Why Are There So Many Bugs Outside Right Now? How Rising Temperatures Affect Insects

 

As September draws nearer and August wanes, department stores are stocking their shelves full of autumn-themed home decor, and warm spiced pumpkin beverages have just made their highly-anticipated return to the menus of coffee shops nationwide. However, if you live in the deep south of the United States as we do, you probably aren’t ready to embrace the frenzy about fall—we’re still out here trying to beat the summertime heat and humidity!

Although it is nothing new for citizens of the Southern states, Midwesterners and some Northerners are beginning to experience and commiserate with extensive bouts of summertime weather continuing into the “autumn” months. This is causing everyone to witness and wonder about a peculiar wildlife phenomenon: “Why are there so many bugs outside right now?” We’re here to tell you that these two problems—excessive heat and bug sightings—are undoubtedly related. Want to learn more about why this is all happening? Keep reading for real, practical answers from our experts!

Why Are There So Many Bugs Outside Right Now?

Although we would gladly provide our readers with a single, straightforward answer to this question, there realistically is not one; this is a multifactorial issue. However, the overarching answer to this question relates to how hot it is outside (as mentioned in the introduction). In other words, there are more specific questions to be asking:

• Why is it so hot outside?
• Why do high temperatures affect insect populations?

Why Is It So Hot Outside?

We understand that climate change/global warming can be a controversial topic. Still, you don’t have to believe in any particular climate theory to recognize that temperatures are skyrocketing to new highs across the globe. Last summer was named the hottest one in recorded history. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rates of heat stroke-related deaths have been at an all-time high in the past few years. 

Have you noticed that summers seem to be getting longer in terms of weather and temperature? Over the past few years, Southerners on social media have reported being able to wear summer clothes until December or January. 

Whether or not it results from a climate crisis, the trend of ever-increasing temperatures is clearly impacting life on Earth. This is where our next question comes in:

Why Do High Temperatures Affect Insect Populations?

Like every living creature on planet Earth, the life of bugs depends on their habitat. The temperature significantly impacts the present population of any particular insect species in a given area, mainly due to its effect on their mating patterns, development of young, overwintering patterns, and mortality.

Gnats and mosquitoes are both examples of cold-blooded insects that are thriving and multiplying at unprecedented rates with these high temperatures. Since they don’t produce their body heat, the heat in the great outdoors externally warms them, giving them the capability to live longer and lay thousands of eggs at once. Rising temperatures also impact the population of predators higher up on the food chain, eliminating a natural source of insect control. 

Trust Our Knowledgeable Pest Experts

We cannot change the climate or the weather for our clients. However, our knowledgeable team of integrative pest control pros from Vulcan Termite & Pest Control has 40+ years of experience answering pest questions of all kinds. We’ve proudly assisted hundreds of families in the Birmingham, AL metro area with our effective solutions for invasive insect problems on their property.

Call us today at 205-663-4200 or contact us online to request our services. We’ll gladly perform a FREE evaluation and create and implement an effective strategy using our tried-and-true methods. We’ll have you and your family back to your daily activities safely and comfortably in a pest-free home in no time!

Thanks for reading! Check out more of our blogs for helpful tips, tricks, and educational content about common critters found in Alabama and strategies for safely and humanely addressing any surprise visits they make on your property.

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