How do Landscape and Garden Pests Deal with the Winter?
By Mark Shour Extension Entomologist Iowa State University It’s been a long growing season with the opportunity to spend many hours on your favorite outdoor activities, including gardening. But as the potentially cold, stormy months of winter approach, some Iowans are starting to concentrate on winterizing their homes and making sure they have adequate firewood in storage. Others are preparing to travel to areas with warmer climates. Just like people, insects and other arthropod pests (animals without backbones) that stay in Iowa must prepare for the winter. Landscape and garden pests in Iowa can survive cold temperatures (overwinter) in many different ways; the way that is used depends on the specific kind of pest. Most find sheltered places outdoors where they are insulated from harsh, drying winter winds and freezing temperatures. Others freeload on humans, spending the cold months in our homes or other structures. Some arthropod pests cannot survive the Iowa winter and must recolon
