Unseasonably Mild Fall Could Leave Homeowners Battling Pests All Winter Long

Thought the mosquitoes were gone for good? Think again. 

According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)'s biannual Bug Barometer® forecast, milder temperatures than normal could extend pest activity through the rest of fall and even into the winter months across much of the United States.

"Typically, pest activity tends to slow after the first official freeze," said Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA, in the report. "But when colder temperatures are delayed, pests like ants, mosquitoes, and ticks continue to thrive, putting people and pets at risk for longer than expected."

So, which creepy, crawling critters do you need to prepare for? Fair warning—we’re talking about more than just bugs!

No more 'offseason' for bugs

It used to be that once the fall weather set in, that would be the end of bugs like ants and mosquitoes bugging homeowners. However, with temperatures staying warmer longer, the critters have stuck around. 

For instance, the NPMA warns homeowners in places like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New England that they're in for “extended activity for ants and mosquitoes” due to the upcoming forecasted milder and drier winter. 

What’s more, if the area sees fewer deep freezes and below-average snowfall, that could lead to an increase in ticks, which could become a major problem come spring. 

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease if they bite you. If they are commonly encountered around your property, it pays to professionally manage them early in the spring and again in the fall with tick pesticides, according to Mohammed El Damir, an entomologist and technical and training director for Adam’s Pest Control, in Medina, MN.

“Pesticide applications should focus on all tick habitats such as where the lawn meets the woods, around stonewalls, ground cover vegetation, ornamental plantings, and any areas of the yard often used by people,” El Damir tells Realtor.com®.

If you live in the North Central part of the country—states such as Nebraska, Kansas, Montana, and Wyoming—you may be in for the same fate with ticks. 

Rodents in winter are part of the pest problem 

As the report points out, pests like mice and rats can carry “over 35 diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis and the plague.”

As the colder weather sets in, these critters start to search for shelter, and there are places in your home that could be prime for their retreat. 

In the South Central part of the county—states such as Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas—the projected late onset of winter temperatures may drive more rodents indoors seeking food and shelter.

Same for the Southeast, where states such as Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas are expected to have a colder winter, driving critters to seek shelter indoors sooner. 

That’s why you’ll want to start early securing places like your attic, garage, and fireplace. All are warm, dry places with plenty of dark nooks and cracks to make nests in. 

Cynthia Mannes, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA, previously explained to Realtor.com that sealing up cracks and holes in the home’s foundation is also a strong step to make now to ensure your home is safe from rodents in the coming months. 

But she explained that it’s vital to choose the right materials to fill these entry points.

“We suggest homeowners use a silicone-based caulk for smaller openings and fine-grade steel wool for larger gaps, as the rough fiber found in steel wool is a deterrent for rodents,” Mannes said.