree, or lower, level.
In California, many Southern California cities, such as San Diego and Los Angeles, experienced record rainfall in in July. However, these were of course not enough to break the cycle of California’s four-year drought. Further, thanks to the high rain in July in those cities, pest populations are expected to be slightly higher over the fall and winter than usual. Mosquitoes are especially likely to remain in high activity late into the year.