Climate change is an increasingly obvious problem worldwide, but it’s especially noticeable in Phoenix, Tucson, and other nearby areas of Arizona. As the climate changes, the behavior of everything that lives in the climate also shifts. Naturally, that has consequences for pest control and the industry’s methods.
Homeowners need to be aware of how pest control evolves in the age of climate change. Also, they need to keep an eye on expected trends in the coming years. Here is a discussion of general issues and some that are more specific to Arizona.
Shifting Habitats
Climate change in Arizona predominantly means two things. First, temperatures are going to get hotter for a longer part of the year. Second, the environment is going to get drier. Historically, Arizona has had cold enough winters to discourage some pests from permanently migrating to the region. Particularly, tropical mosquitoes are likely to benefit from warmer winters that will encourage year-round survival. Fire ants are another potential beneficiary. The same goes for Africanized bees. The expansion of agriculture in the region is likely to promote the rise of stink bugs as well.
Habitat loss is also likely to drive some pests closer to human settlements. Pigeons, for example, are more apt to nest in human spaces for shade and easy access to food and water. These have always been attractions for pigeons, but increasingly dire conditions will drive the trend.
More creatures coming into greater contact with humans means more need for pest control. Needed solutions will have to focus more on keeping pests out of food supplies and disposals, particularly dumpsters and garbage cans. Large commercial facilities will also need to become more aware of pest issues, especially if they deal with food or waste.
Notably, desirable wildlife may also move closer to human habitats. This will make biologically and ecologically friendly solutions more appealing. Many homeowners want to avoid harming wildlife. This is particularly true if their properties have some of the charismatic birds, lizards, and mammals that make Arizona so lovely.
Longer Breeding Seasons
Warmer weather at length will give many species at least one additional round of breeding. In the past, you might have been able to let winter do the hard work of rolling back an infestation. With longer breeding seasons, more permanent pest solutions will be necessary. We recommend that customers facing prolonged infestations look at systems that discourage the return of defeated pests. Chemical and physical barriers will become more prevalent. Biological solutions like predators and parasites that affect pests are becoming popular, especially with customers who want more eco-friendly options.
Longer breeding seasons will also be a win for desert-adapted rodents. Rodents are already notorious for producing impressive numbers of generations in any given year. The expansion of prime breeding conditions that appear during more of the fall, winter, and spring is likely to be a win for them.
Few Losers
Your first thought might be that surely some pests will come up losers. Current projections for Arizona don’t indicate the expected loss of many pests. Some native beetles and grasshoppers may go extinct, but you shouldn’t expect to see the most known pests go away. Termites, spiders, scorpions, and cockroaches are likely to persist or thrive.
The Counterintuitive Role of Rain
One of the more counterintuitive scenarios is that a drier Arizona environment will have rain patterns that could encourage rather than discourage mosquitoes. While the overall climate is likely to be drier, the rain will provide better conditions for mosquitoes when they come. Why might that happen? Rainfall will likely come in torrents more often. Mosquito heaven is anywhere that water pools in large amounts, even if it’s just long enough to allow a breeding cycle or two.
Green Home Pest Control is a business that’s proud to keep pests out of places all over Phoenix and Tucson. We welcome both residential and commercial customers, and free quotes are available. Our firm has been named a Best of Thumbtack, a Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave, an Angi Super Service winner, and a Best of HomeAdvisor. You also can trust us because we have an A+ rating with the BBB.
If you have pest control concerns, contact Green Home Pest Control today and tell us what you’re seeing on your property.
