Maine’s Hot and Sticky Weather Might Leave Us Something Creepy

It is hotter than July. The normal high for September is 72 in Maine. It will be 90ish in lots of spots again today.

Yes, we are having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave.

Did you just sing that last line?

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So, what follows late summer heat and humidity?

According to a leading pest expert, Zachary Smith, what is coming next could be,

A surge in pest activities this coming fall.

He went on to say:

Transitioning from Summer to Fall, we’re anticipating a significant rise in pest occurrences.

Broken down into layman’s terms, here are the five reasons for this expected surge.

1. Accelerated Growth and Reproduction: The heats fast racks reproductive processes and growth rate of various pests. And when the cooling fall weather arrives, they’ll try to get indoors.
2. Prolonged Pest Activity: Some pests are more vibrant during summer, and warm weather can lengthen this active period resulting in more time to multiply. And they’ll want into your home as cold sets in.
3. Migration Patterns: Due to a longer warm season, certain pests including insects and spiders may flourish in greater numbers, leading to more indoor infestation.
4. Stress on Natural Predators: Warm temperatures can stress or reduce populations of natural predators, like birds, spiders and other insects that feed on pests. With fewer predators, pest populations can swell.
5. Enhanced Food Sources: The hot summer weather can boost food availability for pests. Insects and rodents can prosper, until fall weather when they seek indoor sources.

Thankfully, there is no quiz.

But Zachary Smith of Smith’s Pest Management urges Mainers to stay alert and prepared for this impending pest wave.

Nature has its ways of adapting to changing climates, and pests are no exception. It’s not just about the inconvenience they cause; it’s about being proactive for the safety and well-being of our homes and loved ones.