Stinging insects, other pests could ‘thrive’ this spring in Kansas, one outlook says
Kansas residents should prepare for increased tick and mosquito activity in the coming months, according to the National Pest Management Association. Ants may also be an issue as they search for water indoors.
The NPMA issued its Spring and Summer 2023 Bug Barometer March 21, and Kansas is in the North Central U.S. NPMA zone. The bug barometer is a nationwide seasonal pest forecast.
“A warm and wet start to spring will allow mosquitoes and ticks to become active early,” the NPMA North Central forecast reads. “Hot and dry temperatures throughout the summer may send ants indoors in search of a water source. Warmer-than-normal temperatures throughout the season will also allow stinging insects to thrive.”
Here’s more on what to expect in the coming months.
How to protect your Kansas home from pests
As spring brings warmer temperatures, it’s a good time to start taking precautions to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, ants and other pests, Mike Bentley, Ph.D. and NPMA executive director, told the Wichita Eagle.
“We’re definitely in that beginning activity period where we can start to see a noticeable increase in pest activity,” Bentley said.
When it comes to mosquitoes, one of the most important things you can do to avoid attracting them is to check your yard for any standing water, Bentley said.
“Mosquitoes only need about a bottle cap of water to complete their development,” Bentley said.
If you live near a wooded area, you should try to create a sort of “buffer zone” between your property and the nature, Bentley continued. Keeping a strip of grass cut very low and free of debris may help to create a less ideal environment for ticks.
To keep ants, cockroaches and mice out of your home, Bentley recommends checking your screens, windows and doors for any weather stripping that may need repairs. Seals need to be in good condition to limit access points for any unwanted guests.
Make sure to keep up on your trash pick up dates, as even a couple weeks of buildup can allow flies to flock to your cans.
More on tick, mosquito precautions
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people check for ticks in the shower after spending time outdoors. The CDC reports emergency department visits for tick bites usually peak in May, but start increasing in April.
If you find a tick attached to yourself, the CDC advises to remove it as quickly as possible. You can do this using fine-tipped tweezers, pulling upward and cleaning the bite area.
To prevent mosquito bites, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends people remove mosquito habitats if possible. It can be helpful to eliminate standing water and empty and change bird bath water.
