Preparing Your Muskegon Home for a Potentially Milder El Niño Winter

If winter in Muskegon is milder than typical, it may be the result of El Niño. These changes in temperature and weather patterns impact families and pest behavior. Mosquito Squad Plus of West Michigan Lakeshore works with homeowners to design the best Muskegon, MI pest control plan for the season and region.

What Is El Niño—and What Makes One “Super”?

El Niño occurs when surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm, influencing weather further inland. The result is sometimes out of season weather patterns- temperature swings and precipitation variations. “Super El Niño” is an informal label for an exceptionally strong event, but is not a promise of extreme local weather. If El Niño brings milder stretches of weather to Muskegon, it does not mean there will be no deep freezes and lake-effect snow.

Ticks May Stay Active During Winter Thaws

Do not rely on snow cover to end tick activity in and around Michigan Lake Shores. Some ticks, like the blacklegged tick, remain active through winter as long as temperatures remain above freezing. They will spend fall, mild winter, and very early spring feeding on large hosts, such as deer. Follow veterinary-recommended advice regarding tick preventatives for pets, as this may change with a milder winter.

Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs React to Indoor Warmth

Some insects spend winter dormant and tucked into siding gaps, attics, or wall voids. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs always seek warmth and may become temporarily active again when the sun warms a wall. The activity doesn't always indicate new breeding, just activity.

Mice May Still Seek Food and Shelter

A warmer forecast, or stretches of warm weather, potentially caused by El Niño, does not stop mice or rats from seeking reliable, long-term shelter. Mice and rats will still seek out garages, basements, and even sheds to utilize the stable temperatures and easier access to food. If you store birdseed or pet food in the garage, make sure they are stored in sealed, airtight containers, as they are large attractants for rodents.

Don't Overlook Spring Mosquito Conditions

A mild winter does not mean spring will have a heavy mosquito burden; however, it is important to take the time to limit breeding areas. Mosquitoes might use them as the weather continues to warm. Clear out gutters and store containers properly before snowfall, so upon melting, they don't become breeding pools. Once warmer weather returns consistently, our team can provide a recurring mosquito barrier treatment that helps control up to 85-90% of mosquitoes for up to 3 weeks.

Make Winter Preparation Part of Your Pest Plan

Performing basic maintenance tasks and checks throughout the winter can help you stay ahead of changing pest activity. When temperatures are mild for multiple days, or even weeks, it can impact the integrity of building materials, resulting in the possibility of new access points. Check the foundation for cracks or gaps where siding meets concrete, and ensure vent covers are in good repair. Weatherstripping and screens around doors and windows can limit pest movement into the house as well. Homeowners who see activity from multiple species may benefit from one of our pest control packages designed to treat multiple pests with the same treatment plan.

Plan for Muskegon's Weather

Pay attention to temperatures and pest sightings; don’t just rely on El Niño predictions! Talk with our West Michigan Lakeshore team to get more information on what you may encounter. Call (616) 426-6776 for a free quote.