Why Are There More Bugs in Michigan in 2022?

Image from Flickr by AngelsNDragonflies

It may seem like there are more bugs around Michigan this year. There is a chance that you may come across more spiders, ants, cockroaches, and even flies this spring. Local pest control companies have noticed an increasing list of bug reports in homes, offices and even gardens as the months go by.

The National Pest Management Association has revealed that there’ll likely be more ticks, termites, mosquitoes, and ants this summer and spring season, according to its Bug Barometer forecast which is compiled bi-annually. Of course, more bugs could mean more pollination and organic breakdown of waste. On the positive side, more bugs could mean more nuisance, disease risk, and damage to property. 

Among all the pest groups that exist in Michigan, insect pests are the worst. They cause more destruction and are more difficult to control. Billions of dollars have been invested to eliminate bug infestations, as more properties are damaged.

Why Does 2022 Bring More Bugs in Michigan?

Michigan is not the only place that is experiencing a startling increase in bugs. It’s actually occurring almost everywhere in the world. Many point to climate change and global warming as glaring factors. Warmer tropical and sub-tropical regions are experiencing a progressive increase in pest attacks on crops and properties. 

This is a result of the global increase in temperature. A steady rise in the global climate and temperature leads to a steady increase in the breeding rate of many organisms, including insects. Bugs have more incentives to multiply as a result of the following reasons:

• Increasing temperatures support insect survival and reproduction

Insects cannot control their body temperature, thus, they are referred to as “cold-blooded”. All insects depend on the temperature of their environment to survive, grow and reproduce. A rise in the environment’s temperature will lead to an increase in breeding rates, shorter generation times, and a surge in insect numbers. A higher temperature also leads to increased insect metabolism, making them feed more and eventually causing severe property damage and loss of crops.

• Weather changes can affect insect behavior

Global climate change impacts the weather in local areas and, in turn, affects insect habits. When the temperature is unfavorable in an area, the bugs may migrate to other conducive areas. This is one of the major causes of invasive bug species in native areas. 

• Decrease in natural enemies

The relationship between predators and insect prey may be altered by climate change. The increasing temperature may reduce the predator population by killing them or causing them to migrate. This may lead to an excessive increase in the insect population.

• The shift in rainfall pattern 

A shift in the usual pattern of rainfall in an area could affect crop yield and production. This could also lead to an increase in pest attacks. Areas that experience drought are more prone to insect pest attack, as crops are under drought stress and vulnerable. 

• Introduction of exotic bug species by man

Some bugs can be transported intentionally or unintentionally from one place to the other by man. For instance, nonnative natural predators can be introduced in a garden to kill pests. Bed Bugs can easily hitch a ride in luggage. Infested food crops or property can also get transported to new locations.

An Increase in Ticks in 2022

Experts predict that ticks are likely to increase this spring. Increased rodent populations in addition to warmer weather can lead to more ticks. Ticks are especially problematic as they carry tick-borne illnesses.

More bugs could mean bad news for home and property owners because insect pests could cause disease and major property damage. A major cause of an increase in bugs is global climate change. Climate change leads to increasing global temperature which favors insect growth, development, and reproduction. Of course, the global pandemic also led to human behavioral changes, which could have affected the increase in pest rates.

If you need help identifying a pest infestation in your home, or you want to get rid of the ants or spiders in your home, contact Solidified Pest Control today. Contact us today at (248) 820-3057 for your free quote. We offer pest removal services in Livonia, Troy, Farmington Hills, and Commerce, Michigan. Our technicians are trained in bee removal Oakland County and professional pest inspection Michigan.