As the weather turns cooler, we start to look forward to a few things. Probably one of the best things about cold weather is that the bugs die. However, we aren’t quite there yet. They are also making their winter preparations, or they are trying to hitch a ride into our houses to get a warm spot to spend the cold snap.
In a drought, we tend to notice decreased populations of some insects. Mosquitos are usually the ones that come to mind. They need still of stagnant water to get their eggs to hatch, and drought just isn’t an ideal area for them to be. While there have been fewer mosquitos, there are other insects that have thrived in drier weather, and we are still seeing them be active through the fall.
PJ Liesch is an entomologist, and he talks about the several types of insects that are thriving right now.
Asian Lady Beetles are very prevalent as well. Dry, warm autumns are their favorite conditions.
The dry conditions have these beetles at their highest number in years, and that is saying something.
Grasshoppers are also surging once again. That is not good news for farmers.
These insects can be more than just a nuisance in high numbers. They are likely going to pose a threat to the crops next year. This means it is something else for farmers to be making plans for.
