NPMA Predicts High Ant & Roach Pressures This Fall

When temperatures start to cool, ants and cockroaches often look for ways into structures. It happens every fall. But, according to the National Pest Management Association's Bug Barometer, this fall and winter could be particularly bad. Let's look at what could bring these two pests into your Virginia home and explain what you can do to stop them. We'll also look at another pest the Bug Barometer says to watch for - mosquitoes. As always, keep us in mind if you have a pest infestation. Our pest control specialists use leading technologies and methods to eliminate pests.

What does the Bug Barometer have to say?

We sit at the top of the Southeast region of the country. The Bug Barometer says: "If the Southeast experiences unseasonably warm temperatures and above-average rainfall into the fall months, expect mosquito pressure to remain high until drier conditions arrive. Cockroaches and ants will likely be a problem in and around homes while favorable conditions persist."

We are currently on a track for warmer weather and lots of rain. These conditions could have a large impact on cockroaches and ants.

What does warm weather do to insects?

You may know that cold temperatures make insects disappear for a while. But they never really go away for good, do they? They come back every spring. What happens is they go into a state of dormancy. This means they slow down and stop moving. However, warm fall days allow insects to stay active longer, and they may find ways to get into structures before the cold weather arrives. If they do, they don't have to slow down; they can stay active all winter.

What does extra rain do to ants?

Ants love the rain because water is essential for life. But they don't like too much rain. Rainwater can saturate the ground and lead to flooding in ant nests. When this happens, it can cause them to search for higher, drier ground. They often find their way into homes and other structures when looking for new places to live.

How does increased rain affect roaches?

Cockroaches need moisture for body hydration. The more moisture they have, the more active cockroaches can be. It is a simple equation. Therefore, many rainy days will likely lead to more roach activity near your home. When cooler temperatures come, they often come with dry conditions, which can drive cockroaches into your home in search of moisture.

What about mosquitoes?

Most mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. When we get lots of rain and groundwater levels rise, puddles can form on the surface. If these puddles persist, mosquitoes can lay their eggs in them, new mosquitoes can develop into adults, and then they can take to the air. Extra rain almost always leads to extra mosquitoes. However, increased mosquito populations will only plague us for a short time. The cold temperatures at the end of fall and going into winter will drive mosquitoes into dormancy. That is why our seasonal mosquito control ends in September. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't sign up for it—because mosquitoes will become active again as soon as the warm temperatures return.

What can you do about elevated fall pest activity this fall?

The first step is to analyze your property and ask, "Are conditions here ideal for cockroaches and ants?" Look for moisture, food, and hiding places.

• Trim vegetation and cut grass.
• Remove leaves.
• Pick up sticks, logs, and other wood sources.
• Clean trash receptacles, keep them covered and move receptacles away from your exterior.
• Move bird feeders away from your home.
• Remove any containers that collect rainwater.
• Address moisture issues in your crawl space. 

The second step is to analyze your exterior. Do you have any openings that cockroaches or ants may use to enter your home?

• Check the seal around your exterior doors.
• Check for gaps around your door and window frames.
• Check for damaged frames.
• Check for holes in screens or screens that don't fit properly.
• Check for cracks in your foundation.

The last step is to alter conditions inside your home that invite cockroaches and ants to come in and stay.

• Clean your counters and floors frequently.
• Put dirty dishes in soapy water until you have time to clean them, but never leave them in the sink overnight.
• Keep indoor trash covered and remove it regularly.
• Keep food covered when it is sitting on the counter or kitchen island.
• Put pet food down during mealtimes only.
• Store pantry foods in sealed containers.
• Wipe down food shelves and cupboards often.
• Vacuum rugs.
• Remove clutter from the garage, attic, closets, and other areas where pests can hide.

All of these steps work to make your home naturally resistant to fall pest infestations. When more control is needed, consider professional pest control.

Sign up for professional pest control in Hampton Roads and let the pros eliminate the pests!

A high-quality home pest control service plan maintains a barrier around the exterior of your home in many ways. Here are a few ways your Getem Services team helps you keep pests out:

• Routine pest inspections
• Routine exterior applications
• Checking and replenishing bait stations
• Spider web removal (Spiders are food for ants and cockroaches.)
• Spot treatments
• And more

If you've been considering signing up for home pest control services in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, reach out to Getem Services for help! It is the best way to prevent cockroach and ant problems and stop other insects and rodents from infesting all year. Also, keep seasonal mosquito control in mind for all the extra mosquitoes we're going to have in the spring.