Experts say mosquitoes, other pests could stick around in West Virginia through fall

( FOX 56 ) — On the heels of the Autumn Equinox, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its biannual Bug Barometer.

Sept. 22 marked the official start of fall, which typically means it’s about time to store your Citronella candles. However, the NPMA believes summer pests could stick around longer than usual.

“When it comes to pests, even the slightest fluctuations in temperature and precipitation can have a significant impact on their populations and activity,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its 2024 Seasonal Temperature Outlook on Sept. 19, showing that Kentucky is on track to experience above-average fall temperatures.

“A warm and wet fall, for example, can allow disease-carrying pests like ticks and mosquitoes to remain active and breeding much longer than we’d typically expect and just a few cold nights can result in a significant uptick in rodent sightings in homes,” Fredericks said.

2024 Pest Forecast

Based on NPMA’s analysis, a surge in pest pressure is likely across the nation, especially for those who typically hide away in the fall months.

The mosquito population could overstay its welcome for the eastern region of Kentucky and its neighbors — including West Virginia and Ohio — as NOAA forecasts a 50% or higher probability of above-normal fall temperatures.

“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,” the NPMA wrote. “Cockroaches and ants are likely to be a problem in and around homes while favorable conditions persist.”

For the rest of the Commonwealth, it’s the season of the stink bug. You may begin to notice seasonal pests making their way into your homes! According to the National Weather Service, there is currently a 71% chance of La Nina forming from September through November, and is expected to extend into 2025.

“Despite the potential for a mild start to fall across most of the region, expect the seasonal drop in temperatures to drive overwintering pests such as the brown marmorated stink bug and the multicolored Asian lady beetle into homes seeking shelter for the winter months,” the NPWA wrote. “Homeowners in the Midwest may also see an increase in rodent pressure as these pests enter homes and businesses in search of shelter and food sources.”

Pest Prevention

To avoid the overwhelm of pests seeking shelter in and around your home, the NPWA recommends the following:

• Keep kitchens clean
• Store food in airtight containers
• Eliminate hiding places
• Seal any cracks that pests could use as an entryway
• Repair torn screens
• Eliminate standing water and overgrown grass

“While prevention measures are key to keeping your home protected, a seasonal inspection with a trained pest control professional can help identify areas of your home that may be more susceptible to pest issues. If an infestation does arise, they can help you identify the pest problem and develop a course of treatment,” Fredericks said.

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