Surging Pest Populations Threaten U.S. Cities as Winter Ends

Surging Pest Populations – Deviations from normal weather patterns are triggering an increase in disease-spreading pests across the U.S. as winter transitions into spring, according to the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) bi-annual Public Health Pest Index.

Regions that experienced warmer or wetter than usual winters are particularly vulnerable to mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches, and rodents, which can spread diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Salmonella, plague, and hantavirus, according to Jorge Parada, NPMA’s medical adviser on infectious diseases.

Climate and Surging Pest Activity: What to Expect This Spring

Unusual weather conditions are allowing pests to thrive in many parts of the country.

  • Warmer winters enable rats and mice to survive in greater numbers.
  • Wet conditions help mosquito and tick populations flourish.
  • Extreme weather events, such as snowfall in New Orleans, create unexpected pest surges as rodents seek shelter indoors.

“If temperatures stay above 50°F, ticks will be active and in search of food,” said Jim Fredericks, NPMA’s senior vice president of public affairs.

Cities at High Risk for Surging Pest Populations

NPMA’s report highlights several cities that will likely experience significant pest problems this spring:

Boston

  • Harsh winter weather forced rodents indoors, increasing infestations.
  • A warmer spring may accelerate tick activity.

Cleveland

  • Mild, soggy conditions will likely drive up cockroach and tick populations.
  • Rodents pose a health risk, as their dander and urine can exacerbate asthma and allergies.

Denver

  • Heavy snowfall is expected to send house mice into homes and businesses.
  • White-footed mice, a vector for hantavirus, may increase in rural areas.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • Record-breaking snowfall will force rats and mice indoors.
  • Heavy spring rain could create ideal conditions for ticks.

Louisville, Kentucky

  • Extreme cold and historic snowfall will drive rodents into homes.
  • A warmer spring may cause ticks to emerge earlier.

New Orleans

  • Unusual snowfall forced rats and cockroaches indoors.
  • As temperatures climb, mosquitoes will make a fierce comeback.

Salt Lake City

  • Cold winter conditions will increase house mice infestations.

San Antonio

  • Record-breaking winter warmth kept mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ticks active.
  • A “pest boom” is expected, leading to increased bites, infestations, and health concerns.

Seattle

  • Warm, dry winter weather may increase rodent and cockroach activity indoors.
  • Spring rains could boost tick populations.

Washington, D.C.

  • Unpredictable winter weather led to a significant rise in rodent activity.
  • Early spring temperatures may trigger a tick surge.

Florida: A Statewide Warning

Florida’s humid climate makes it a year-round hotspot for disease-carrying pests.

  • Despite a dry, cool winter, mosquito populations are expected to explode this spring.
  • Florida is home to over 90 mosquito species, including 14 that spread malaria, according to Ryan Carney, an assistant professor at the University of South Florida (USF).
  • In 2023, nearly 200 people contracted dengue fever, and from 2016 to 2018, Florida saw over 1,500 cases of Zika.

“Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, killing more than 1 million people per year,” Carney noted.

Surging Pest Populations Threaten U.S. Cities as Winter Ends

Using AI to Fight the Spread of Disease-Carrying Pests

USF researchers are using artificial intelligence in citizen science projects to track and control mosquito populations before they spread diseases.

“These projects allow people to report mosquito sightings and bites, helping scientists understand biodiversity and predict outbreaks,” Carney explained.

Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Double Murder in Homeless Shooting

How to Protect Your Home from Pests

To reduce the risk of pest infestations, experts recommend:

âś” Eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
âś” Sealing cracks and gaps to block rodent entry.
âś” Keeping food sealed to deter cockroaches and rodents.
âś” Using insect repellent when outdoors in tick-prone areas.

As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, pest-related health risks are expected to rise in the coming years.