The mild winter could create problems for farmers this summer.
Ohio farmers may need to adjust regular farming routines to protect their crops from damaging pests that may get an early start this spring due to a shorter winter.
Ohio entomologists warn the types of bugs may vary based on the geographical location. The near-record winter Ohio experienced may cause the insects to significantly increase.
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's Joe Cornely says, " with the warming up more, and more quickly than normal, there's the chance the insects are going to come out and get active earlier than normal."
He also warns there are still some precautions farmers can take to avoid getting bugged but "they're going to have to be a lot more vigilant than normal because of the difference in timing."
The biggest challenge farmers face will be adjusting to which insects can harm crops, and when all the crop-damaging bugs will arrive.
