Mississippi is expected to have a warmer summer than average, with more rainfall. The combination is likely to lead to a “bugs boom,” says The Pest Dude Zachary Smith. 

In Mississippi, the pests most likely to see an increase are mosquitoes, ants, termites, flies, aphids, fleas, ticks, beetles, gnats, cockroaches and earwigs. 

Meteorologists across the board are warning of extreme weather in the summer of 2024 across most of the continental USA. While natural events such as heatwaves, storms, floods, and tornadoes are some of the more devastating impacts of extreme weather, an often-overlooked consequence is the increase in bug activity. Although bugs generally don’t cause the same devastating impacts as extreme weather events, they can become a severe annoyance, and getting rid of them can become quite costly for homeowners.

Smith breaks down why each of these bugs is likely to be more frequent in summer 2024, and how they can best be treated.

 

Why more frequent

• Mosquitoes — warm temps and standing water from increased rainfall provide ideal breeding grounds.

• Ants — warm weather increases foraging activity, and rain can drive them indoors seeking shelter.

• Termites — increased moisture levels create a conducive environment for colonies.

• Flies — higher temps speed up the breeding cycle, and organic waste serves as breeding sites.

• Aphids — warm and humid conditions promote rapid reproduction on plants.

• Fleas — warmer weather and higher humidity favor flea development.

• Ticks — warm and humid conditions increase tick activity and host-seeking.

• Beetles — increased vegetation growth provides more food sources.

• Gnats — high humidity and standing water create ideal breeding grounds.

• Cockroaches — warm temps and high humidity drive roaches indoors for food and shelter.

• Earwigs — increased moisture levels attract earwigs.

 

Treatments

• Mosquitoes — EPA- approved repellents outdoors; eliminate standing water; install or repair window and door screens; treat yards with labelled insecticides.

• Ants — place baits and traps near entry points and along ant trails, that allow ants to carry poison back to the colony; seal entry points; maintain clean surfaces.

• Termites — schedule annual inspections; install physical or chemical barriers around home foundations; use treatments recommended by a professional.

• Flies — use traps; maintain cleanliness; store food properly.

• Aphids — apply insecticidal soaps or oils to plants; introduce natural predators (ladybugs or lacewings); monitor plants regularly.

• Fleas — use vet-recommended preventatives; vacuum frequently; wash pet bedding; install fences to prevent flea-carrying wildlife from passing through yards.

• Ticks — apply repellents to clothing and exposed skin when outdoors; trim vegetation around the home; regularly check family members and pets, and remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers; treat yards with labelled insecticides and install fencing to prevent tick-bearing wildlife.

• Beetles — use beetle traps; inspect and treat plants; use targeted pesticides.

• Gnats — use vinegar or wine traps; reduce moisture; make sure outdoor areas have proper drainage.

• Cockroaches — put baits and traps where roaches are likely; seal entry points; maintain a clean, dry environment.

• Earwigs — use rolled-up newspapers, cardboard traps, or oil and sauce traps to capture and remove earwigs; reduce moisture levels; seal entry points.