As we enter bug season, you may be wondering how bad the bugs will be this year! Thankfully, a few things can help predict bug conditions including the weather. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its Spring and Summer 2021 bug barometer, which provides bug season predictions based on the winter season and predicted spring and summer conditions. Check out how the weather will affect bug numbers in your area.
Northwest
States: Washington, Oregon, Idaho
Spring in the Northwest is expected to be mild. This is good news for ant populations that will thrive under these conditions. Summer will likely see more rainfall than usual. Wet conditions are always a good indicator of bug activity because insects need moisture. Mosquitoes love wet areas so be prepared for them to be buzzing around. Ticks will also enjoy these wet conditions.
Southwest
States: California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona
This region’s spring and summer is predicted to stay on the cooler side of things with increased rainfall. Don’t be surprised by the arrival of ants in your home. The heavy rainfall will cause their nests to flood and they’ll need to find shelter until it’s safe to go outside. The damp environment will cause springtails to make an appearance too.
South Central
States: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana
Warm and damp would best describe this region’s spring. Be prepared for early mosquito and termite activity this year. Summer will see the region divided. In the south, wet weather will keep ant populations thriving. Conditions in the north will be drier, which will lead to an increase in indoor cockroach activity.
North Central
States: Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri
The northern part of the central United States covers a lot of ground. Weather is different depending on exact location, but in general, these states will experience similar weather patterns. Warmer temperatures will create ideal conditions for stinging insects. Wet weather will make ticks and mosquitoes happy campers this bug season.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest
States: Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky
People in the Great Lakes area will be happy to hear that spring should be mild. Summer is expected to be warm and wet. Mosquito and tick populations will do well under these conditions. The Midwest region should experience drier conditions. Unfortunately, this could cause ants to move indoors in hopes of finding water.
Southeast
States: Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina
Southeasterners will likely experience a wet spring. The moisture levels will help mosquitoes and termites thrive. The wet weather will continue into warm summer months. Cockroaches love warm and damp environments, so expect an increase in their numbers and activity. Don’t be surprised if they make their way into your home.
Northeast
States: Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont
The northeast will start the spring and end the summer with warm and wet weather. These damp conditions will be ideal for mosquitoes, ticks, and termites. As temperatures increase in the summer, ants will be more likely to march into homes to escape the heat. The northeast will also be welcoming a new brood of cicadas this season.
Having an idea of how many bugs will be trying to sneak into your homes can help you prepare for bug season. Though weather conditions vary from region to region, they all are predicted to see bug numbers rise. If you’re dealing with a pest invasion, we want to help. Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.