February Pest Activity: Winter to Spring Impacts and Keeping Pests Away

In Birmingham, February temperatures can range from freezing in the morning to mild during the afternoon. Though this drastic temperature shift is nice for us, it’s also our friends, the pests, signaling it’s time to wake from hibernation and start breeding.

• In the warmer afternoons, insects like ants and cockroaches will go out in search of food.
• Early-blooming plants are likely to attract pests that feed on new growth.
• Indoor heating from homes and businesses entices pests to make the move inside.

As temperatures continue to change as we move into the fullness of spring, these subtle shifts can impact pest lifecycles, meaning infestations can start even earlier in the year. Places like kitchens and bathrooms and even basements and crawlspaces can become infestation hotspots, as moisture and food sources are always plentiful.

Temperature is not the only weather variable in February that will cause pests to be more active. Rainfall and humidity play an equally important role in determining pest movement:

• Heavy rains can flush pests out of their nests and into nearby homes and businesses.
• Humid conditions are a welcome environment for cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes.
• Moisture in the air coupled with damp wood and debris create ideal breeding and feeding grounds.

It’s crucial for Birmingham homeowners to understand these impacts because moisture not only attracts pests but also quickens their growth and reproduction rate.

Warmer spring weather creates an ideal environment for pests to begin to breed in February. By the time February rolls around, many insects that typically come out in March have already started their breeding cycles. The consequence is that these pests will have larger populations earlier in the year than normal, which in turn causes spring impacts to last for a more extended period.

The more significant problem is that this early breeding provides pests with more time to set up colonies, reproduce more frequently, and spread out into your living areas.

As weather patterns shift, the feeding patterns for pests also change:

• Higher CO2 and warmer weather will increase pest appetites.
• Dry spells where your garden plants are stressed will draw in hungry insects.
• Indoor sources of food like pet food bowls and pantries will also attract pests looking for an easy meal.

Expect to see more ants in your kitchen or new pest damage in your garden when these feeding habits kick into high gear. Tackling these early spring impacts as soon as possible will save you from costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.

Increased pest numbers are not the only thing to watch out for—migration also impacts the pests that you may find on your property. As temperatures warm in February, insects will start to move, both within neighborhoods and across larger geographic areas.

Studies have shown that many pest species are moving northward at an average rate of nearly 2 miles per year due to climate changes. This means that the Birmingham area will begin to experience new pests and even pest-borne illnesses that were not historically a problem. The best way to tackle these unpredictable spring impacts is to be proactive about what to look for.

• Schedule regular inspections: Look for signs of droppings, chewed wood, or fabric damage to indicate pest activity.
• Seal cracks and openings: Caulk or weatherstrip to seal gaps around windows, doors, and foundations.
• Clear debris: Remove piles of leaves, twigs, or firewood near your home that could provide pest shelter.
• Check for moisture: Fix leaks quickly and ensure proper drainage around your home.
• Store food properly: Use sealed containers and keep garbage in tightly closed bins.
• Trim vegetation: Cut back shrubs and branches that touch your home, which can act as pest highways.

Regular maintenance and inspection can not only deter pests but also reduce the long-term spring impacts of infestations that would otherwise get much worse.

Garbage is one of the most significant attractants for pests. Overflowing trash cans, uncovered food waste, or recycling bins with unwashed containers are all likely targets for rodents and insects. To better minimize this risk:

• Take out the trash regularly and keep bins sealed.
• Properly compost organic waste to avoid attracting pests.
• Rinse cans and bottles before recycling to prevent pest access.

Good sanitation is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to reduce pest activity and impacts.

Pests will take advantage of even the smallest cracks or openings. The warm and cold days of February drive pests indoors in search of more stable conditions. Key areas to focus on include:

• Gaps around windows, doors, and vents.
• Openings near plumbing and electrical lines.
• Spaces under eaves or rooflines where rodents can squeeze through.

For larger openings, use a mixture of steel wool and expanding foam sealant. Rodents cannot chew through steel wool while foam sealant also helps with insulation. Sealing entry points is one of the most effective ways to deter pest invasions and reduce impacts inside your home.

DIY strategies are always a good start but may require professional help. A pest control technician has training and expertise that can help. Steel City Pest offers:

• Environmentally responsible treatment plans for Birmingham weather conditions.
• Education on how to prevent pests year-round.
• Protective services that can treat active infestations and provide long-term prevention.

Working with a professional gives you peace of mind, knowing that your home is better protected against both pest activity and spring impacts. With a combination of professional expertise and tried-and-true methods, Steel City Pest will keep your family safe and comfortable.