New Spring Pest Report uses forecasting and national data to predict increases in ants, rodents, roaches, spiders and wasps across many U.S. cities

A warmer-than-average winter across much of the United States could translate into a very busy pest season this spring. Aptive Pest Control is using insights from the Aptive Pest Activity Index™*, analyzing millions of pest data points across neighborhoods, migration activity and weather shifts, to help homeowners proactively stay ahead of pests.

Aptive’s 2026 Spring Pest Intelligence Report draws on this index, which uses proprietary data models to analyze customer interactions, field observations and environmental signals, to identify where pest activity is likely to increase and why, giving homeowners practical, data-driven insight to take a more proactive approach this season. The data shows pest activity is expected to rise compared with last year, particularly in parts of the West and Central U.S. that experienced milder winter conditions, with increases across all five major household pest categories, including ants, spiders, rodents, roaches and wasps*.

“Warmer winters allow more pests to survive and reproduce, which can lead to a noticeable jump in activity once spring arrives,” said Isaac Rockwell, Aptive’s entomologist and pest expert. “With milder temperatures, pest populations remain more active, meaning homeowners may start seeing increased activity earlier and in greater numbers.”

Locations with highest increases

While the trend is national, projected increases vary by region based on a combination of local pest behavior, environmental conditions and other factors, with several locations standing out in the report.

Allentown, Pennsylvania ranks first for both ants and spiders, with activity expected to increase significantly in each category*.

Tampa, Florida appears in the top ten across all five pest categories and leads the country for rodents*, driven not only by seasonal weather patterns but also by local conditions and pest population dynamics.

Further south, San Antonio, Texas tops the list for wasp activity, with forecasts pointing to a substantial rise, while Orange County, California leads the nation for cockroaches*, reflecting conditions in regions that experienced milder winters.

The report also highlights several regional patterns:

The Pacific Northwest shows some of the country’s largest projected increases in rodent activity*, influenced by a mix of environmental conditions, urban density and seasonal pest behavior patterns.

California cities dominate the cockroach rankings, with five of the top six spots. Texas and Florida appear frequently in the top wasp forecasts*, with increases most pronounced in regions where warmer conditions supported pest survival and activity.

What homeowners should know

Rockwell says one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make each spring is waiting to take action until pests are already visible inside the home.

“By the time you notice a pest indoors, there’s often already a larger population nearby,” he said. “The winter and spring seasons are really the window when preventative steps can make the biggest difference.”

Simple measures such as sealing cracks around doors and windows, clearing debris from the yard and removing standing water can help make homes less attractive to pests. Scheduling proactive pest control treatments early in the season may also help reduce the chance of infestations later in the year.

As pest activity begins to rise in many parts of the country, the report is intended to help homeowners understand what may be coming this season and take steps to prepare before pest populations peak.

About Aptive’s 2026 Spring Pest Report

Aptive’s Spring Pest Report analyzes year-over-year pest activity across hundreds of U.S. cities using proprietary service data, historical trends and weather patterns to forecast seasonal pest activity. The report aims to help homeowners understand what to expect each spring and how to prepare before pest activity peaks.

About Aptive: Intelligent Pest Control^TM

Aptive: Intelligent Pest Control™ provides pest control services to customers in 36 states across the US. The future of pest control isn’t force, it’s foresight. By analyzing pest habits, patterns and weather shifts, Aptive tailors treatment plans to address issues before they become larger problems. Instead of reacting to infestations, Aptive predicts, prevents and protects, helping homeowners stay one step ahead. It’s not just about eliminating pests, it’s about out-thinking them and delivering lasting peace of mind. Aptive is also a proud member of the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program and has partnered with the United Nations Foundation’s “United to Beat Malaria” to help stop the spread of malaria transmitted by mosquito bites. To learn more, visit www.AptivePestControl.com or find the company on Facebook (@AptivePestControl), X (@Go_Aptive), Instagram (@Aptive.PestControl) or LinkedIn (@AptiveEnvironmental).

*The Aptive Pest Activity Index™ provides pest activity trend analysis based on Aptive’s proprietary data models. All predictions and forecasts are estimates based on customer reports, environmental data, trends, field observations and historical patterns.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402724999/en/