by Kevin O’Connor
Meteorologists say much of this strange weather moving south was the result of a polar vortex. Despite the many negative impacts typically associated with this recent polar vortex, the record-breaking cold may have killed some harmful, invasive species, according to a press release by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
“While most insects will be equipped to survive a short period of very cold weather, like the recent polar vortex, it’s likely some will die from this extreme weather event,” said Dr. Brittany Campbell, entomologist with the NPMA.
According to a Virginia Tech research experiment, the polar vortex may have killed as many as 95 percent of the stink bugs that hadn’t found warm shelter this winter. Pests in regions of the country that typically do not experience extremely low temperatures will most likely be impacted the most, Dr. Campbell said.
Pests in these areas are least equipped with physiological and behavioral adaptations to survive the cold. Diapause, a period of inactivity for insects, may have come early in regions of the country that commonly experience winter temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
During diapause, insects that are adapted to regions with typical cold winters undergo physiological changes that allow them to withstand low temperatures. The insects may also have sought shelter, insulating them from cold air. Perhaps these bugs decided to find shelter in your house! Not good.
According to Campbell, some insects are able to withstand temperatures even below zero F, with the limit for many insects that can “super freeze” being typically around minus 30 F. “That said, we won’t be entirely certain of the impacts until spring occurs,” Campbell admitted.
Despite some bugs’ ability to survive short periods of cold weather, sustained frigid conditions, like those brought about from the most recent polar vortex, could be effective at killing off even some well-prepared pests.
The entomologist with the NPMA explained further that, “in addition to the effect of extremely cold weather on pests themselves, damage to plants and other animals can also disrupt food supplies for insects in the spring and summer, driving them indoors.” As I said above, “indoors” could mean into your abode.
“Ah,” said Mr. Stinkbug, “this is a nice cozy warm house. I think my family will enjoy wintering it out here during the polar vortex. I wonder if these humans have a jacuzzi?”
Our expert technicians at O’Connor Pest Control are reliable and well experienced to ensure your home’s safety from pest of all kinds. Call us and we will keep the bugs away from your family!
Call 1-800-284-7985 www.oconnorpest.com
