2026 Pest Outlook

Here’s a practical pest outlook for spring and summer 2026 based on the current long-range weather forecasts (including Farmers’ Almanac mentions of temperature and precipitation trends) combined with expert pest-prediction data:

What the Farmers’ Almanac Weather Outlook Suggests

• Farmers’ Almanac forecasts a cooler, slow-to-heat spring with variable weather and lingering moisture in many parts of the U.S.. Cool and wet spring conditions can extend pest activity later into the season.

• Conversely, some long-range outlooks (including from the Old Farmer’s Almanac) suggest warmer and drier-than-average conditions early in spring in much of the country, which can fuel early pest emergence when moisture is present.

Bottom line: Wetter and warmer trends at times = more ideal conditions for many typical spring and summer pests.

Most Likely Pests for Spring & Summer 2026

Here’s what entomologists and local pest professionals are projecting for the upcoming season, especially in the Midwest / Ohio Valley region (which includes Ohio):

Mosquitoes

• With warmer temperatures and wet spots from spring rains, mosquitoes are expected to be very active throughout spring and summer.

• Mosquitoes breed in standing water (gutters, birdbaths, buckets) and thrive in humidity.Why this matters: Biting nuisance + potential for disease transmission in some areas.

Ticks

• Ticks are often one of the first pests to become active in spring, especially after mild winters or early warmth.

• They can populate tall grass and wooded edges, increasing risk for pets and people.

Ants

• Warm, moist weather patterns can drive ant colonies to forage earlier and more aggressively.

• You’ll often see them both outdoors and inside homes, especially in kitchens.

Stinging Insects (Wasps, Hornets, Bees)

• These insects tend to build nests and grow in number throughout the spring into summer, with peak activity in warm months.

Cockroaches

• Summer heat and humidity can bring cockroaches into buildings looking for food and moisture.

Grubs & Beetles

• Lawn grubs (beetle larvae) emerge in spring and feed on grass roots, weakening lawns. This is often worse when soil stays moist.

Termites

• Subterranean termites become active in warmer soils in spring and can quietly damage wood structures.

Why Weather Matters

Moisture & Warmth = More breeding, faster life cycles

• Many pests (mosquitoes, ants, ticks) rely on warm temperatures and moisture to reproduce.

• Wet spring periods can prolong the season and cause higher pest populations than usual.

Cool early spring but sudden warm spells

• This type of weather pattern can trigger an early burst of pest activity, especially ticks and ants.

Regional Notes (Ohio / Midwest)

If you’re in the Ohio Valley / Midwest region (like Ohio):

• Ticks & Mosquitoes — expected earlier and potentially more intense than average.

• Ants & Stinging insects — may ramp up with summer heat and humidity.

• Cockroaches — hot, humid conditions can push them into shaded or indoor areas.

• These trends line up with long-term pest forecasts even beyond this year.

Quick Homeowner Tips

• Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquitoes.

• Keep grass trimmed and leaf litter low to reduce tick habitat.

• Seal cracks and entry points to deter ants and cockroaches.

• Inspect wood and crawl spaces yearly for termites.