Autumn Pest Control Part 1

 

 

 

 

 

For some, the first cool breezes of autumn signal the end of another summer and the bugs that go along with it. But those pests still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Some insects will even increase their activity in the fall. Really? Yes, really. In the first part of our autumn pest control posts we’ll discuss why insects become more active during the cool fall months. Then we’ll take a look at what to watch out for as the days get shorter and the pests get pestier.

Why Insect Activity Increases in the Fall

Like many other animals, insects have to prepare themselves for the harsh winter months if they want to survive. Many of them know they won’t make it that far. During fall they are busy securing their eggs so that they’ll have a chance of hatching once spring rolls around.

It’s all about keeping warm and out of the elements as much as possible. Here are some insect activities that you’ll notice during the fall.

Migrating South

During the fall you may actually find new insects that weren’t around during the summer months. That’s because some insects, like the official Alabama state insect the Monarch, migrate south for the winter. Just like birds, migratory insects move back and forth between different regions depending on the weather. Alabama is kind of like a winter vacation home for some insects.

Turning to Pupae

Speaking of butterflies, another new development you’ll see during the fall is the formation of cocoons and larvae turning into pupae. Fall is the beginning of a beautiful transformation for caterpillars that ends with them entering a resting state for winter. Leading up to that point they’ll be busy at work preparing for their long hibernation.

Swarming

You may notice some strange bug activity from September to November as insects prepare to take on the cold of winter. This is the time when some bugs start to swarm, making them much more noticeable (and irritating) than they were before. The insects are sticking together as they search for the best spot to settle down before winter.

Moving Indoors

One of the easiest and most comfortable survival strategies for a number of bugs is to simply seek shelter indoors. That’s right, some species plan to call your house their home for the winter.

Abandoned Nests

Once the chill sets in many nest-building insects (wasps, bees, etc.) will abandon their summer homes. They leave behind unsightly, empty nests that are usually attached to eaves and overhangs. While many of the workers will die, don’t be fooled into thinking they are completely gone. The fertilized queen, as well as other females, is most likely lying low not far from the nest.

Sun Bathing

Like people, bugs want to soak up the last little residuals of summer before winter really sets in. It’s not uncommon to find insects sun bathing, often in swarms, on the sides of homes or around windows. It’s a nice flat surface and if the heat is on in your home it may radiate enough for the bugs to enjoy.

Now that you know what to watch out for, we’ll continue the discussion in part 2 where we’ll cover which insects you need to worry about and how to keep your home and yard bug-proof this autumn.

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/autumn-pest-control-part-1

Image Source: farm4.staticflickr.com/3001/3038618525_0b6019890e_o.jpg