SCORES & OUTDOORS: Mild winter sets the stage for “perfect storm” of summer pests, expert warns

by Roland D. Hallee

This week, this tidbit came in my email inbox. According to Smith’s Pest Management, be ready for a summer invasion of pests in Maine, following the state’s mild winter.

Maine’s mild winter may have been a welcome break from the cold, but according to one pest expert, it came with a hidden cost: a likely explosion in warm-weather pests this summer.

“We didn’t get the sustained cold snaps that normally help knock back insect populations,” says Zachary Smith, pest control expert and founder of Smith’s Pest Management. “That means more bugs survived the winter – and they’re going to come back with a vengeance.”

With above-average temperatures recorded across much of Maine this past winter – and fewer hard freezes than normal – the conditions were ideal for pests like mosquitoes and even cockroaches to overwinter and remain active beneath the surface.

“Winter is nature’s pest control,” Smith explains. “But when it’s too warm for too long, pests that would normally die off or go dormant just keep breeding. That sets the stage for bigger infestations come spring and summer.”

This year, Smith says Maine homeowners should brace for a range of unwanted guests:

Mosquitoes: “They need standing water and warmth – and we’ve already had both,” Smith says. “Expect them to appear earlier and in higher numbers than usual, especially after spring rains.”

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.

Mild Winters: Why They Matter More Than We Think

Many homeowners associate pest problems with hot, muggy summer days, but Smith says what happens in winter often determines what’s crawling around by July.

“Insects and parasites have natural die-off cycles when it’s cold,” he explains. “When that reset button doesn’t get hit, you’re essentially starting the year with a full roster of pests ready to multiply.”

“By the time you start seeing pests in numbers, it’s usually the second or third generation,” Smith says. “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.”

What Homeowners Can Do to Fight Back

The good news? With the right steps, homeowners can prevent pests from turning summer into a nightmare. Smith offers this advice:

1. Get Ahead of Mosquito Season.

“Walk your property and drain any standing water – gutters, birdbaths, flowerpot trays,” Smith says. “Even a bottle cap full of water can breed mosquitoes.”

2. Tidy Up the Yard.

Ticks love overgrown areas. “Keep your lawn mowed, trim shrubs, and clear debris piles,” Smith says. “It removes hiding spots and nesting grounds.”

3. Watch the Weather.

Warm, wet weeks are a breeding ground for pest outbreaks. “After a heavy rain, monitor for new ant mounds, insect swarms, or an uptick in mosquitoes,” he says.

4. Don’t Skip Crawlspaces and Attics

“Roaches and rodents often hide in dark, humid spaces,” Smith warns. “Do a quick check or call a pro to inspect those hard-to-reach spots.”

Urban and Rural Areas Equally at Risk

While farms and wooded areas may seem more vulnerable, Smith says pests don’t discriminate. “Cities are just as at risk,” he notes. “Urban neighborhoods have storm drains, standing water, and plenty of trash – all prime breeding zones.”

Even high-rises aren’t immune. “Roaches and rodents can travel through plumbing lines and walls. I’ve seen infestations on the tenth floor that started in the basement.”

A Mild Winter Doesn’t Mean a Mild Summer

If there’s one message Smith wants to get across, it’s that Maine’s easy winter shouldn’t lead to a false sense of security.

“Just because you didn’t see pests in January doesn’t mean they weren’t there,” he says. “They’ve been waiting – and now they’re ready.”

He encourages Maine homeowners to act early. “Pest control is a lot easier when you catch issues at the start,” Smith adds. “Wait too long, and it becomes a battle.”

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

In 2018, which former Red Sox outfielder was the first person eliminated on the TV show Dancing With the Stars?