After a warmer winter, a summer of insects

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (ABC7) — Hopefully you enjoyed our mild winter - with no major snowstorm and relatively warmer weather - because we may be in for a storm of insects this summer.

“This summer is going to be really interesting,” said University of Maryland Entomologist Mike Raupp, the self-described "bug guy” at UMD in College Park.

Due to climate change, Raupp is forecasting more insect species from southern states will move north to our region this summer. He also believes more insect activity will start earlier each spring.

“The hotter it is, the faster they develop,” he said.

He's keeping a close eye on stink bugs.

“We never got those really, really cold temperatures that put a beat down on stink bugs. We may actually see greater overwintering survivorship,” he said.

The good news, he said, is that native species of predators and parasites now seem to be targeting stink bugs. This could help keep pest populations in check this summer.

Mosquitoes may be the bigger problem after a warm winter because several generations of the insect breed each year.

Raupp said, “In a warmer year, that extends longer. We're simply going to see more generations a year.”

Because mosquitos are potential carriers of Zika Virus, West Nile Virus and Chikungunya Virus, Professor Raupp suggests wearing protective clothing and/or bug repellant when spending time outdoors.

“Products containing DEET usually 25% to 30% are sufficient,” he said. If you’re not a fan of DEET, he suggests using a product containing picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil.

He also suggests reducing the amount of standing water on your property. Even a small frisbee can collect enough rain water to create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos.

“Dump that bird bath twice a week, get rid of old flower pots,” he said. “I've collected as many as 250 mosquitoes breeding in an upside down frisbee in my back yard, so be careful get rid of those things.”