As winter starts to thaw, you might wonder how Birmingham’s changing climate effects pest activity in your home. This article shares why February’s peculiar weather patterns in central Alabama could bring unwanted pests. Discover smart defenses and Steel City Pest’s ability to protect your home!
Weather Factors
In February, Birmingham’s weather can be unpredictable. This 4-week period can see temps ranging from the 20s to the 70s with sunshine to occasional snow. These uniquely Birmingham weather patterns directly influence the behavior of unwanted pests and directly influence how they interact with your living space. Understanding two primary elements of our February weather is key to staying ahead of potential infestations and protecting your home.
Temperature changes
As temperatures rise, our homes become prime real estate for bugs and insects. Rising temps trigger an instinctual response in insects bringing them out of Winter nesting & hibernation activities in lieu of breeding activities
Your early garden isn’t safe either; plants are a food source for many pests and warmer temperatures motivate them to find and take advantage of easy meals.
Battling a boom in bugs isn’t easy—warmer days often bring more of them to areas of your home that provide food and water. This is why you may see more ant activity in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s important to act early to both deter and stop these little invaders.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Fluctuating and rising temperatures aren’t the only weather element that affects pest activity. Rain and humidity have a profound effect. Heavy rainfall can force pests out of their natural habitats as they search for dry places. This often leads them to find shelter in homes.
Conversely, high humidity is paradise found for pests such as termites, cockroaches, and mosquitoes who need moist conditions to flourish and accelerate reproduction rates.
Grasping the ups and downs of weather patterns is essential when trying to manage pests during the unpredictable weather in February. This challenge involves more than addressing infestations; moisture from rain aids in decomposing organic debris which then serves as a magnet for various bugs into urban settings.
Staying alert following storms or long spells of wet weather is critical. Conducting regular checks around your space after such weather events may help ward off invasive critters before they make themselves too comfortable.
A Deeper dive on February Pest Activity
The shifting climate of February can bring unforeseen challenges to Birmingham homeowners, from sudden infestations to altered pest behaviors. Understanding these impacts is crucial for keeping those unwelcome critters at bay. Let’s take a look at some of these behavioral changes insects experience when temperatures begin to rise again.
Increased breeding and reproduction
Early Spring temps are nice for us, but they also trigger pests to kick off their breeding season earlier. This early start leads to more bugs and rodents seeking homes of their own to create and protect offspring.
Earlier Springs give extended periods of warm weather for pest populations to thrive. Additionally, higher temperatures general mean higher carbon dioxide levels which affect plant structures and defenses. This makes gardens an easier target for pests that are seeking sustenance to increase their breeding activities and numbers.
It’s crucial for homeowners to remain vigilant. An increase in pest activity isn’t a temporary concern. It’s a constant challenge as we work to fortify our homes against these pests during changing weather patterns.
Changes in feeding behavior
Pest species adapt their behaviors with changing climates, including where they live and what they eat. When CO2 levels rise with temperatures, it can boost the appetites of many pests. This increased feeding can result in an increase in damage to homes and gardens.
Additionally, when drought conditions stress plants, pests are drawn to the weakened vegetation. Plants suffering from lack of water become prime targets for pests leaving your garden vulnerable during periods of dry weather.
Migration and movement patterns
As the weather heats up, pests aren’t just growing in numbers; they’re also on the move. Rising temperatures cause pest migration on both a micro and macro scale, creating fresh challenges for homeowners everywhere.
Pests aren’t just migrating within the local habitat of your yard or neighborhood. As a whole, pests (and their diseases) are migrating northward at an average pace of nearly 2 miles per year as warmer temperatures provide habitable environments. This means new insects, insect breeds, and the diseases they can bring are introduced into our area.
Tips for Managing Pest Activity in February
As Birmingham’s temperatures rise, proactive measures can safeguard your home against the seasonal surge of pests—discover how Steel City Pest Control can fortify your defenses.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspection are your first line of defense against pests in February. Avoiding infestations starts with being proactive and paying attention to the early signs of pest activity. Here’s a list of what you can do:
Schedule regular inspections:
Set up a consistent schedule to check your home for signs of pests, like droppings or damages to wood and fabric.
Seal cracks and openings:
Walk around your home, both inside and out, looking for any cracks or openings that pests could use to enter. Make sure to seal them up tight.
Clear debris from the property:
Keep your yard clean by removing leaf piles, twigs, and any other debris that could provide shelter for pests.
Check for moisture issues:
Pests are attracted to moisture. Fix leaks promptly and ensure proper drainage away from your home’s foundation.
Store food properly:
In the kitchen, keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage regularly in tightly closed bins.
Trim vegetation near the house:
Overgrown plants can offer pathways for pests to enter. Keep shrubs trimmed and branches cut back from the house.
Use proper lighting:
Install outdoor lighting that doesn’t attract insects. Yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights are less appealing to many bugs.
Educate everyone at home:
Ensure all household members know what attracts pests and how they can contribute to prevention efforts.
Our March article will provide the Spring edition of our Homeowner’s Maintenance Checklist. With it, you’ll have all the steps and tasks necessary to keep your home in good repair while making it a more uninviting place for pests.
Proper Waste Management
Regular maintenance and inspections are just the beginning. Proper waste management is vital as well. Accumulating garbage invites insects and rodents as they won’t resist food leftovers and trash. Take out trash frequently and make sure the lids on the bins are sealed tight! Contact your waste management provider for new trash cans if they don’t. Doing this is an effective way of slashing the risk of pest problems.
Good housekeeping also means having strong sanitation measures in place. Try composting. It’s great for disposing of organic leftovers like kitchen scraps while doing wonders for your garden.
Before you toss cans or bottles into recycling, give them a rinse. This prevents pests and other animals from finding leftover food and liquids in the vicinity of your home.
Sealing Entry Points
Pests are always on the lookout for the warmth and protection your home provides. More so during February’s unpredictable weather. Sealing cracks and openings is crucial in keeping them out.
Take a good look around your windows, doors, and the foundation of your house for any little gaps that could be an open invitation to insects or rodents. Grab some caulk or weatherstripping and seal those areas. This is an easy and inexpensive fix to keep pests at bay.
Don’t forget about those areas where utilities come into your home. Plumbing and electrical lines are pests’ version of I-65 and I-459. It’s their superhighway for entering and moving around in your home. For larger gaps, expanding foam sealant is perfect—it fills those spaces well and helps with insulating your home. Place a little steel wool in larger gaps prior to the foam. This will deter rodents from chewing through the foam.
Getting ahead of the game now by securing these areas will strengthen your defenses against pest invasions as we ride out February’s ever-changing weather patterns.
Professional Pest Control Services
Dealing with unwanted pests in your home can be a hassle. It takes the right expertise, equipment, and know-how to properly and safely deal with them. This is where expert pest control services come into play.
Professionals possess deep knowledge about how pests behave as the weather shifts, and we use effective all natural and/or EPA registered pesticidal solutions to keep you and your family safe. All while, educating you on the home maintenance and life habits necessary to protect your family.
Choosing a professional means, you’re getting someone who knows how pests act throughout the different seasons we experience here in Birmingham.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the protection of your family and home against unwanted pests, please never hesitate to reach out. We love hearing from our customers and prospective customers!
