Latest news with #LisaMason
CBS News
20-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Colorado weather driving surge in mosquitoes, but other insects need help
As Summer heats up, the bugs are out in Colorado As Summer heats up, the bugs are out in Colorado As Summer heats up, the bugs are out in Colorado Bug season in Colorado is off to a strong start thanks to the heat and recent rain across much of the state. There are some to watch out for and others that need our help. From grasshoppers devouring gardens to mosquitoes multiplying after rainstorms, insect activity across Colorado is on the rise, and weather is driving the surge. CBS "Some insects thrive in dry, hot weather, like our grasshoppers," said Lisa Mason, Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist at Colorado State University's Arapahoe County extension. "But Miller moths, on the other hand, prefer cooler temperatures." Expect more grasshoppers on the eastern plains. Miller moths are passing through quickly, heading into the mountains to escape the heat. Recent rains also mean mosquitoes, and lots of them. "Our partners in Arapahoe County Public Health have actually seen double, and in some cases triple, the number of mosquitoes," said Mason. CBS To keep bites at bay, Mason recommended dumping standing water, wearing long sleeves at dawn and dust and using repellent with DEET. Japanese beetles are also thriving in lawns and gardens. Mason said drying out your lawn between waterings can stop them before they start. "The adults thrive in hot weather," explained Mason. "In fact, that makes them just want to feed more. So we're likely to see high numbers of Japanese beetles again." CBS But while pests are booming, bees are in decline. Coloradans can help by planting native pollinator-friendly flowers like aspen daisies and prairie sunflowers. "The cool things about insects is we have so much biodiversity, and most of our biodiversity is in our landscapes and we barely even notice. So, go outside and observe," Mason suggested. Bug season is buzzing, but knowing what to expect helps you protect your yard, your health and the helpful insects too.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Colorado's Summer bug boom: What to expect and how to protect yourself
From grasshoppers chewing through gardens to mosquitoes buzzing after afternoon storms, Colorado's insect activity is buzzing, and it's no coincidence. It's closely tied to the state's ever-changing weather. Lisa Mason, Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist, CSU Extension in Arapahoe County, said conditions this year are shaping up to favor some familiar pests, as well as a few beneficial bugs that still deserve our attention. Grasshoppers on the Rise Hot and dry conditions are ideal for grasshoppers, and that's exactly what's developing across Colorado's eastern plains. Mason says residents in those areas can expect to see an uptick in grasshopper activity, especially as vegetation dries out and fields and gardens become prime feeding grounds. Springtime Miller Moth Sightings are Becoming Less Frequent Yes, they're flitting around your porch light again. Miller moth season is starting to wind down for the spring migration. While they may be annoying, Mason emphasized that they are not harmful to humans or pets. In fact, they serve a purpose in the ecosystem as pollinators and a food source for birds and other wildlife. Three factors determine what Miller moth season will be like, Mason explained: Migration patterns Weather conditions Food availability With summer heat building, expect the moths to quickly head for the mountains, where they can find cooler temperatures and nectar sources. Mosquito Surge Following Wet Weather Thanks to recent storms, mosquitoes are making an early impact, and it's likely to intensify. Mason noted that wet conditions create ideal breeding grounds, and Arapahoe County Public Health has already reported double or even triple the number of mosquitoes in their surveillance traps from this week last year. To protect yourself, Mason recommends: Use insect repellents containing DEET Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk Eliminate standing water around your home (birdbaths, buckets, clogged gutters) Keep windows and doors closed or screened to prevent indoor entry Japanese Beetles and Pine Beetle Trends Japanese Beetles are becoming a growing nuisance along the Front Range, and this summer may bring another high-impact season. Mason said their spread is closely tied to warm temperatures and moisture, both of which are lining up to support their activity again this year. Meanwhile, Pine Beetle populations and other forest pests remain a long-term concern in Colorado's forests. Recent patterns of warmer winters and dry summers are altering their behavior, sometimes limiting their success, but also stressing trees, making them more vulnerable. What About the Bees? While many bugs are considered pests, bees play a vital role in Colorado's ecosystems, and they've had their challenges. Mason said that fluctuating weather, particularly heat and dry conditions, can affect both pollination patterns and forage availability. Supporting bees through climate shifts means planting native, pollinator-friendly plants and limiting pesticide use, especially during bloom season. Are Bugs Reacting to Climate Shifts? Mason said that shifting weather extremes, such as hotter summers, milder winters, and more intense rain events, are already influencing insect behavior in Colorado. Some pest species are appearing earlier, staying longer, or expanding into new areas. Final Takeaway Whether you're trying to avoid mosquito bites, protect your garden from grasshoppers, or help pollinators thrive, understanding how weather drives bug behavior is key. As Mason put it, "Insects are part of our ecosystem. Some are pests, but many are essential. The better we understand how weather shapes their activity, the better prepared we are to respond."
