2017 Fall & Winter Bug Barometer

After analyzing recent weather patterns – from substantial flooding in some regions, to extreme heat in others – and considering pest biology, NPMA’s staff entomologists are expecting high pest pressure from the summer to persist. For the full pest forecast, see NPMA's 2017 Fall & Winter Bug Barometer^TM below.

Infographic Text:

Heavy Rainfall, Heat Waves, Drive High Pest Pressure in Fall & Winter

• Pacific Northwest
  • Summer recap: severe heat waves, and drought in some areas
  • Mice may be stronger in numbers this fall. Warmer weather increased rodent populations, and drier conditions drove them into residential areas seeking water and shelter. Expect mice to remain indoors as temperatures begin to cool.
• Southwest & West Coast
  • Summer recap: sporadic heat wave and persistent warmth, followed by Hurricane Harvey’s substantial rainfall
  • Expect the heat to increase cockroach and ant pressure in buildings this fall. Outdoors, anticipate higher numbers of spiders and stinging insects, as food sources will continue to remain abundant for them. Together, flooding and heat can increase mosquito populations until drier conditions return.
• Midwest
  • Summer recap: heavier rainfall in several states
  • The mild spring and warm summer that much of the Midwest experienced boosted rodent populations. As fall approaches, expect mice to invade homes looking for food and shelter from the cold. Also, if the heavy rains persist, high numbers of crawling pests, such as earwigs and millipedes, may be driven indoors seeking higher ground.
• Northeast
  • Summer recap: Relatively warmer, with heavier rain in some areas
  • Stink bugs and ladybugs flourished from consistent rainfall and warm temperatures. Expect an unusually higher number of these insects to move indoors as temperatures drop. Tick populations that spiked from the previous milder winter will continue to soar until the weather cools, which is when rodents will move indoors for shelter.

To learn more about the Bug Barometer, click here.