During these awesome spring showers we have been having insects are probably the last thing on your mind. But, as soon as the clouds part and the sun starts blazing down, you may notice a lot more bugs and the chorus of insect sounds that seem louder.
Weather can tell us a lot about insects as bugs seem to match their behaviour to weather patterns. Wet, rainy climates are the perfect environment for many insects because moisture makes predators retreat back into their holes and nests, allowing bugs free time to safely roam. Some bugs aren’t as active as others while it’s raining, as the force of rain droplets can weigh them down. Smaller bugs, such as ants, can actually suffer great damage to their homes during a light rainstorm.
Here are a few ways that rain can make pest problems worse and what you can actually do about spring bugs.
Standing Water - A perfect Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes
One of the biggest pest problems associated with spring showers is mosquitoes. Mozzies are well adapted to wet climates, they find it easier to fly in the rain while other insects have to seek shelter. Mosquitoes are drawn to pools of standing water as a breeding ground to lay their eggs. They only need a few centimetres of it to start the short reproduction process! In as little as 24 hours, eggs will hatch into larvae, and in about a week they’ll enter the short pupal stage before finally becoming an adult.
As soon as the rain has cleared, do an outdoor assessment by eliminating any standing water that’s collected in pot plants, low areas and holes in the garden and so forth. Make sure to double check around gutters and verify they’re working properly to ensure the rainwater will drain next time it rains.
Moisture Attracts Termites
As another moisture-loving insect, termites get a lot of their nutrition from water-damaged wood! Termite colonies have been known to seek out and target the parts of a home or deck that are waterlogged or weakened.
Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for discolored or rotted spots. Pay careful attention to the fascia around the roofline, the underside of decks, and around the foundation.
Rain Encourages Vegetation Growth
As gardeners we want our plants to grow, but voluptuous, blooming flowers and vegetables can attract the wrong kind of attention. September showers ultimately increase the food source for many garden pests, bringing them out to feast and party.
Rain also increases the moisture content in plants, which is a source of nutrients for some insects. You may notice destructive pests like aphids, slugs, and snails show up in your garden after it rains.
Ants Will Be Seeking Dry Ground
Ground-dwelling ants can handle a light shower with no problem, but when it pours they’ll have to search for higher, dry ground immediately. Unfortunately, this “dry ground” looks a lot like your home. If you’ve noticed ants making their way into your home during heavy rainfall, you can seal around the doors, windows, and foundation to eliminate ant access points into your home.
Come Rain or Shine, You Can always count on us
We are the leaders in Pest Control in Zululand having been operating in this area since 1969. Our technicians will do a complete evaluation inside and out before creating a custom pest control treatment plan to rid your home of pests. Contact Us today.