After Louisiana's Warm Winter, Watch Out for More Insect Pests

By Blake Wilson and Sebe Brown

Populations of pest insects are often influenced by factors at play well before crops are planted. Winter mortality is a key regulator of spring insect populations, particularly for pests introduced from tropical regions. The 2018-2019 winter was mild, especially in the southern half of the state, where temperatures didn’t dip below a light frost.