Oregonians Advised to Prepare for Unprecedented Pest Season Due to Unseasonal Winter

Oregonians can expect an invasion of termites, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and even cockroaches this summer, warns a pest expert.

Oregon’s mild winter came with a hidden cost – a likely explosion of pests this summer.

Mild Winter Temperatures Created a Breeding Ground

“We didn’t get the sustained cold snaps that normally help knock back insect populations…more bugs survived the winter and they’re going to come back with a vengeance,” explains pest expert Zachary Smith.

He says the warmer winter weather created ideal conditions for termites, mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and even cockroaches.

What Unwelcome Visitors Oregonians Can Expect

Mosquitoes: Warmth and stagnant water are natural ingredients for these insects to thrive. “Expect them to appear earlier and in higher numbers than usual, especially after spring rains.”

Termites: Termite colonies remain active during mild winters. “We’re already seeing signs of early swarms,” Smith notes. “And when termites swarm early, it often means they had a head start underground.”

Cockroaches: “Roaches love warmth and humidity, and they thrive when winter doesn’t drive them back. We’ve seen them in crawlspaces and basements all winter long,” says Smith.

Ticks and Fleas: Warmer conditions can extend the breeding season for ticks and fleas, putting both people and pets at risk.

Smith says insects and parasites die off naturally when the weather is cold but, if that reset button is not hit, pests will thrive and multiply.

Smith’s Grim Warning and Words of Advice

“By the time you start seeing pests in numbers, it’s usually the second or third generation. It’s not just one roach or mosquito  – it’s dozens or hundreds that were born weeks ago and have already laid eggs of their own,” is Smith’s grim warning.

However, residents can stop pests from turning summer into a nightmare by following the pest control expert’s advice.

Get Ahead of Mosquito Season by walking your property and draining off any standing water from gutters, birdbaths, and flowerpot trays,.

“Even a bottle cap full of water can breed mosquitoes,” says Smith.

Termite-Proof Early by looking for mud tubes along foundations or soft spots in wood. Also, do not allow mulch or wood to touch the siding.

Tidy Up the Yard – remember that fire ants and ticks love overgrown areas. Preventive action includes keeping lawn mowed, shrubs trimmed, and clearing away piles of debris.

Watch the Weather because rain provides a breeding ground for outbreaks of pests.

Don’t Skip Crawlspaces and Attics because, says Smith, roaches and rodents often hide in dark, humid spaces.

Smith reminds that while farms and wooded areas may seem more vulnerable, pests do not discriminate. “Urban neighborhoods have storm drains, standing water, and plenty of trash  – all prime breeding zones.”

Even high-rise buildings are not immune. “Roaches and rodents can travel through plumbing lines and walls. I’ve seen infestations on the tenth floor that started in the basement,” is his startling revelation.

In a final word of warning, Smith says that “just because you didn’t see pests in January doesn’t mean they weren’t there…they’ve been waiting, and now they’re ready.”