Many of us are heading into the year 2022 with cautious optimism after the challenges of the past two years. For the most part, there is no way to tell what this year will bring. One of the exceptions to this is
with pests.
Entomologists - the scientists who study bug activity - have been able to make guesses as to which pest species will pose the greatest challenges in 2022. This gives homeowners a bit of a head start in knowing what to expect when it comes to bugs and wildlife this year and offers a chance for you to take steps now that may prevent an infestation later on.
These are the top pest expectations for 2022. Because ADAPT Pest Management is based in Northern California, providing pest control to cities like Roseville and Sacramento, our insights are most applicable to those areas, but many different regions face similar pest species and challenges, so it pays to be on the lookout for these pests no matter where you are based:
- Ticks - Ticks have been on the rise for many years as climate change yields milder winters and this summer will be no exception after the wet winter we are having in Northern California. The challenge with ticks is that more people now own pets and are spending time outdoors due to the pandemic, which can put you in contact with these parasitic insects.
- Mosquitoes - Like ticks, a rainy winter and summer that starts early will bring mosquitoes. In recent years, new mosquito species have been discovered in new areas and the illnesses mosquitoes transmit such as West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and heartworm have been consistently increasing.
- Bed Bugs - After the pandemic put most travel on hold, 2022 is likely to be the first full year of travel. This is expected to cause a significant increase in bed bug infestations now that these pests can hitch rides on clothing and in suitcases between properties again.
- Rats - Rats had already begun a shift into residential areas in 2020 when the pandemic forced the closure of many restaurants and businesses. This impact is expected to increase with last year's wildfires in Northern California causing displacement and an increasing amount of construction in cities around Sacramento that causes displacement and provides new habitats. for rats to thrive in.
In addition to these pests that are on the rise, there are still concerns about other common pest species including ants, flies, roaches, and other insects that are consistently a problem in the Sacramento area and many other locations around the country. Expecting these insects and taking action now with a pest management company on your own can help you have a pest-free 2022.