SPOKANE, Wash. — While February brought us a lot of snow — some of which is still on the ground — we may not see a down year when it comes to insects and bugs.
Professors from Washington State University and the University of Idaho say they do not expect to see lower populations among bugs and insects in our area, despite a harsh winter.
“Although we’ve had a severe one, with some unusually cold temperatures in February and lots of snow, most of our species – if not all – are well adapted to survive those fine," said Sanford Eigenbrode, an entomologist with the University of Idaho.
Richard Zack, a fellow entomologist with Washington State University, echoed these sentiments.
"Winter won't make much of a difference," Zack said.
Zack added that a freeze-thaw cycle throughout the spring could have a bigger impact on populations, also saying that weather in the spring season tends to be a better indicator for population totals.
While Spokane saw a lot of snow this February, Eigenbrode said this may have helped the insects, as extreme cold without snow is the bigger danger for bugs.
"Typically, [snow] provides a certain amount of insulation and cover," Eigenbrode said. "It's the extreme cold, that's what gets them."