Elmer Gray, UGA Cooperative Extension specialist, spoke with Southern Living about whether a colder winter actually means fewer bugs come spring.
“A cold winter likely isn’t going to affect the native insects,” Gray said. “Perhaps invasive species — if they’re pushing into a new area — may be more inclined to be suppressed by a cold winter, especially if it’s at the edges of their range. But there are no guarantees.”
To help manage pests, do a general inspection around the property, get a head start on treatments, cut back vegetation, eliminate standing water, fill in low spots, clean up debris and inspect garden plants regularly.