Top Pests Expected To Trend In The Winter Of 2024

As we approach the colder months, many of us look forward to colourful leaves changing, and cosy evenings. However, this year’s forecast brings an unexpected twist – an unseasonably warm fall. While this might sound pleasant for outdoor enthusiasts, it poses a significant challenge in terms of pest activity.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various pests that are expected to trend during this extended warm period, the dangers they pose, and essential prevention tips to keep your home and business protected against the threat of pests.

Why Pests Are Expected to Trend This Winter of 2024

As we delve into the specifics of various pests, it’s important to understand the overarching factors contributing to the expected increase in pest activity this winter of 2024. Several key elements are aligning to create what could be a perfect storm for pest populations. The most significant factor is the prediction of an unseasonably warm fall. Environment Canada forecasts temperatures to remain above average well into fall and winter, with daytime highs potentially reaching the mid-20s degrees Celsius. This extended period of warmth allows pests to remain active longer, potentially leading to additional generations and larger populations.

Warmer temperatures mean extended foraging and breeding seasons for many pests. Insects and rodents can potentially produce more offspring, leading to larger wintering populations as we move into the colder months. The warm weather may lead to prolonged availability of natural food sources for pests, such as vegetation, fruits, seeds, and insects. This abundance can support larger, robust pest populations and may keep them active in outdoor areas longer than usual. Warmer fall weather often encourages more outdoor human activity, including gatherings, hiking, travel, and outdoor dining. These activities can inadvertently provide more opportunities for pest encounters and spread.

The broader trend of climate change is gradually altering pest habitats and behaviours. Some pests are expanding their ranges northward, while others are adapting to new environments. This fall’s warm weather is part of this larger pattern, potentially accelerating these changes. While the forecast primarily focuses on temperature, moisture levels also play a crucial role in pest activity. If the warm weather is accompanied by adequate rainfall, it could create ideal conditions for pests.

As we explore each pest in detail, keep in mind that these general trends may influence each species differently. Some pests may see dramatic population increases, while others might exhibit more subtle changes in behaviour or distribution. Being aware of these broader trends can help homeowners, businesses, and pest control professionals prepare more effectively for the challenges of this unique fall and winter season.

*Note: These are Orkin Canada’s current forecasts for the wave of pest activity expected in the 2024 winter season. These predictions and trends are anecdotal/based on expected conditions.

See Also: Top Pests Expected To Trend During The Summer of 2024

Top Pests To Expect During The Winter Of 2024

Quick Links:

• Rodents
• Bed Bugs
• Termites
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
• Overwintering Insects
• German Cockroaches

Rodents

Reason Why Rodents Are Expected To Trend This Winter

Rodents, particularly rats and mice, are anticipated to be more active this fall due to the warmer temperatures. The extended period of favourable weather conditions allows these pests to forage for food longer and potentially increase their population. Additionally, increased human activity, such as fall construction, which can disrupt a rodent’s nesting site may cause rodents to look for alternative nesting sites resulting in more rodent sightings. As more people venture outdoors, refuse from streets and public places garbage bins remain plentiful, coupled with residential and commercial refuse provides ample food sources for rodents, further contributing to their population growth and increased activities.

Why Are Rodents A Problem?

Rodents pose significant health risks to humans. They can transmit various diseases through their droppings, urine, and saliva, including leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonellosis. They can also physically damage items by gnawing, contaminate surfaces, food and non-food items with their droppings, hair, urine and gnawing.

Rodents can also cause extensive property damage by gnawing on wood, electrical wires, and other materials, potentially leading to fire hazards. Their presence can also physically contaminate surfaces, food products and non-food items with their droppings, hairs and urine there by creating unsanitary conditions in both residential and commercial settings. Rodents can also cause anxiety, distress and extreme panic attacks in people who suffer from musophobia (Fear of rats and mice), which can impact their lives negatively.

Prevention Tips To Keep Rodents Out

• Habitat reduction, eliminate potential harbourage on property such a clutter, unnecessary littering items that rodents can burrow under or take refuge in.
• Items that need to be stocked in the yard or on property such as firewood must be at stocked at least 18 inches off the ground and about 20 inches from exterior wall.
• Seal entry points: Inspect your property for potential entry points such as worn out or missing door/window seals or screens, unscreened vents, gaps in wall or around utility wiring or pipe entry points and seal them with rodent resistant materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal sheeting.
• Proper waste management: Use rodent resistant/proof garbage receptacles. Ensure garbage bins are tightly closed and regularly emptied. For commercial properties, pay special attention to dumpster placement and maintenance.
• Reduce/eliminate readily available food sources: Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly. In outdoor areas, remove fallen fruits and secure compost bins.
• Maintain landscaping: Keep vegetation trimmed away from buildings and remove debris piles that could serve as rodent habitats.
• Regular inspections: Conduct routine checks of your property, paying close attention to dark, quiet areas where rodents might nest.

Bed Bugs

Reason Why Bed Bugs Are Expected To Trend

While bed bugs aren’t directly influenced by outdoor temperatures, the increase in travel and social gatherings associated with warmer weather and holiday seasons can lead to more bed bug transmissions. As people move between homes, hotels, and other accommodations, the risk of spreading bed bugs increases.

Why Are Bed Bugs A Problem?

Bed bugs, while not known to transmit diseases, can cause significant physical and psychological distress. Their bites can lead to itchy welts, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. The presence of bed bugs in a home or business can also cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, and social stigma. In commercial settings like hotels, bed bug infestations can lead to substantial financial losses and reputational damage.

Prevention Tips To Keep Bed Bugs Out

• When travelling, thoroughly inspect hotel rooms for signs of bed bugs before unpacking.
• Use bed bug-proof luggage liners and keep suitcases off the floor and bed.
• Upon returning from travel, wash and dry clothes on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs.
• Routinely check your mattresses, headboards, and furniture for signs of bed bugs.
• If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a professional pest control service immediately for thorough treatment.

Termites

Reason Why Termites Are Expected To Trend

Termites are becoming an increasing concern in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, due to their expanding range. The warmer temperatures and increased moisture levels create favourable conditions for termite colonies to thrive and potentially spread to new areas.

Why Are Termites A Problem?

Termites pose a significant threat to wooden structures, causing billions of dollars in damage annually. They can compromise the structural integrity of buildings, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. In severe cases, termite damage can render buildings uninhabitable. Moreover, termite infestations often go unnoticed for extended periods, allowing the damage to accumulate before detection.

Prevention Tips To Keep Termites Out

• Schedule annual termite inspections by a termite specialist /professional pest control service.
• Fix leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage around foundations, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• If possible, eliminate or reduce direct contact between wooden structures and soil.
• Use termite-resistant materials such as treated wood, metal or concrete.
• Apply preventive treatments to vulnerable wooden structures preferably done by a pest management professional.
• Keep mulch, wood piles, and dense vegetation away from building foundations.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Reason Why Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Are Expected To Trend

The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species that has been spreading across North America. It an agricultural, landscape as well as structural pest.  Warmer temperatures allow these pests to remain active longer and potentially expand their range. As temperatures drop, they seek shelter in buildings, leading to increased encounters with humans.

Why Are Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Dangerous?

While not directly harmful to humans, brown marmorated stink bugs can have a destructive impact on the agriculture industry, damaging crops and causing economic losses. In homes and businesses, they become a nuisance due to their tendency to invade in large numbers and emit an unpleasant odour when disturbed. Their presence can be particularly problematic for shipping and export businesses, as countries like Australia and New Zealand have strict regulations to prevent their introduction.

Prevention Tips To Keep Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Out

• Inspect and seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and other potential entry points.
• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to prevent entry.
• Minimise the use of outdoor lights that may attract stink bugs.
• If stink bugs enter your home, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag immediately.
• Consider professional pest control services for comprehensive exclusion strategies.
• Scheduled exterior perimeter treatment provided by a professional pest control service. This will prevent indoor influx.

Overwintering Insects

Reason Why Overwinter Insects Are Expected To Trend

Various overwintering insects, including cluster flies, Asian lady beetles, boxelder bugs, and European fire bugs, are likely to be more active and visible during the extended warm period. As temperatures eventually cool, these insects will massively move to exterior of buildings seeking shelter in buildings, potentially leading to indoor infestations.

Why Are Overwintering Insects A Problem?

While these insects don’t pose significant health risks, they can be a considerable nuisance when they enter homes and businesses in large numbers. Some, like Asian lady beetles, can emit unpleasant odours and may bite or cause allergic reactions in some individuals. When overwintering insects die indoors behind walls, ceiling or crawl spaces, they attract other insects such as warehouse beetles, cabinet and carpet beetles and therefore causing infestation of these insects. If in large numbers, the carcasses can cause molt growth.  Their presence can be distressing for occupants and may require professional intervention to manage effectively.

Prevention Tips To Keep Overwintering Insects Out

• Inspect and seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and utility entry points.
• Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent insect entry.
• Ensure all window and door screens are in good condition.
• Remove leaf piles and keep vegetation trimmed away from buildings.
• Minimise the use of outdoor lights that may attract insects or use yellow “bug lights” instead.
• An exterior perimeter treatment by a professional pest management company such as Orkin Canada will prevent indoor entry.

German Cockroaches

Reason Why German Cockroaches Are Expected To Trend

German cockroaches, while primarily indoor pests, may see increased activity and spread during warmer weather. The extended warm period allows for more generations to develop and may facilitate their movement between buildings, potentially leading to new infestations.

Why Are German Cockroaches A Problem?

German cockroaches are known to carry various pathogens that can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea, and other illnesses. They can contaminate food and surfaces with their droppings and shed skins, which may also trigger allergies and asthma in some individuals. In commercial settings, particularly food service  and food manufacturing establishments, their presence can lead to failed health inspections and reputational damage.

Prevention Tips To Keep German Cockroaches Out

• Keep kitchens and eating areas clean, promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs, eliminate clutter.
• Store food in airtight containers and regularly clean under appliances and furniture.
• Fix leaky pipes and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Inspect for and seal cracks and crevices that could serve as entry points or harbourages.
• Conduct routine checks of vulnerable areas, especially in commercial kitchens and food storage areas.
• Keep Garbage and compactor room clean, reduce or eliminate potential harbourage spots in the room – cracks, crevice and clutter.
• Inspect incoming items or shipments for activity – especially in commercial kitchens.

As we navigate this unseasonably warm upcoming winter, staying informed and proactive about pest prevention is crucial. The extended period of favourable conditions for various pests means that both homeowners and businesses need to be extra vigilant in their pest management efforts. Professional pest control services play a vital role in managing and preventing infestations. For professional expertise you can trust, contact your local Orkin Pro today!