Spring Has Sprung and So Have the Pests

Entomologists Warn That Ants, Termites, Mosquitoes and Ticks Are Already on the Move

FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the official start of spring around the corner, the board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are urging homeowners to get ahead of the surge of unwanted pests like ants, termites, flies and mosquitoes.

"Warmer temperatures are the green light pests have been waiting for," said Dr. Jim Fredricks, board-certified entomologist and senior vice president of public affairs at NPMA. "The best thing homeowners can do right now is take a proactive look at their home, inside and out, and seal off entry points before pests move in."

NPMA's spring cleaning checklist gives homeowners a room-by-room game plan:

• Kitchen: Store dry goods and pet food in airtight containers and wipe down cabinets regularly to remove crumbs and spills.
• Bathroom & Laundry: Fix leaks under sinks and around tubs and ventilate damp areas like laundry rooms.
• Basement & Garage: Store items in sealed plastic bins and seal any cracks or holes, especially around doors.
• Outside: Repair screens and weatherstripping, clean out gutters, trim back vegetation so it’s not touching your house, and remove decaying wood.

In addition, a preventive pest inspection is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make this spring. A qualified pest professional has the training to identify pest issues before they turn into full-blown infestations. This saves homeowners time, stress and money.

"A simple inspection by a licensed pest management professional at the start of spring can catch issues early and give homeowners real peace of mind going into the warmer months,” Dr. Fredricks added.

NPMA recently released its Spring & Summer 2026 Bug Barometer®, a region-by-region pest forecast based on winter weather patterns, long-term climate data, and pest biology. Americans may see earlier-than-expected activity from ticks, mosquitoes, flies and ants since a string of warmer days can kickstart pest activity.

For more information and to find a trusted pest control professional near you, visit www.pestworld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 4,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.