2024 Bug Barometer Predicts Fall/Winter Rise in Roaches, Rodents & Mosquitoes in Texas

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I love fall. The cooler weather makes being outdoors a lot more tolerable and mosquitoes have (mostly) returned to the hell where they belong.

But if the 2024 Bug Barometer is correct in its prediction, this fall your favorite outdoor activity just might be going back indoors.

Bug Barometer Predicts High Pest Pressure in 2024

The National Pest Management Association just released its fall and winter forecast, and it looks like mosquitoes are among the pests that are going to be active for longer than anticipated.

The NPMA’s Bug Barometer® connects weather changes with bug activity, and a warm fall might keep mosquitoes buzzing around longer than usual.

Some states, such as Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas, can expected to see more roaches than normal too.

I’m a nonviolent person; until I see a cockroach. then I turn into Robert De Niro as Al Capone in The Untouchables. “I want him DEAD! I want his family DEAD! I want his house burned to the GROUND!”

Then I go in for the kill. Unless it moves. At that point I jump back, scream, throw my shoe across the room and run for it.

But I digress.

Dr. Jim Fredericks, an expert at the NPMA, explained that even small changes in temperature or rain can have a big effect on bugs.

For example, a warm, wet fall could keep ticks and mosquitoes active for a longer time. On the flip side, drier than usual weather can lead to roaches sneaking inside homes in search of water.

Rodents, Ticks and Bugs, Oh My!

Photo byPest World.Org

Here’s what’s expected in different regions across the U.S. per the NPMA’s Fall & Winter 2024 Bug Barometer:

Northeast & New England
Warm weather may keep ticks and mosquitoes active longer than usual this fall and winter. When it gets colder, expect more rodents trying to get inside homes for warmth and food.

Southeast
If the fall stays warmer and rainier than usual, mosquitoes will hang around longer. Cockroaches and ants could also become more of an issue until things dry out.

Great Lakes, Ohio Valley & Midwest
Even if fall starts off mild, colder temperatures will push pests like stink bugs and lady beetles into homes for shelter. Rodents will also be looking for a cozy place indoors as the weather gets colder.

North Central U.S.
If it stays warmer than normal this fall, tick activity might rise. But when winter hits, expect to see more rodents around homes trying to escape the cold.

South Central U.S.
A warmer fall could mean mosquitoes stay active later than usual. If it's dry, pests like cockroaches may move indoors looking for water until winter arrives.

Southwest U.S.
With unpredictable weather expected, the main concern will be an increase in rodents seeking warmth and shelter as the temperatures drop.

Northwest U.S.
Warmer-than-average weather may cause ticks to stay active longer. If cold weather arrives early in the mountains, rodents will likely head indoors sooner than usual.

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