A new analysis from the National Pest Management Association predicts a surge in disease-spreading pests such as ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents across several US cities this spring. Deviations from normal weather patterns are putting regions at risk, especially those with warm or wet winters.
Warm temperatures allow more rats to survive, while unusual weather patterns like snow in New Orleans can bring new pest problems. Ticks and mosquitoes thrive in moist conditions, making areas that experienced exceptionally wet winters likely to see these pests rise in spring.
Cities with top rankings on the Public Health Pest Index include Boston, Cleveland, Denver, Grand Rapids, Louisville, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, Washington D.C., and Florida.
According to experts, warm winters typically allow more rats to survive, while unusual weather patterns can present new pest problems. Ticks are active when temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, making regions with warmer temperatures at risk for an uptick in these pests.
The top US cities named on the pest index include:
* Boston: Rodents and ticks could surge due to warm temperatures.
* Cleveland: Cockroaches and ticks may flourish as temperatures rise.
* Denver: House mice will drive into homes and businesses due to frigid winters.
* Grand Rapids: Record-breaking snowfall is expected to drive rats and mice indoors, followed by a rise in tick populations.
* Louisville: Rats and mice are likely to enter structures due to extreme cold and historic snowfall. Tick activity may begin earlier than usual due to a warm spring.
* New Orleans: Historic snowfall sent rodents and cockroaches into homes, while mosquitoes will make a comeback as temperatures climb.
* Salt Lake City: House mice and white-footed mice are likely to go indoors during winter conditions.
* San Antonio: Record-breaking warmth allowed mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ticks to stay active, with a “pest boom” forecasted for spring.
* Seattle: A warm, dry start to winter could lead to increased rodent and cockroach activity indoors and an increase in tick populations due to spring rains.
* Washington D.C.: Rodent activity has climbed significantly in the nation’s capital due to its rollercoaster-like winter. Tick populations may surge if spring arrives early.
The Sunshine State is also at risk, with a statewide warning issued for Florida due to its humid climate that allows disease-carrying pests to thrive year-round.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-cities-surge-disease-spreading-pests-spring/story?id=119162739