INDIANA – A colder-than-usual winter in Indiana may have inadvertently set the stage for a significant increase in pest activity across the state this summer, according to pest management expert Zachary Smith, founder of Smith’s Pest Management. Contrary to common belief, freezing temperatures don’t necessarily eliminate pests but often drive them deeper into homes and structures, creating ideal conditions for them to survive and thrive.
“People assume that freezing winters kill off pests, but it’s not that simple,” explains Smith. “In many cases, the cold actually drives pests deeper into our homes, barns, and crawlspaces, where they stay safe, warm, and well-fed. Once they’re in, they don’t just survive – they thrive.”
In Indiana, key pests include ants (especially carpenter and moisture ants), mosquitoes, spiders, ticks, and wasps. Many Midwestern homes sit near large yards, forests, or fields – ideal staging grounds for summer pests. Wet springs can supercharge mosquito breeding, while dry patches prompt ants and spiders to move indoors. As homes age, they become more vulnerable to moisture-related infestations.
Indiana’s winter saw temperatures well below seasonal averages and more snow cover than usual. Smith notes that snow acts as a “thermal blanket,” insulating pests like mice, rats, and overwintering insects, particularly near foundations where heat leaks from homes. This protection allows pests to nest and breed, leading to potentially explosive populations by early to mid-summer, when second or third generations emerge.
Smith anticipates a particular increase in:
- Rodents, especially mice and roof rats, seek indoor shelter during the long winter.
- Ants: Expected to forage more aggressively as outdoor food sources diminish in late summer.
- Earwigs and Spiders: Often driven indoors by hot, dry ground conditions.
- Wasps and Yellowjackets: Numbers build steadily, becoming more aggressive by August.
- Mosquitoes: Likely to rebound quickly due to rapid breeding cycles.
What Homeowners Can Do Now: Smith advises proactive measures to mitigate potential infestations:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal cracks, gaps in siding, and holes around utility lines to prevent entry. Use steel wool or copper mesh for rodent-prone areas.
- Clean Up Outdoor Attractants: Trim shrubs away from siding, keep firewood off the ground, and clean up pet food or birdseed.
- Watch for Early Signs: Be vigilant for droppings, gnawed wires, or faint scratching sounds, as these indicate potential indoor activity.
- Act Sooner, Not Later: Address any suspected pest activity promptly rather than waiting until the problem escalates.
Smith emphasizes that both rural and urban areas are at risk, as pests seek warmth, water, and food wherever available. “Rodents don’t care if you’re in downtown or out in the country,” he states…