Report: Conditions ripe for buggy spring and summer

A recent report from the National Pest Management Association cautioned that Montana’s harsh winter, piggy-backed by what is expected to be a warm, wet spring, may cue certain populations of pests to spike earlier than usual for the spring and summer seasons — and in abundance.

The report, released in late March, is part of the national association’s bi-annual “Bug Barometer,” or a “seasonal forecast of the pest pressure and activity Americans can expect to see in their respective regions of the country.” It classifies Montana as part of the North Central U.S. region, along with other states including Wyoming, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska. The analysis looks at factors such as weather patterns, long-term predication and pest biological behaviors.

Michael Bentley, director of education and training for the National Pest Management Association, said the exact temperature threshold for a pest to become active and start reproducing varies from species to species. This makes it difficult for experts to predict exactly when pests will emerge, but the report predicts Flathead Valley should plan on it happening sooner than later.

“In general most pests will begin preparing for spring when temperatures consistently reach about 50 degrees Fahrenheit,” Bentley said. “In Northwest Montana, expect to see pest populations begin to flourish toward the end of April when predicted temperatures are expected to be above-average for that time of year.”

It is only about one week into April, yet temperatures around the Flathead and other parts of Montana have already exceeded 50 degrees during the day.

According to the report, Montanans can expect a jump-start to mosquito and tick season and hefty populations of ants and stinging pests, which tend to seek moisture in residential areas. These four pests are “directly impacted” by the combination of residual winter moisture and wet forecasts.

“In places accustomed to harsh winters, there is less of a chance of a significant impact on pest populations because pests living in these regions have evolved ways to survive even when temperatures drop well below freezing,” Bentley said.

For example, Bentley said ticks are likely to take shelter beneath leaf litter where fallen snow will only further insulate them, creating a sort of “igloo effect.” He also noted certain species of mosquitoes will wait out cold winter months in animal burrows, buildings, or other shelters.

Bentley also added that valleys such as the Flathead can be “more susceptible” to moisture build-up due to their geographical makeup being flat, yet surrounded by mountains. He said moisture is enticing to pests such as cockroaches, ants and earwigs.

While even pests have a place in the ecological food chain, some, such as mosquitoes, can pose a public-health risk. Bentley said they have the potential to spread diseases, damage structures or contaminate food sources — possibilities he said can lead some to view certain pests as a public-health concern.

According to the report, there are some preventative measures homeowners can take to somewhat safeguard themselves from spring and summer time pests. For example, grass should be kept short and overgrown brush or vegetation should be removed to fend off ticks. Bentley added people should inspect the outside of their homes for potential entry points, particularly around spots where utility pipes enter the home.

The National Pest Management Association was established in 1933 to “support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests.” The nonprofit organization is made up of more than 5,500 members.

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4439 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com