If you’ve been in the pest control, building inspection or property maintenance industry for some time, you may have noticed certain changes. There seems to be more pests than before, they’re active year-round instead of seasonally and/or you’re getting more calls in the winter than before. This is all to do with climate change and pests.
Experts note that our warming planet and extreme weather is impacting pest populations on a global level. And while this may mean more business for pest control technicians in the short term, it poses an existential threat to us all. Below, we look at the impact of climate change on Australia’s pest populations.
Australia is getting (even) hotter
First off, it’s undeniable that climate change is impacting our country. Historical data from the Bureau of Meteorology shows clear signs of it including:
- Since 1910, Australia’s average surface temperature has increased by around 1.47°C and the surface waters around Australia have warmed by over 1°C since 1900.
- The average global sea level has risen by around 20cm since 1900, with a rate of increase accelerating in recent decades.
- Southern Australia has seen significant declines in winter rainfall since the 1970s, while Northern Australia has experienced more frequent extreme rainfall events, especially during the summer wet season.
- The frequency and intensity of bushfire seasons have increased, with longer periods of high fire danger.
And pests are responding
These extreme climate shifts has an impact on virtually every aspect of our ecology – including on pests. This includes:
Extended breeding seasons
Many pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and termites, thrive in warm climates. As temperatures rise, breeding seasons are lasting longer or even becoming year-round in some areas. This increase in reproductive cycles means pest populations can grow exponentially, leading to more regular and intense infestations.
Warmer weather is also making them eat more. A study published in Science in September 2022 examined how termites contribute to wood decay across various climates. Researchers placed wood blocks at over 130 sites worldwide, spanning six continents, to measure decay rates.
They found that termites consume wood seven times faster in regions with temperatures around 30°C compared to those at 20°C. This suggests that as global temperatures rise, termites will expand their activity, accelerating carbon release from deadwood into the atmosphere.
Termites are thought to contribute 1–5% of global methane emissions, and the more they eat – the more gas they release, which worsens global warming.
Pests spreading into new regions
Pests are moving into regions that were once too cold for them to survive. Warmer winters mean that pests like termites, ants, and invasive insects can now move southward or into higher altitudes where they previously couldn’t thrive.
Extreme weather also provides an unexpected means of transport. You’d think the recent flash floods and heavy rain across South East Queensland would have eradicated fire ant colonies. Instead, it’s been reported that they form ‘rafts’ – colonies of floating ants – and spread to new areas.
As pest technicians know, red fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species, and Australia’s Invasive Species Council warns that they will spread to “every corner of Australia” if the outbreak in Queensland isn’t curbed.
Higher humidity creates favourable conditions
Humidity and moisture are key factors for many pests, particularly insects and fungi. Climate models predict more frequent and intense rainfall in some parts of Australia, which creates humid conditions that support the growth of pest populations. Moist environments also attract pests like cockroaches, flies, and mould-related pests.
More Australians are battling armyworms in their lawns. This invasive worm species arrived in Australia in 2020 and thrives in wet and humid conditions.
On the farming front, olive lace bugs are now spreading from their usual host plants to olive trees across the island due to wet summers and mild winters. This is having a devastating effects on olive crops.
Pests are being displaced
The 2019–2020 bushfire season, known as “Black Summer,” was one of the worst in Australia’s history, with over 24 million hectares burned. It’s predicted that bushfires like these, including floods, and droughts will become more common due to climate change.
This disrupts natural habitats and forces pests to seek shelter in homes and businesses. After bushfires, for example, displaced insects and rodents often seek refuge indoors. Similarly, floods wash pests like cockroaches, fire ants and rats into urban areas.
Where does this leave pest control?
More pests may bring more business at first, but it also creates more challenges.
As extreme weather spreads pests and the changing climate increases their numbers, they may become more difficult and costly to control. And your business may have to absorb some of these or risk losing customers. Some infestations may need several treatments over time, especially for invasive pests like fire ants.
There’s also the problem of “superbugs.” Using more pesticides may lead to pests becoming resistant, making them harder to kill.
It’s becoming more important than ever before to use sustainable practices in pest control. Not only is it a way to protect the planet, but it’s a great way to market your business as customers become more eco-conscious. Read our article “on “Why You Should Market Your Pest Control Business as Sustainable” for more on this.
Insurance for the unexpected
Now that you know more about climate change and pests, discover another important topic: business protection. Rapid Solutions provides cost-effective professional indemnity insurance and general liability insurance. That way you’re covered if something goes wrong, like a job that didn’t deliver on promises or one that results in damage to property, people or pets.
Get in touch online or call us on 1300 309 169 to start your quote. Also be sure to read our article on how much does pest control insurance cost because it may be less than you think.