How Climate Change is Affecting Pest Patterns in Greater Houston

Have you noticed an increase in bugs in and around your home recently? It’s not you…it’s them. Houston’s warmer weather and high humidity are causing an increase in pest activity. Experts are predicting that the increase in temperatures will cause longer active seasons for pests, more pest home infestations, and more insects surviving the winter.

Here’s everything you need to know about climate change and what it means for Houston’s pest population.

How the Climate is Changing

Over the past century, Texas’s temperatures have gradually increased by 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit. The summers are hotter, winters are milder, and the amount of rainfall has increased. Although temperature increases result in more rain, the soil has also become drier. As the weather continues to warm, summers are expected to become increasingly severe, hotter, and drier than before.

How This Change Affects Pest Patterns in Houston 

Texas ranks third among the most vulnerable states for indoor pests, so an increase in local pest activity induced by climate change poses a threat to your home. Here are the ways that warmer temperatures and higher humidity are impacting pest activity:

• Longer active period for pests: Extended periods of warmer temperatures extend the length of the pest season for insects such as mosquitoes. Pest activity will start earlier in the year than normal, and you can expect pests to stick around longer.
• Larger pest populations: Prolonged pest activity extends pests’ breeding season, which will cause an increase in local pest populations. That means more pests to find their way into your home.
• More breeding areas: An increase in rainfall causes more standing water and higher levels of humidity, the perfect conditions for fostering mosquito breeding grounds.
• Increased indoor pest infestations: More rodents and pests will move indoors in search of moisture and shelter from extreme Texas temperatures. The increase in rainfall also leads to an increase in flooding, pushing rodents to seek shelter indoors.
• Pests will spread further: Thanks to rising temperatures and changing humidity levels, termites and other insects are moving into areas where they previously couldn’t survive.
• More pests will survive the winter: With shorter, milder winters, pests are now able to survive longer. Fleas, mosquitoes, ticks, and certain other pests can now survive year-round.

How You Can Prevent Pests

The impact of climate change on Houston is causing an increase in home pest infestations. To prepare your home for a longer pest season, here are some steps you can take to protect your yard and home:

• Keep a 6-inch gap between wooden structures and soil: This prevents termites.
• Remove standing water sources: Remove pet bowls, bird baths, buckets, and other outdoor water sources.
• Don’t overwater: Don’t leave pooling water on your lawn.
• Repair drainage issues: Fix your yard’s drainage problems if there are puddles or standing water in your yard.
• Repair or install window screens: This helps keep out pesky insects, especially if you open your windows frequently.
• Add cedar mulch: To deter termites, spread cedar mulch over your landscape or garden.
• Seal entry points: Use caulk to seal gaps or cracks leading into your home.
• Use natural insect repellents: Diatomaceous earth and citrus oils are effective pest control remedies.
• Install bat houses: Texas is known for having a large number of bats. Give bats their own home so they don’t invade yours. Plus, the bats will eat the bugs.
• Use peppermint oil: Spray peppermint oil around your yard to deter rodents. ● Keep your yard clean and mowed: Prevent pest infestations in your outdoor spaces by maintaining a neat, tidy lawn.
• Trim trees: Keep your trees trimmed so branches don’t grow too close to your home and provide access to your house.

With pest infestations on the rise, keep an eye out for signs of pest activity in your home. The sooner you treat a pest problem, the easier it is to get rid of your unwanted visitors.

If you have discovered a rodent or insect infestation in your home, contact our team of local exterminators at Anytime Pest Elimination. With our comprehensive professional pest control services, we can help you identify signs of pest infestations and treat any kind of pest infestation.