As climate change continues to alter weather patterns across the globe, Nova Scotia is seeing an increase in the number and variety of invasive pests. A pest control expert warns that the province’s warmer winters are leading to an earlier and more prolonged presence of bugs and rodents, with no sign of this trend abating in the foreseeable future.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Pest Populations
Jesse Roach, co-owner of Scotia Pest Solutions, has been in the pest control business for over a decade. In that time, he has observed a noticeable shift in the timing and frequency of pest-related calls from residents across Nova Scotia. Traditionally, winter would provide a natural freeze that limited the activity of many pests. However, as winters become milder, these pests are thriving for longer periods, leading to earlier infestations and more persistent problems for homeowners.
“I just think it’s really interesting, as a professional, the changes in the ecosystems where pests live based on the climate that has changed here in Nova Scotia,” Roach explained. While he isn’t quick to label these changes as an outright result of climate change, Roach admits that the warmer winters are hard to ignore. “We don’t have the winters we used to have,” he added.
In his childhood, temperatures in winter would frequently drop to -16°C for extended periods, a condition that would naturally hinder many pests’ survival. Today, those frigid conditions are rare, giving rise to a much more hospitable environment for insects and rodents, which now thrive throughout the year.
An Earlier Pest Season: The Case of the Ants
Roach has found that his pest control services are being called into action earlier each year, a clear indication of how much the climate is affecting local ecosystems. In February 2024, for instance, Scotia Pest Solutions was already responding to calls to exterminate ants, a sight typically reserved for the warmer months.
“It’s very clear to me that the warmer temperatures are extending the active periods of pests. We’re seeing this year after year, and it’s forcing us to adjust our schedules and methods,” Roach said.
The warmer climate is enabling pests to expand their populations far earlier than they historically would have. As temperatures rise, the period of dormancy that many pests once experienced during the winter is significantly shortened or even eliminated. Consequently, the bug and rodent populations grow at a faster pace, leading to an increase in calls for pest control services across the province.
The Explosion of Spider Populations
One of the most noticeable changes Roach has seen is the dramatic increase in spider populations. The summer of 2024 saw an abundance of garden spiders, with many residents calling Scotia Pest Solutions to report hundreds of these arachnids invading homes.
“We were getting calls non-stop about garden spiders on houses,” Roach recalled. “People were seeing hundreds of spiders on their homes, and they were all asking, ‘Where did they all come from?’ Well, it’s been a long summer, and they’re reproducing and reproducing.”
The prolonged warm weather provides an ideal breeding ground for these spiders, allowing them to reproduce in large numbers. As the spiders spread across homes, they are becoming an increasingly common nuisance. Roach notes that while spiders typically have a seasonal presence, the changing climate is allowing them to persist throughout the year, adding to the challenge of pest management.
The Invasion of Asian Lady Beetles
Perhaps the most prominent pest event in recent memory was the Asian lady beetle invasion that occurred in October 2024. Roach reported a surge in calls for pest control services during the unusually warm weather of mid-October. Homeowners in regions such as Hants, Kings, Annapolis, and Lunenburg counties were particularly affected, with calls coming in at a rate of one per hour.
“The Asian lady beetles came in droves,” said Roach. “It wasn’t just a few; people were seeing thousands of these beetles gathering around their homes.” The beetles, which are part of the same family as the common ladybug, were seeking shelter for the winter months. Unlike their more docile cousins, Asian lady beetles tend to swarm in large numbers, making their presence overwhelming for homeowners.
These beetles typically invade homes, seeking refuge in cracks and crevices to survive the winter. Roach notes that while the common ladybug is generally seen as harmless and even beneficial due to its ability to control other pests, the Asian lady beetle is far more problematic. Not only are they an invasive species, but they also have an unpleasant habit of biting humans and secreting a foul odor as a defense mechanism.
“Ladybugs are helpful little creatures,” Roach said. “But Asian lady beetles? They have a horrible odor, which is part of their self-defense system. They can secrete a goo that deters predators, and unfortunately, it also makes them pretty unpleasant to deal with.”
Adapting to the New Normal
As the climate continues to warm, Roach and other pest control professionals in Nova Scotia are being forced to adapt to a new reality. The rise in invasive pests is likely to continue, and the longer growing seasons combined with warmer winters are giving these pests a better chance to thrive.
“We have to adjust our tactics to the changing environment,” Roach explained. “We’re seeing pests that used to be dormant during the colder months, but now they’re active earlier and later in the year. It means we have to stay on our toes and respond faster than ever before.”
Scotia Pest Solutions, like many pest control companies, is adjusting its operations to accommodate this extended pest season. While the company traditionally focused on dealing with spring and summer pests, they are now working year-round to manage infestations.
A Growing Problem for Nova Scotians
The warmer winters and extended pest seasons are a growing concern for Nova Scotians. As pests proliferate, they not only create discomfort and inconvenience for homeowners but also pose potential health risks. Many insects, including ants, spiders, and beetles, are carriers of diseases or allergens that can cause health problems in humans.
For those living in rural areas, these pests are often a fact of life. But even city dwellers are feeling the effects, as pests are becoming more adaptable to urban environments. With the warmer climate expected to persist, the burden on pest control services is likely to grow.
Conclusion: A New Era of Pest Control
As Nova Scotia’s climate shifts, so too does the pest landscape. Warmer winters and longer summers are creating more hospitable conditions for pests, leading to more frequent infestations and extended pest seasons. As pest control professionals like Jesse Roach continue to respond to the changing needs of residents, they are witnessing firsthand the significant effects of climate change on local ecosystems.
With climate projections indicating that these trends will only intensify in the coming years, Nova Scotians will need to adjust to a new reality where invasive pests are a year-round challenge. For now, pest control services are adapting and evolving to meet the demand, but the question remains: how long can the province continue to handle these increasingly persistent pests? Only time will tell.
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