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
Saturday 28 June 2025

Grab the sun cream

High UV levels to end the week
Friday 4 July 2025

Across UK and Ireland

Gusting winds prompt warnings
Tuesday 1 July 2025

Captured by you

June in pictures
All weather news
This might also interest you
Tuesday 1 July 2025

Breakfast brief

Heat reaches a peak, cloudy in places
Thursday 3 July 2025

Gusty too

Rainfall passes through the north
Wednesday 2 July 2025

Isolated strikes here

Storms across Europe mostly miss UK
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement