San Antonio didn’t have much of a winter this year. Thanks to El Niño, we experienced the warmest and wettest winter in almost two decades, since the last strong El Niño weather pattern in 1997-98.
As we saw back in 1998, El Niño wind patterns can cause dramatic shifts in weather. In addition to milder winter temperatures, El Niño also means balmy spring weather much earlier in the year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that many states set records for rainfall in December 2015, which was also the warmest December in the US. And as we all know, central and south Texas experienced several heavy rainstorms as well as an unseasonably warm winter.
How does El Nino affect insect populations?
In addition to strong storms, heavy rains, and warm winter nights, this year’s El Niño will be welcoming something else to San Antonio: more insects.
Warm, wet winters encourage population explosions among ants, termites, mosquitoes, crickets and grasshoppers, fleas and ticks, and other insects. Warmer temperatures mean that insects can overwinter more easily, with much shorter hibernation cycles and fewer insect die-offs from the cold. With more viable insects surviving, this means there are more bugs breeding in the spring, and they can start laying eggs sooner. Furthermore, many of these insects, particularly termites and mosquitoes, revel in wet weather as they need moisture or standing water for their life cycles.
Just how bad could the insect problem get this year?
It doesn’t look good. Back in 1998, the last time we experienced this weather pattern, mosquitoes, ticks, termites and grasshopper populations went through the roof.
In particular, homeowners should start preparing now for termites. Termites swarm to seek out new colonies. When they find a suitable location, mating pairs will lay eggs there to start up a new colony. Warm, wet weather encourages termite swarming, meaning that even if you haven’t had a termite problem in the past, you will want to be vigilant this spring and summer.
How to protect your home
Termites do an unfathomable amount of damage to homes every year. When termites swarm, you can often spot them flying around lights in the evening, as well as around damp mulch and wood piles. Look for insects that are dark in color, with ⅜ inch long torsos and equal-length wings. You can also inspect your foundations, siding, and other structures for termite tubes—small tunnels termites build to allow them to travel between their nests and food sources. To discourage termites from infesting your home, keep mulch away from building foundations, and clean out debris and woodpiles where they love to live and breed.
For other insects such as mosquitoes and fleas, in addition to keeping your yard clear of debris, it’s a good idea to remove all standing water and use mosquito dunks in ponds and bird baths. You will also want to keep your lawn mowed, as these insects love weeds and tall grass.
When to call out the experts
Don’t wait until insects have taken over your home and property! If you haven’t had a termite inspection in a while, get the jump on insects by calling out the professionals at San Antonio ABC Home and Commercial Services. We can send out experts to check for termite infestation and damage, and offer estimates for getting rid of the insects and helping to protect against future harm. We can also help you control mosquitoes, fleas, crickets, and garden pests.