Bitter Cold Not Impacting Pests Yet

It’s still too early to tell if the bitterly cold temperatures the Inland Northwest has had thus far this winter will impact next year’s pests numbers.

WSU Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Doug Walsh said many do just fine, even in near-zero temps during December, January and February.

“It’s really the cold temperatures on the margins, typically that would be early November into mid-November and then March and April that are the most damaging to their population.”

And November set records for warmth in some areas, and nearly did so in others.

Walsh said what will survive is pretty consistent, but there are things that producers can do to help mitigate pest problems during the winter.

“The most important thing would be to remove debris from the orchard, vineyard or hop yard. It’s the soil litter, leaf-type material that serve as insulation for the insects.”

Beware of damaging areas that are hosting beneficial insects though as they often use the same areas for overwintering.

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