2019 Pest Activity Predictions by National Pest Management Association

Excessive Moisture Across Continental United States Likely to Cause Early Pest Activity

The bugs are back.

According the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), which just released its Bug Barometer® forecast, excessive moisture in the winter over the last year will lead to a significant increase in insect population and activity.

The Bug Barometer® forecast is crafted from recent weather patterns and natural insect behaviors and details the kind of pest pressure activity Americans can expect in the Spring and Summer months in specific regions.

This year’s report suggests that pest populations will spike early for most of the country during the spring and summer months.

“While regions across the country were either unseasonably cold or warm this past winter, there’s one factor that almost all of them had in common — excessive moisture,” Said Chief entomologist for NPMA Jim Fredericks, Ph.D.

Excessive moisture isn’t the only issue. Regions that are expected to experience a dry spring and summer can anticipate experiencing pest activity issues as well. 

The small portion of the country that did not experience an increased level of moisture this winter will also likely see early spikes in pest populations.

With drier conditions in mind, we can anticipate seeing cockroach, ant, and fly populations found in drier regions to push their way inside homes and businesses in search of food or water.

These bug infestations can come with their own issues and concerns; including health concerns and damages to homes, businesses, and other structures.

Cockroach infestations, for example, can lead to food contamination, asthma attacks, and allergy symptoms.

Diseases caused by ticks can be quite serious if left untreated. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease. If left untreated partial paralysis may occur and the disease can become debilitating.

Cockroaches, flies, and ants are also considered to be social bugs. If you spot one, it’s more than likely that others are nearby.

Anticipated Regional Pest Activity

Northeast & New England Region Pest Activity

Americans in the Northeastern and New England areas can expect to see a rise in tick and mosquito populations as a cold, rainy spring will bring high humidity.

This creates a perfect scenario for ticks and mosquitoes.

Stinging insects — such as bees, hornets, and wasps — are also expected to be a nuisance in New England as mild summer conditions are expected.

Carpenter ants, which can cause structural damage, are also expected to be a significant pest this year.

In addition, rodents will want to stay indoors where it is warm and dry.

Southeast Region Pest Activity

Residents in the Southeast U.S. can expect to see flourishing termite populations as well as an increase in mosquitoes due to residual winter moisture.

An increase in termite activity is cause for concern for homeowners and business owners alike. In their natural habitat, termites forage through dead wood and can aid in decreasing soil erosion.

Termites have the opposite effect in homes and businesses by causing major damage to structures, which can cost the U.S. billions of dollars in damage repair annually.

The anticipated rainy summer will likely increase cockroach and ant populations and force them indoors for shelter.

Midwest Region Pest Activity

The Ohio Valley and the Midwest parts of the United States could see flooding due to rapid snowmelt, leading to an increase in ticks and mosquitos.

The expected dry summer in the Great Lakes area will push earwigs and springtails inside in search of water.

Pest Activity in the Northern Central United States

The Northern Central United States may see a rapid increase in both tick and mosquito populations as the region moves from a cold and wet winter to a warm and rainy spring.

Conditions are anticipated to be warm and dry during the summer months in this region, which will bring about increased ant populations as well as increased exposure to stinging insects.

Pest Activity in South Central United States

States such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas in the South-Central U.S. can expect heavy termite pressure following a warm winter and potentially humid summer.

Tick and mosquito populations are also expected to flourish throughout the rainy and humid summer.

Southwest Region Pest Activity

The Southwest region of the country can expect this summer to be warm and dry, pushing cockroaches and ants indoors for food and water.

Climbing temperatures may also increase the fly population in this region.

Northwest Region Pest Activity

Pest populations were able to survive through the warm and wet winter in the Northwest portion of the country. Continued heat and a dry summer will allow tick and ant populations to increase.

The increase in pest activity levels can be disastrous for anyone who owns a home or business.

Best Ways to Prepare for Increased Bug Forecast

There are a few different ways to prepare for the expected increased populations in bugs across the country.

Tips include spraying a mixture of vinegar and water around crevices to prevent an ant infestation and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

With an increased chance for cockroach infestations, termite activity and infestations, in addition to other problematic pests looking to move in to your home or business, it is important to contact a pest management professional to help you properly control problems before they start.

By doing so, you can rest easy knowing you are protected against a potential pest infestation.