3/5/2026
2026 Pest Outlook: Seasonal Shifts and Smart Prep Tips from Your Pest Pros
Hey folks, as we wrap up 2025, it's time to look ahead to what 2026 might bring in the pest world. At FORSHAW, we've been distributing top-tier pest control solutions for over 60 years, and we're all about sharing insider knowledge to keep your homes and businesses bug-free. Pest activity ramps up or decreases out based on weather patterns, and with NOAA forecasting a La Niña-influenced winter fading into a warmer, drier spring for much of the U.S., we're expecting some tweaks to the usual trends. Let's break it down by season, focusing on those early-year shifts driven by regional weather data.
Winter Wrap-Up: Lingering Indoor Invaders
Winter 2025-26 is shaping up mixed under La Niña's sway. Up north—from Washington to Michigan—colder temps and wetter conditions could mean more snow, keeping outdoor pests dormant longer. But in the southern tier, including the Southwest and Florida, warmer-than-average weather and drier spells might let rodents and cockroaches stay active indoors without much slowdown. We've seen this before: in drier spots like Oregon, early rat population spikes are already popping up due to low moisture. Keep an eye on kitchens and warehouses for hidden activity from mice, Norway rats, and German cockroaches—they thrive in cozy spots year-round. Pro tip: Routine monitoring now prevents big surprises later.
Spring Surge: Early Buzz from Wetter Pockets
As La Niña transitions to neutral conditions by early 2026, spring (March-May) looks warmer than average nationwide, with the Desert Southwest and Southern Plains facing the biggest heat bumps and ongoing dryness. This could kick off pest activity earlier, especially in wetter northern regions where extra moisture from winter boosts colony growth. Ants and termites will likely lead the charge—think carpenter ants expanding nests and eastern subterranean termites swarming as an early heads-up. Stinging insects like wasps might nest sooner too, while rodents scout for food around buildings. In the wet West Coast, Argentine ants could have a field day with the humidity. If you're in a drought-prone south, spiders and ants might spike due to the dry heat. Bottom line: Warmer springs mean proactive exclusion is key to nipping infestations in the bud.
Summer Spike: Heat-Fueled Hotspots
Heading into summer, expect peak pressure as usual, but amplified by any lingering dry conditions in the south. Mosquitoes could explode in northern wet zones post-rainfall, while flies and cockroaches love the humid warmth everywhere. Wasps and hornets? They'll be out in force around patios and roofs. With the pest control market booming—projected to hit $29 billion by year's end—trends show rodents and ants as top revenue drivers, so don't sleep on early signs.
Fall Fade: Indoor Migration Mode
Cooler fall temps will push pests indoors, with spiders, stink bugs, and rodents seeking shelter. Drier southern regions might see more aggressive moves from fire ants and termites before they hunker down.
Staying ahead in 2026 means thinking proactive, not reactive. Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and preventive treatments can slash infestation risks, especially with these weather twists. As your go-to distributor, we're stocked with the latest tools to help- talk to our team today for tailored solutions for your business.Â
Staying ahead in 2026 means thinking proactive, not reactive. Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and preventive treatments can slash infestation risks, especially with these weather twists. As your go-to distributor, we're stocked with the latest tools to help- talk to our team today for tailored solutions for your business.Â
3/5/2026
2026 Pest Outlook: Seasonal Shifts and Smart Prep Tips from Your Pest Pros
Hey folks, as we wrap up 2025, it's time to look ahead to what 2026 might bring in the pest world. At FORSHAW, we've been distributing top-tier pest control solutions for over 60 years, and we're all about sharing insider knowledge to keep your homes and businesses bug-free. Pest activity ramps up or decreases out based on weather patterns, and with NOAA forecasting a La Niña-influenced winter fading into a warmer, drier spring for much of the U.S., we're expecting some tweaks to the usual trends. Let's break it down by season, focusing on those early-year shifts driven by regional weather data.
Winter Wrap-Up: Lingering Indoor Invaders
Winter 2025-26 is shaping up mixed under La Niña's sway. Up north—from Washington to Michigan—colder temps and wetter conditions could mean more snow, keeping outdoor pests dormant longer. But in the southern tier, including the Southwest and Florida, warmer-than-average weather and drier spells might let rodents and cockroaches stay active indoors without much slowdown. We've seen this before: in drier spots like Oregon, early rat population spikes are already popping up due to low moisture. Keep an eye on kitchens and warehouses for hidden activity from mice, Norway rats, and German cockroaches—they thrive in cozy spots year-round. Pro tip: Routine monitoring now prevents big surprises later.
Spring Surge: Early Buzz from Wetter Pockets
As La Niña transitions to neutral conditions by early 2026, spring (March-May) looks warmer than average nationwide, with the Desert Southwest and Southern Plains facing the biggest heat bumps and ongoing dryness. This could kick off pest activity earlier, especially in wetter northern regions where extra moisture from winter boosts colony growth. Ants and termites will likely lead the charge—think carpenter ants expanding nests and eastern subterranean termites swarming as an early heads-up. Stinging insects like wasps might nest sooner too, while rodents scout for food around buildings. In the wet West Coast, Argentine ants could have a field day with the humidity. If you're in a drought-prone south, spiders and ants might spike due to the dry heat. Bottom line: Warmer springs mean proactive exclusion is key to nipping infestations in the bud.
Summer Spike: Heat-Fueled Hotspots
Heading into summer, expect peak pressure as usual, but amplified by any lingering dry conditions in the south. Mosquitoes could explode in northern wet zones post-rainfall, while flies and cockroaches love the humid warmth everywhere. Wasps and hornets? They'll be out in force around patios and roofs. With the pest control market booming—projected to hit $29 billion by year's end—trends show rodents and ants as top revenue drivers, so don't sleep on early signs.
Building a Connected Customer Experience
Cooler fall temps will push pests indoors, with spiders, stink bugs, and rodents seeking shelter. Drier southern regions might see more aggressive moves from fire ants and termites before they hunker down.
Staying ahead in 2026 means thinking proactive, not reactive. Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and preventive treatments can slash infestation risks, especially with these weather twists. As your go-to distributor, we're stocked with the latest tools to help- talk to our team today for tailored solutions for your business.Â
Staying ahead in 2026 means thinking proactive, not reactive. Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and preventive treatments can slash infestation risks, especially with these weather twists. As your go-to distributor, we're stocked with the latest tools to help- talk to our team today for tailored solutions for your business.Â