How do climate and weather affect pest populations?

Climate and weather play a crucial role in influencing pest life cycles, which is why this choice is the most accurate. Temperature, humidity, and precipitation are all vital environmental factors that can determine the reproductive rates, feeding behaviors, and survival of pests. For instance, warmer temperatures can accelerate the life cycle of certain pests, leading to more generations in a given period, while extreme cold can reduce populations by freezing them out.

Moreover, weather patterns can create favorable conditions for infestations. Increased rainfall might create standing water, which is ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, while drier conditions may push pests to seek water sources closer to human habitation. Thus, understanding these climatic impacts is essential for effective pest management strategies and can help predict pest outbreaks based on seasonal changes.