Auburn University entomologist says warm, rainy winter could create high insect populations
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Auburn University entomologist Dr. Xing Ping Hu comments on the effects of a warm, rainy winter on insect populations.
What will be the impact of a warm, rainy winter on insect populations?
Many people wonder if the warm winter weather will boost insect populations in the spring, and if a bitterly cold winter may knock down insect numbers the following spring and summer.
The answer to both schemes may surprise you: Winter weather actually has little influence over future insect populations for the following spring. The reason is that the cold-blooded insects have evolved strategies to spend the winter hibernating underground or in comfortable niches of protected habitats like in tree trunks, in/under debris and in cracks/crevices in various objects. They remain dormant until temperatures warm up in the spring.
This does not mean the winter weather plays no role completely. If insects come out from dormancy during a warm winter, a cold snap at the beginning of spring could be detrimental and reduce insect populations.
Of all the weather factors, which one affects spring insect population the most?
The answer is not temperature nor relative humidity, but the moisture and wetness resulting from rainfall.
What effects should homeowners and farmers expect to see?
Rain is both good and bad. Rain is good to farmers and gardeners, as the fields are green and the wildflowers and herbaceous plants can go crazy. But, here come the insects. The warm and wet conditions are also a boon to insects around homes and in crop fields.
Rainy weather causes pests to search for solace inside your home. Excess water can cause outdoor pests’ habitats to be inhabitable. Pests, particular those soil-dwelling insects, might try to find their way into your nice, warm, dry home during rainy weather. More rain means more ants and cockroaches. It could be a bountiful year for insects, and their high numbers can carry over to summer this year.
Right now, the weather is still relatively cool. We already see rising activities of domestic ants and cockroaches invading homes, and carpenter bees buzzing around wooden structures.
As the weather starts to warm, more bugs will be creeping out of their hiding places. Plentiful rains provide more breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Residents could see high insect populations.
Dr. Xing Ping Hu is a professor in the College of Agriculture Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology and a specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Her research and Extension programs have promoted effective and environmentally responsible integrated pest management strategies for pests affecting homes and residents’ wellbeing.
Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.
