Spring is in the air-but has the mild weather created a pest paradise?

While lots of folks are celebrating the record mild winter and early arrival of Spring in NJ, many are speculating on the impact of the 4th warmest winter in recorded history. NJ Bee keepers are reporting losses in honey bee populations because of the mild winter. In normal winter weather, bees are dormant. This year however, hives remained active throughout the winter months and quickly devoured their food stores. Many hives were lost to starvation. Will new colonies be established in time to pollinate the early blooms? That remains to be seen.

And it's true that the mild temps and lack of frost have many farmers and gardeners taking advantage of an early start to crop production, but farmers are also concerned that Springs early arrival could herald a new challenge to their crop production-pest control.  There's much speculation as to how Mother Nature will deal with the early arrival and anticipated overpopulation of insects.
In the Northeast, the cold weather months and ground frost generally act as a control to insect populations. The 2012 season brought little to none of both-great for folks struggling with rising fuel costs, but a concern as food producers take the plow to the fields and families take to the great outdoors.

 ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
Mosquito and stink bug infestations have already been reported to state officials. Good news for pest control operations, not such good news for the larger population.  Insect populations are usually kept in check because of their susceptibility to winter's cold. Mosquito populations are reported high than average across the country as well.

Tics on the other hand aren't impacted by winter weather and due to the mild temps, are active earlier than usual. Tics and mosquitoes carry disease. New Jersey's tic population present higher than average as agents for Lyme disease which, left untreated, can have crippling effects on humans, livestock and pets.

PEST POPULATION CONTROL and precautions:
Officials are encouraging residents to start their exterior Spring clean up now. By simply emptying standing water from containers, play sets, tire swings etc. and doing this regularly, mosquito breeding habitats around the home will be well... uninhabitable! This easy task can be turned into a fun summertime activity for kids by enlisting them in regular mosquito patrol. There are great educational resources that help kids learn about the life cycle of mosquitoes and creative resources that make "mosquito patrol" a fun lesson in record keeping.

Learning to identify tic species and which are most likely to carry Lyme's disease may not be on your bucket list of things to do-but knowledge is power-and a huge psychological relief to the natural panic most people feel when they find a tic on their body or their child. Let's be honest here, nobody appreciates a blood sucking parasite feasting on their flesh. The mere thought sends a shiver down the spines of even seasoned naturalists and folks who connect with the outdoors every day. But being able to identify the potential for transmission of a disease that lingers long after the chills are gone will take away undo anxiety. So do your homework and teach your kids to check themselves thoroughly when they come in from play. (BTW-the same careful inspection applies to pets who are also susceptible to Lyme's). Vaccines are available through your local vet. These can protect your pet from coming down with Lyme and other diseases BUT keep in mind that some vaccines require a course of treatment to become effective and at the least, most require a period of time for the body to build immunity. PLAN AHEAD to offer the best protection for your pets.

 There are a variety of topical flea and tic preventatives available for pets. Over the counter preventatives have very specific weight and dosing recommendations. Read them carefully before applying. (It's human nature to think if a little is good-a lot will be great- but remember that these over the counter treatments are MEDICATIONS and can have damaging effects to your pets health if not administered properly) the best course for planning prevention is to coordinate with your vet and practice good record keeping.