Insect populations are prematurely emerging because of our warming climate

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- February 2024 continues to exhibit below average rainfall while temperatures remain abnormally warm in the forecast. 

South Bend is currently just under an inch and a half short on monthly rainfall so far, tallying a measly two tenths of an inch through February 21. 

While there is still a week left in the month, our area likely won't come close to normal monthly rainfall amounts due to prominent upper level ridging and a lack of moisture influx from the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific northwest.

Meanwhile, temperatures continue to surge to unseasonably warm values, reaching 64F yesterday with more mid to upper 60s expected next week preceding the start of meteorological spring.

While above-normal average temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities and many of our well-beings, concerns begin to arise regarding insect development and appearance.

When temperatures consistently reach above-freezing thresholds quicker than normal, insects, both beneficial and harmful, will return from diapause (a delay in insect development triggered by freezing weather) sooner than their surrounding ecosystem can support them.

The main victim from these temperature "false starts" are honeybees, well-known pollinators that are absolutely necessary to maintaining biodiverse species of plants in Michiana. 

Most species of honeybees in Michiana, in response to the warm weather, "wake up" too early unable to find food. 

Hard freezes are also still common in late winter and early spring, hurting or even killing honeybees that returned from their slumbering state.

With average winter temperatures in Michiana continuing to rise, insects will likely begin to return progressively sooner over the next 25, 50, or even 100 years.

There are a variety of ways to help relieve the natural stressors places on honeybees and other helpful bugs that can be implemented on your own property.

Planting diverse species of flora that carry different hardiness levels and temperature tolerances is one such way.

For more information on the full range of how climate change is impacting Michiana, tune into the ABC57 special "Sudden Shift: How our Warming Climate Impacts you" airing at 5:30 P.M. on February 22. 

You can also find the special and even more information on our website.