NPMA Predicts An Increase In Mosquito & Termite Activity

Twice a year, the National Pest Management Association releases its Bug Barometer. Their on-staff experts and Board-Certified Entomologists examine past weather patterns and forecasts for the coming year and consider their impact on pest biology. What do the experts have to say about the spring and summer of 2024? Let's take a look.

An uptick in pest pressure across the U.S.

The entire United States is likely to see an uptick in pest pressures. The reason has to do with unseasonably warm temperatures during the fall and winter, along with heavy snow in the North and flooding in the South. As we head into spring, more rainfall is projected. Warmth and moisture have a big impact on all biological life, but there are two pests in our area that need them most.  

Two pests to consider in Jacksonville & the First Coast region

Mosquitoes and termites thrive in warmth and high humidity. Both conditions increase their ability to stay active and produce offspring. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, and adult mosquitoes need humidity to stay hydrated.

Eastern subterranean termites are attracted to moist soil because they also need humidity to stay hydrated. Along with staying hydrated, termite workers find decaying wood in moist habitats. Moist conditions promote wood decay. 

Tips to help you reduce mosquitoes

While a mosquito can travel up to 1.5 miles an hour, most mosquitoes don't travel more than a few hundred feet in their entire lifetime. That means the mosquitoes that bite you in your yard are most likely mosquitoes that hatched on your property. You can deter them from breeding by applying these tips.

• Find objects that collect rainwater and store them indoors or remove them from your property.
• Clear out any blockages in your gutter system.
• Get rid of organic debris to reduce moisture and humidity.
• Trim vegetation and get rid of unnecessary vegetation in your landscaping.
   

The goal is to make it much harder for female mosquitoes to lay eggs in your yard—or to find a humid hiding place. The tips above will get you started in the right direction. 

Tips to help you prevent termite damage

To deter termites, your first step is to remove food sources in your yard and reduce the moisture worker termites need.

• Remove wood debris, such as lumber and tree branches, from your lawn and property.
• Replace wooden landscaping materials with rock, brick, pea stones, plastic, or some other termite-resistant materials.
• Eliminate any wood-to-ground contact on your shed, garage, deck, or home.
• Make sure your gutters are in good working condition.

Along with the termite prevention tips above, it is critical to perform routine inspections. Early detection can prevent extensive damage to your home.

• Inspect your foundation and exterior for shelter tubes. These tubes often look like wiggly, muddy lines.
• Look underneath sources of wood and mulch for worker termites. These insects are ⅛ of an inch and pale-colored.
• Keep watch for winged termites, also called termite swarmers. They can be mistaken for flying ants. 

If you diligently remove potential sources of termite food and keep a watchful eye, you may limit the damage termites can cause to your property.    

How the Jacksonville pest control specialists can help 

You don't have to battle pests alone. At Lindsey Pest Services, we are here to help property owners in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and throughout our service area. Our locally owned and operated pest control company uses smart, cutting-edge pest control methods and technologies to eliminate insects and rodents. 

Prevent mosquito bites with year-round mosquito control

Year-round mosquito treatments can effectively eliminate mosquitoes from your property. Our team of experienced pest control specialists will assess your property, apply a mosquito barrier treatment, and identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. To maintain a mosquito-free environment, we offer recurring services every six weeks to three months to ensure the longevity of the treatment.

Stop termite damage with the best termite control 

We use high-end technologies to track potential termite activity and apply the most trusted termite control solutions to stop all termite activity. But you don't have to wait until you have termites. We can install a termite detection and colony elimination solution around your exterior to ensure your property stays termite-free.

Reach out to Lindsey Pest Services today!

Industry experts say mosquito and termite populations are likely to explode this year. Get ahead of your pest problems with help from the Lindsay Pest Services team. Connect with us today!