Courtesy of NPMA
FAIRFAX, Va. - From record snowfalls to unseasonably warm temperatures, extreme weather swings have created the perfect storm for increased pest activity this spring and summer. The National Pest Management Association released its bi-annual Bug Barometer, a data-driven look at what PMPs can expect from pest populations in their service regions across the U.S.
After analyzing weather patterns, long-term forecasts and pest biology, NPMA's expert entomologists predict potential rising encounters with pests, including ticks in backyards, mosquitoes at outdoor gatherings and ants and cockroaches in kitchens.
"Spring and summer are already peak pest seasons, so we know the bugs are coming. But this year's irregular weather patterns are accelerating pest activity, leading to earlier and more frequent encounters," said Dr. Jim Fredericks, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. "Our Bug Barometer is a valuable tool to help people understand the type of pest activity to expect in their area so they can take steps early to protect their homes, families and ultimately their health."
Northeast & New England:
A warm, wet spring could spark an early surge in ants and ticks, while sizzling summer temperatures from June to August may drive a rise in stinging insect activity all season long.
Southeast:
Even after a record-breaking winter, spring's warmth and rain will quickly bring mosquitoes and termites back into action. And if tropical storms roll in this summer, this area can expect fly and mosquito populations to flourish.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley & Midwest:
With warmer temperatures and wet conditions fueling their activity, ticks are expected to emerge earlier than usual this spring. As summer heat and humidity ramp up, mosquito, ant and stinging insect populations may also surge.
North Central:
Dry conditions may delay pest activity, but once the rain rolls in, ants and cockroaches will return in full force. And with spring arriving early, ticks will likely show up ahead of schedule.
South Central:
Mosquitoes thrive in standing water left behind by intermittent rainfall and tropical storms. As summer heats up, hot, dry conditions will push pests like ants and cockroaches indoors in search of water.
Northwest:
An early tick season may be on the horizon for the Intermountain region thanks to a warm, wet spring, while lower rainfall levels in the Pacific Northwest could mean more earwigs and cockroaches inside homes. If summer stays cool and dry, pest problems may continue throughout the season.
Southwest:
Spring moisture may fuel a spike in mosquito activity, while hotter, drier summer conditions could drive ants, cockroaches and rodents indoors in search of relief.
"Several of these pests aren't just a nuisance – they can spread disease or even cause costly damage to homes and buildings, making proactive pest control even more important," Fredericks added.
