After a winter characterized by cold temperatures, unusual rainfall patterns and heavy snowfall, experts from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are warning that pests may emerge earlier and in greater numbers across the country than in recent years. By analyzing weather patterns, long-term forecasts and pest biology, NPMA experts Spring and Summer 2026 Bug Barometer Forecasts that help homeowners and pest professionals prepare for what’s coming to their particular region.
Timing is everything in pest control, says pest control professional and president Nicole Carpenter. Black bug prevention in Charlotte, North Carolina. “A bug barometer can tell you if you should expect certain insects early in the season, which means you need to start checking and treating early to prevent infestations,” she explains. “Knowing if termite are going to get up earlier or the mosquitoes will start breeding earlier which allows you to take action before problems appear.”
To prepare for the approaching bug boom, review the forecast for your region below. We have included specific pests to watch for and what to do to prevent an infestation.
Estimates by region
Depending on where you live, you can expect an influx of certain types of insects.
Mid-Atlantic and New England
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia)
A mild early winter and dry spring will help jumpstart pest season, with termites, brown marmorated stink bugs and Asian lady beetles emerging ahead of schedule. As temperatures rise, expect more ticks and biting insects as well.
Intermountain and Southwest
(New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, California)
Warm winter temperatures can occur Rich conditions for cockroaches and flies during spring and summer. Later monsoon rains may occur Scorpion And spiders take shelter indoors.
South Central
(Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas)
Despite the cold winters, mild and wet springs are likely to create ideal conditions for termites, ticks and mosquitoes to emerge early. Heavy summer rains and tropical storms are expected to provide the perfect breeding ground for flies.
North Central
(North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming)
Warm spring conditions can stimulate early tick season, while late season rains will increase fly and cockroach activity. Midsummer will bring pressure from yellow jackets and wasps if predicted above-average temperatures occur.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest
(West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota)
Rising spring temperatures are expected to trigger earlier-than-normal insect pressure. Summer conditions will increase fly and tick activity, and cockroaches and Ant Invasion Indoors following heavy rain.
Southeast
(North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida)
A warm, wet spring can spur years-old activity among termites, mosquitoes, and ants. Summer will increase fly and cockroach pressure, with tropical storms bringing mosquitoes out of standing water.
Northwest
(Idaho, Washington, Oregon)
Mild winter and spring conditions can send ants and biting insects out early, such as cockroaches and Rats Find water indoors. Summer brings more flies And mosquitoes in the north, and yellow jackets and ants in the south.
Tips for Preventing and Preventing Common Pests
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to prevent pests from entering your home.
Ant
- Keep your house clean.
- Do not leave food out, and store it in a sealed container.
- Remove damp spots and rotten wood.
- Seal cracksHoles and other potential entry points into your home.
- Remove ant trails by spraying a mixture of vinegar and water along the length of the trail.
- Set ant baits.
the cockroach
- Seal entry points such as baseboards, utility pipes and crawl spaces.
- Monitor the items that enter your home.
- Maintain a clean kitchen.
- Vacuum to remove possible egg sacs and debris.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Remove the clutter.
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids away from entrances.
- Keep plants tidy and away from the outdoors.
- Store firewood away from home.
the flies
- Clean the surfaces below.
- Take out the garbage regularly.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Clean the sink and bathtub regularly.
- Fix cracks, crevices and screens.
- Be aware of landscaping issues such as standing water.
mosquito
- Remove standing water from rain gutters, buckets, plastic covers or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
- EEmpty and change the water At least once a week in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels and potted plant trays.
- Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
- Treat and circulate swimming pool water.
- Cover all gaps in walls, doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Repair cracked window and door screens.
- Choose exactly Plants known to repel mosquitoes.
Scorpions
- Remove standing water.
- Seal cracks and crevices, especially around doors and windows.
- Inspect cabinets, closets, and other dark spaces regularly.
- Remove brush, debris and wood piles from the perimeter of your home.
- Prevent scorpions from feeding by turning off outdoor lights at night.
Spiders
- Seal entry points, such as small cracks and holes around windows, doors and vents.
- Repair damaged screens.
- vacuum Spider webs.
- Maintain a clean home by cleaning surfaces and dust.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Avoid clutter.
- Keep the yard tidy by cutting back shrubs, removing ivy and other vines, mowing the lawn regularly, and removing piles of leaves or wood piles.
- Dim outdoor lighting or switch to yellow or sodium vapor lights.
- Use natural repellants such as essential oil or vinegar sprays.
Stinging insects (yellow jackets and wasps)
- Eliminate sugary food sources such as fruit, nectar and certain leftovers.
- Keep outdoor eating areas clean.
- Keep waste in cans with tightly sealed lids.
- Trim and maintain landscaping to eliminate potential nest sites.
- Install screens over windows, vents and other openings.
- Avoid bright colors, especially yellow Keep wasps and bees away.
- Build decoy nests to prevent them from building their own nests nearby.
termite
- Keep the soil around your home’s foundation dry through proper grading and drainage, including maintaining gutters and downspouts.
- Use cement, grout, or caulk to fill cracks in the foundation and holes around where utilities pass through the wall.
- Fix any leaks immediately.
- Keep the vents clear of any obstructions.
- Avoid planting trees and shrubs near your house.
- Do not pile or store wood or wood debris next to your home.
ticks
- Remove leaf litter.
- Clear tall grass and brush around your house and at the edge of the lawn.
- Place a 3-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into recreational areas.
- Mow the lawn frequently.
- Stack the wood neatly in a dry area.
- Keep unwanted animals (such as deer, raccoons, and stray dogs) from entering your yard by building a fence.
- Remove old furniture, rugs and trash from the yard that can provide hiding places for ticks.
- plant A plant that repels ticks.
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