April showers bring..... mosquitoes!
During an April downpour insects are the last thing on the mind. But as soon as the clouds clear and the sun comes back out, the hum of bugs seems to be louder than it was before. Wet, rainy climates are the perfect environment for many insects because moisture aids development. Some bugs aren’t active while it’s raining, but they’ll be out in full force to take advantage of the weather as soon as it stops. Here are a few ways rain can make pest problems worse and what to do about it.
Standing Water Gives Mosquitoes a Breeding Ground
One of the biggest pest problems associated with spring showers is mosquitoes. They are so well adapted to wet climates mosquitoes can actually fly in the rain while other insects have to seek shelter. Pesky mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, but they only need an inch of it to start the reproduction process. Worse still is how quickly those eggs will hatch and mature. In as little as 24 hours eggs will turn into larvae, and in about a week they’ll enter the short pupal stage before becoming an adult. As soon as the rain has passed, do an assessment outside. Eliminate any standing water that’s collected in planters, low spots in the yard, etc. Check around the gutters and make sure they’re working properly so the next time there’s a rainstorm water will drain properly.
Rainy Season is the Growing season for bugs
Because food sources are abundant after a shower, a good rainy season is often marked by larger bugs. Entomologists have noted that warm, moist climates are ideal for insect growth and development. That means after a wet spring you’re more likely to see insects that are larger in size and number.
During an April downpour insects are the last thing on the mind. But as soon as the clouds clear and the sun comes back out, the hum of bugs seems to be louder than it was before. Wet, rainy climates are the perfect environment for many insects because moisture aids development. Some bugs aren’t active while it’s raining, but they’ll be out in full force to take advantage of the weather as soon as it stops. Here are a few ways rain can make pest problems worse and what to do about it.
Standing Water Gives Mosquitoes a Breeding Ground
One of the biggest pest problems associated with spring showers is mosquitoes. They are so well adapted to wet climates mosquitoes can actually fly in the rain while other insects have to seek shelter. Pesky mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, but they only need an inch of it to start the reproduction process. Worse still is how quickly those eggs will hatch and mature. In as little as 24 hours eggs will turn into larvae, and in about a week they’ll enter the short pupal stage before becoming an adult. As soon as the rain has passed, do an assessment outside. Eliminate any standing water that’s collected in planters, low spots in the yard, etc. Check around the gutters and make sure they’re working properly so the next time there’s a rainstorm water will drain properly.
Rainy Season is the Growing season for bugs
Because food sources are abundant after a shower, a good rainy season is often marked by larger bugs. Entomologists have noted that warm, moist climates are ideal for insect growth and development. That means after a wet spring you’re more likely to see insects that are larger in size and number.