3 Facts Every Homeowner Needs to Know Ahead of This Year's Brutal Winter
In August, the Farmers' Almanac released its annual extended forecast for the upcoming winter—and it is not pretty.
The publication predicts that winter 2019-2020 will be a "polar coaster" season characterized by "freezing, frigid, and frosty" weather. With the majority of the country expected to experience colder-than-average temperatures and excessive snowfall, there are bound to be consequences. Homeowners are likely concerned about big problems like their roof caving in or their house losing power, but there are some smaller issues that people need to be aware of, too.
Weather and climate have a major impact on household pests, including unwanted insects and rodents. Following this winter's forecast, a team of expert entomologists from Terminix reviewed the predictions and shared three facts every homeowner should know:
"Necessity breeds innovation."
While an unusually cold winter might decrease rodent populations over time, those critters who do survive may be even more motivated to seek refuge from the weather. Unfortunately for home and business owners, this could lead to increased infestation rates throughout the season.
"Harsh winters can actually be helpful for pest survival. "
Pests that leave their hibernating state during mild winter conditions are later drawn indoors when the temperature drops. Not only will favorable indoor conditions help stink bugs, boxelder bugs, yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets survive—they can also result in larger populations during the spring.
"Nobody wants to get caught in the rain."
Cooler-than-normal temperatures and high precipitation rates in the Southeast will force pests indoors as they try to escape the unusual weather conditions.
In short, make sure your home is properly sealed and protected from the outdoors—or you may be visited by some unwanted guests this winter.
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