NEW JERSEY – The first day of fall is here, but New Jersey residents shouldn’t expect pests to disappear just yet.
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)’s bi-annual Bug Barometer® forecast, milder-than-normal temperatures could extend pest activity well into the fall and even winter months across much of the United States, including the Garden State.
The forecast, developed by NPMA’s team of board-certified entomologists, analyzes long-term weather predictions and pest biology to provide region-specific insights for the coming months.
“Typically, pest activity tends to slow after the first official freeze,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “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.”
For the Mid-Atlantic and New England region, which includes New Jersey, NPMA predicts that a milder, drier winter could extend activity for ants and mosquitoes. Below-average snowfall and fewer deep freezes could also lead to an increase in ticks, setting the stage for more encounters next spring.
NPMA cautions that shifting weather conditions could lead to greater risks of West Nile virus and tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis and alpha-gal syndrome. Once cold weather does arrive, experts say rodents are likely to head indoors, raising the potential spread of diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis and even the plague.
“Homeowners shouldn’t wait until they see pests to take action; proactive pest management is key to protecting families and homes,” Fredericks added.
The association encourages residents to take preventative steps, including sealing cracks around windows and doors, removing standing water, keeping food debris cleaned up, trimming vegetation, and storing firewood away from the home.
For more information on seasonal pest prevention and to find a local pest control professional, visit PestWorld.org.
