Beech Tree News Network

Last week during a warm evening, I got a mosquito bite (at least it itched like one…). Earlier that same day, I had gotten a bite of some kind – likely a spider – while working in the yard. Thinking about our winter and the warming of the earth, I did some reading about pests: stinging pests, ticks and mosquitoes. I love warm weather, but pests are a nuisance.

In an article, “6 Pest Predictions for 2020” (https://www.jcehrlich.com/blog/2020-pest-predictions/), author Krissie Callahan made predictions and recommendations for home owners regarding various pests. Stinging pests, ticks and mosquitoes were a part of Callahan’s focus:

Stinging pests

The changing climate has affected the pest world, and experts have noted more yellow jacket and hornet nests. These stinging insects often make their homes around our homes. As soon as temperatures are warm enough in the spring, these insects will emerge from their hiding places ready to repopulate. If one discovers a nest, the safest means of removal is to contact a licensed pest control professional.

Ticks

Callahan stated, “With the popularity of outdoor activities, warming winters, and the geographic range of many disease-spreading ticks continuing to expand, humans and their pets can expect to come into contact with ticks more frequently. Ticks of special concern include the deer tick or black-legged tick, the Lone Star tick, and the American dog tick. There were nearly 50,000 cases of human tick-borne disease such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus reported in 2018. Pets can also contract some of these diseases.” How can we combat these critters that are not insects, but are related to spiders? The commonsense practice of wearing pants, long sleeves and socks in areas that may be tick infested is helpful. We should also wear insect repellant and perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.

Mosquitoes

Last year, the mosquito season was fairly bad, and that pattern could be repeat in 2020. With the occurrence of a relatively warm, wet winter and spring, conditions are ideal for mosquito development in late spring and early summer. Callahan commented that these insects bring the risk of mosquito-borne disease, such as the unprecedented number of cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) reported in 2019. One means of reducing the presence of mosquitos is to remove standing water on your property. Also, wearing insect repellent when outdoors is helpful.

Actress Holly Valance said, “I never kill insects. If I see ants or spiders in the room, I pick them up and take them outside…” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/insects-quotes). That’s not me. When insects and spiders wander into my space, their life cycle is often shortened. Pesky little critters….