Pest forecasts heating up after a relatively cold winter
Cold winters help prevent many potential pest insects from establishing or reaching large populations in Minnesota.
Each year, Anthony Hanson, an entomologist and University of Minnesota Extension educator, provides overwintering forecasts for some of these insects, often based on UMN research, to assist farmers in decision-making. The forecasts are supported by a USDA grant and weather data from NOAA.
Hanson received many questions this winter on how much the cold will help with insect issues in 2025. “Winter lows usually need to get closer to -25 or -30 degrees Fahrenheit to have really interesting forecasts. Unfortunately, the southern third of the state just didn’t get that cold from many insects’ perspectives, but this changes as you move north.”
PHOTO: The Western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera is one of the most devastating corn rootworm species. (Adobe Stock │ #458018663 – Tomasz)
