How Climate Change is Affecting Pests in Michigan

A black-legged tick or deer tick lies in wait on a leaf in Kalamazoo MI.

The changing climate is having an impact on ecosystems all over the world, and the state of Michigan is no exception. One of the most noticeable effects of climate change in Michigan is the changing behavior of pests, which are becoming more abundant and more destructive than in the past. Let’s examine how climate change is affecting the behavior of pests in Michigan, and what this means for the state’s residents.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what we mean by “pests.” Pests are insects, rodents, and other creatures that damage crops spread disease, and cause other problems for humans and other animals. Common pests in Michigan include mosquitoes, ticks, mice, and various species of beetle and caterpillar that can damage crops and trees.

Increased Reproduction

One of the ways that climate change is affecting pests in Michigan is by altering their behavior patterns. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, pests are adapting in ways that allow them to thrive. For example, warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons mean that some pests are reproducing more quickly and producing more offspring than in the past. This can lead to outbreaks of pests that can devastate crops and gardens.

Another way that climate change is affecting pest behavior is by altering their geographical range. As temperatures warm, some pests are moving northward into regions where they were previously unable to survive. This can lead to new infestations and new challenges for farmers and other landowners. Additionally, some pests that are already present in Michigan are becoming more abundant and more destructive, which can have significant economic and ecological consequences.

The Spread of Disease

Perhaps the most significant impact of climate change on pest behavior is the way it affects the spread of disease. As temperatures warm, some pests are able to survive in new areas where they previously could not. This can lead to the spread of diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease, which are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, respectively. These diseases can be serious and even life-threatening, and they pose a major threat to the health and well-being of Michigan residents.

Lyme Disease

One example of a pest that is being impacted by climate change in Michigan is the black-legged tick (also known as deer tick), which is the primary vector for Lyme disease. Warmer temperatures are allowing black-legged ticks to expand their range further northward in Michigan, making Lyme Disease a risk where previously it wasn’t present. Additionally, warmer temperatures are allowing ticks to become active earlier in the year, leading to a longer tick season.

Mosquito-borne Disease

Climate change is also impacting the behavior of mosquitoes in Michigan. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, especially increased precipitation in many places, are leading to an increase in mosquito populations, which can transmit diseases like West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis.

Trusted Michigan Pest Control

No matter how pest behavior changes, you can count on Griffin Pest Services. We’ve been delivering quality pest control to Michigan residents since 1929. If you’re experiencing new pest issues, call us for a free quote.

Say “Auld Lang Syne” to Pests This New Year!

friends holding sparklers outside under lights

As we cross the threshold from this year to the next, many of us have aspirations to fulfill in the new year. Now that we’re opening the first page of a brand-new calendar, what are you going to do differently? Maybe you’ll exercise more, be more frugal, or pick up a creative hobby. Whatever you do, prioritizing pest-fee habits in your household is a great addition to your New Year’s plans. Griffin Pest Solutions is ready to treat pest infestations of any variety for homes and businesses across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, but we’d rather you never get an infestation to begin with. And you can help make that happen with these three simple, pest-deterring resolutions!

Resolution One: Declutter Your Home!

Spring cleaning shouldn’t only be relegated to when the world outside is in bloom. You should be clearing clutter from around your home on a regular basis for many reasons. It’ll keep important things from being lost and improve the aesthetics of your home. More than that, avoiding a mess in your household will remove dark and secluded places where roaches and mice can nest and hide. So, this new year, take the time to clean from the core of your home to less-frequented areas like your pantry, closets, basement and other storage spaces. That way you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a neat and orderly home, while also knowing that pests have fewer places to hide.

Resolution Two: Clean Your Kitchen!

When pests make their way into the home, it’s because they’re looking for food, shelter and warmth. By clearing clutter you’re removing potential shelter, and by keeping your kitchen clean you’re limiting the percentage of available food supply. This can involve many things, like keeping your pantry goods in sealed containers and taking out the kitchen trash regularly throughout the week. Don’t let dirty dishes pile in the sink, and every time you cook you should make sure to clean crumbs and spills as soon as they happen. With all of that in mind, your kitchen will look better, run smoother, and be free of pests.

Resolution Three: Store Your Firewood Right!

We’re in the cold season in the Lower Peninsula, and many homeowners are getting through the weather huddled by the fire. But where are you keeping your firewood? Many pests, from spiders and ants to overwintering wasps, hide in logs. You bring the wood in, and without realizing it you invite the bugs in too. So what can you do? We suggest storing your firewood on an elevated surface at least twenty feet away from your home. Only take what you plan on burning at a time, and always inspect the wood before you bring it into the home. That’s the best way to make sure you don’t invite any unwelcome guests to warm up by the fire.

Griffin Pest Solutions for Pest Control in Michigan

Sometimes you can do everything right and still get pests. When that happens, you need a qualified team ready to help – that’s where Griffin Pest Solutions comes in. We have over ninety years of experience in pest control for homes and businesses. Our team is innovative, reliable, and ready to meet you and your property in whatever you might need. The New Year is a chance to do things better, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it on your own. If you need pest control, you can get the best in town with Griffin Pest Solutions. Contact us today to get started!

Can Ticks Survive Freezing Winter Weather?

It’s easy to assume that the onset of the winter means the absence of the summer pests that have been bothering us for months. All kinds of pests scramble to get inside our insulated structures once the weather turns for worse, and the ones that fail to see dramatic population decline. However, some pests are more resilient than others, and ticks are included in this category. Even though they are closely associated with the heat of the summer, it’s important to keep watch for ticks through the winter, too. Read on to learn more about ticks in winter and what you can do to stop them from our experts at Griffin Pest Solutions.

When is Tick Season?

Ticks are certainly most active in the summer; many of us associate tick problems with walking our dogs or going on hikes. It’s important to always conduct a tick check after being outside around tall grass in the heat. However, heat is just one crucial contributor to their health. Ticks also need humidity to survive. Because they don’t drink water, ticks seek out environments with high average humidity to remain hydrated and comfortable.

Although a harsh winter can kill off a significant portion of a tick population, these pests have a few survival strategies that can get them through the cold season. Here are some ways they respond:

  1. Ticks can find a host animal to latch onto that will provide them with body heat and essential nutrients through the winter
  2. If no hosts are available, ticks can find success hiding in leaf litter for protection and insulation
  3. Soft-shell ticks will burrow underground during the winter for increased protection

Avoiding Ticks in Michigan this Winter

Ticks are far less active when temperatures fall consistently below 45° in the ground is wet or icy. That said, even though you’re less likely to deal with them, they can still pop out to cause problems for you and your pets. Here are some ways to protect yourself from ticks this winter:

  • Regularly remove yard waste. We often find takes hiding in leaf piles, so it’s best to dispose of them sooner than later.
  • Check your pets often. Ticks love to latch onto dogs, so make sure to inspect them every time you return from a walk.
  • Have a professional tick inspection. Setting up a barrier treatment in your yard can shut down tick activity through the winter.

What Can Tick Exterminators Do for Me?

Deer ticks, which are infamous for their ability to induce Lyme disease in humans, live right here in Michigan. If you want to ensure that your family is safe from the dangers of ticks, reach out to your local tick exterminators today. Our expert technicians at Griffin Pest Solutions are highly-trained in the safest and most effective methods of tick control for our climate. We can ensure that your property stays tick-free through every season. Contact us today for a free quote!