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How Weather Impacts Pests and Diseases

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Jacqui
How Weather Impacts Pests and Diseases

There’s a reason why avid gardeners often talk about the weather. Not only does weather impact their access and enjoyment of the garden, it also plays a part in plant health, pests and diseases. 


Gardeners and farmers have been battling pests and diseases since the dawn of agriculture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, up to 40% of food crops are lost to plant pests and diseases each year. When disease outbreaks occur, they can cause a devastating humanitarian crisis - just take the Irish Potato Famine or the recent invasion of desert locusts in Africa as examples. 


Temperature and rainfall are big drivers in how or where pests and diseases spread, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the weather. 


How does temperature affect pests and diseases?


Insects are cold blooded creatures that can’t produce their own body heat. Cold-blooded actually means an insect’s body temperature is basically the same as its surroundings. Since cold-blooded animals cannot generate their own heat, they must regulate their body temperature by moving to different environments. This also means that temperature plays an important role in their growth, development and behaviour. 


Cold weather


In cooler temperatures, insects adapt by migrating to warmer weather or by hibernating or seeking shelter. This could mean burying themselves underground or it could mean invading your home in search of warmth. Spiders, lady bugs and cockroaches are some of the bugs who will seek comfort in your home. 


In cold weather, many insects become sluggish. Grasshoppers, for example, are often too stiff to hop until the sun warms them up, and flying insects are unable to move their wings fast enough to fly. For some insects, the cold weather can mean death. They prepare their eggs in sheltered areas or provide their larvae with food and shelter to survive the winter, often at the expense of their own well-being. 


Hot weather


Insects can become highly active in warmer weather. The metabolic rates of insects increase as temperature increases, meaning that insects require more food to survive. Insects become ravenous, which is why they may invade your garden or home. Warm weather also allows insect larvae to mature faster. 


How does rainfall affect pests and diseases?


Just as it is for us, water is the elixir of life. More water tends to fuel more pest activity, with wet and humid conditions being the preferred environment for most pests. 


Heavy rain


Heavy rainfall can create stagnant water, which mosquitoes love to lay their eggs in. During heavy rainfall, however, they’ll seek shelter and move themselves inside your home. Spiders and ant colonies will also come indoors seeking shelter, particularly in the instance of flood conditions. 


Moisture-loving bugs, such as cockroaches and termites are more likely to reproduce after heavy rain. Buildings are most at risk of termite damage after heavy rain and storms, as nests can be moved or damaged. 


Moisture-loving plant diseases will also thrive.


Drought


On the opposite end of the scale, dry weather sends many bugs indoors in search of water. Insects, pests and plants will all kick into survival mode and seek out water and nutrients. Dry weather can negatively impact an insect’s food supply, so they search for food and water within your home. 


Dry and cold conditions are the hardest conditions for pests to live in, which is why small pests will try to hide away in moisture-rich areas such as your air conditioner. Grasshoppers, aphids and caterpillars are the exception, among a small group of insects that thrive in drought-prone terrain. 


In terms of plant disease, the lack of moisture in a dry year means a lack in the environmental conditions that many plant diseases need, so that’s one good thing to take away from drought. 


Staying seasonally on top of pests and diseases


No homeowner wants to share their home and garden with pests and diseases. While pests can be a problem all year long, different pests are more prevalent at certain times of the year. Understanding and monitoring this can allow you to stay on top of pest and disease control, no matter the weather. 


Knowing what to expect is half the battle when it comes to pest and disease control. For example, it’s common knowledge that lawn grubs are prevalent during the warmer Australian months. You can beat the grubs by applying acelepryn every year in September, an effective annual prevention measure. To prevent disease you can monitor your garden for early outbreaks, ensure good air circulation between plants, and apply home remedies such as garlic sprays. If you use chemicals, read the labels carefully. 


Generally speaking, pest and disease activity is often at its worst during springtime, when pests are coming out of hibernation following the winter months. By the time summer comes, pests can be a real nuisance if they’re not prevented early, so take action today and make a plan to protect your garden and home. 

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