Spring 2026 brought warmer-than-average temperatures across most of the continental U.S., and that warmth translates directly into larger, earlier pest populations this summer. Warmer soil means faster insect development, earlier emergence, and longer breeding windows.
Here's what to expect by region — and the prevention steps that matter most right now, before populations peak.
Blacklegged ticks emerged 2–3 weeks ahead of typical schedule in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Nymph-stage ticks (the primary Lyme disease vectors) will peak in June rather than late June/early July. Start tick checks now if you haven't already.
Mosquitoes are breeding in standing water that accumulated during April rains. Do a standing water patrol this week — dump anything holding water. Clogged gutters are the #1 residential mosquito breeding source.
Carpenter ants are swarming earlier than usual. If you see large winged ants indoors, that indicates a mature colony inside your structure — not just a few wanderers from outside.
Fire ant mounds are appearing faster and in greater numbers than typical for late April. The two-step method (broadcast bait + individual mound treatment) should be applied now before mound density makes broadcast baiting impractical.
German cockroach populations surge in summer heat. If you've seen any cockroaches in your kitchen this spring, treat now with gel bait — waiting until summer means treating a population 10x larger.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are active across the Gulf Coast and moving north. Unlike common mosquitoes, these bite during the day — DEET or picaridin repellent is needed for daytime outdoor activity, not just dusk.
The window for preventive grub treatment opens in late May through June. Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn/GrubEx) applied now prevents Japanese beetle grubs and other white grubs from destroying lawns in August. This is preventive — once grub damage is visible in late summer, it's too late for this application.
Brown marmorated stink bugs that overwintered in homes are becoming active and finding their way out. This is the exit migration — they won't return until September. The prevention window for fall re-entry sealing is August.
Bark scorpions are fully active in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Night inspections with a UV blacklight reveal their exact locations. Seal all gaps around doors, windows, and utility penetrations — scorpions need only a credit-card-width gap to enter.
Drywood termite swarms peak in Southern California during late spring. Winged termites near windows or lights mean an active colony in your structure. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don't need soil contact — they infest attic framing and second-story walls directly.
In the Southwest, always be aware of Africanized honey bees — they're established across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Southern California. They nest in unexpected locations (meter boxes, barbecues, sheds) and are highly defensive. Never disturb a bee swarm — call a licensed bee removal specialist.