Home / Editor's Pick /

2024 above-average so far: Temperature impact on pests

12:00
18 February 2024

2024 above-average so far
Temperature impact on pests

Warm and dry weather is the perfect breeding ground for pests like the bark beetle.Warm and dry weather is the perfect breeding ground for pests like the bark beetle. - © dpa

The winter so far has been very mild on average. But what impact does this have on pests and insects?

Mild conditions are supposedly ideal for pests to cause massive damage in forestry in summer. However the above-average temperatures do not necessarily lead to a plague of pests in summer.

Spring weather is usually more important, but the earlier in the year temperatures above 16°C are reached, the earlier pests such as the bark beetle swarm out and infest new trees.

Just on Thursday 15th February in fact, temperatures soared above this, reaching 18°C across a few spots in England, as seen on the TemperatureRadar above. Even in January of this year, temperatures reached close to 20°C.

January max temperature record for UKread more

Many insects are temperature controlled. Long periods of mild and dry weather lead to an earlier awakening phase for the pests.

Bark beetles, for example, are particularly cold-resistant and survive the lowest frost temperatures. They can also hibernate down to -10°C and seek shelter under the bark as larvae, or in the soil as beetles.

Forest pests benefit from climate change

Global warming poses new challenges for forestry. Due to the mild weather, the period in which the bark beetle can develop is extended.

In addition, their reproduction is faster, which is why more bark beetles can be formed. Climate change therefore also has a lasting effect on the ecosystem.

Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
On the left, a satellite image of a hurricane over the sea; on the right, a man in a clearance vehicle clearing debris and food in a flooded supermarket.
Friday 29 August 2025

Twenty years ago today

Hurricane Katrina hits US Gulf Coast
Weather map showing the UK and Ireland with a band of heavy rain and showers stretching from Scotland down through Liverpool, Cardiff, and into southern England. A thunderstorm symbol is marked over north-east England. Temperatures range from 16°C in Glasgow to 21°C in London, with warmer conditions on the continent reaching 28°C in Brussels. Clearer, sunnier skies are shown over eastern England and mainland Europe.
Wednesday 27 August 2025

Front on the move

Rain pushing east, risk of thunderstorms
The image is split into two scenes: on the left, dark grey storm clouds loom heavily over rooftops of brick houses, creating a dramatic sky; on the right, large clouds stretch across a calmer evening sky above the sea, with silhouettes of offshore wind turbines visible on the horizon.
Sunday 31 August 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Unsettled week with plenty to snap
All weather news
This might also interest you
Mammatus clouds
Thursday 21 August 2025

Unusual view

Mammatus clouds over Ireland
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
Monday 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement