Pests by Region

The Southeast experiences some of the highest pest pressure in the continental United States due to its warm, humid climate and long growing seasons. Year-round mild temperatures allow many pest species to remain active even during winter months, with explosive population growth in spring and summer.

The Southwest's arid climate creates unique pest challenges, with many species adapted to extreme heat and dry conditions. Scorpions, bark scorpions in particular, are a signature concern alongside persistent termite and ant pressure. Monsoon rains trigger rapid pest population explosions during late summer.

The Northeast experiences distinct seasonal pest cycles driven by cold winters and warm, humid summers. While freezing temperatures reduce outdoor pest activity in winter, heated homes provide year-round harborage for cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs. The region faces growing tick-borne disease pressure and invasive species introductions through major port cities.

The Midwest combines agricultural and urban pest pressures with strongly seasonal activity patterns. Harsh winters drive massive fall migrations of pests indoors, while humid summers fuel rapid insect reproduction. The region is a hotspot for occasional invaders, structural pests, and field-associated rodents.

The West Coast spans a vast range of microclimates from the foggy Pacific Northwest to arid Southern California, creating diverse pest challenges. Drywood termites are a major structural concern in Southern California, while Argentine ants dominate urban landscapes from San Diego to San Francisco. Mild year-round temperatures mean many pest species never experience a true dormancy period.

The Mountain West's high elevation, dry climate, and wide temperature swings create a distinct pest profile. While overall pest pressure is lower than in more humid regions, rodents, spiders, and occasional invaders dominate service calls. Rapid suburban development into wildlife corridors has increased human-wildlife conflicts significantly.

The Gulf Coast faces relentless, year-round pest pressure fueled by subtropical heat, extreme humidity, and proximity to water. Formosan subterranean termites cause catastrophic structural damage, and the region supports the highest mosquito diversity in the country. Hurricanes and tropical storms create surges in pest activity by displacing colonies and flooding structures.

The Mid-Atlantic region experiences moderate to high pest pressure with clearly defined seasonal transitions. Dense suburban development and aging housing stock create ideal harborage for termites, cockroaches, and rodents. The region has become ground zero for the brown marmorated stink bug invasion and faces increasing tick-borne disease risks.

The Great Plains feature wide-open agricultural landscapes with extreme seasonal temperature swings that drive intense fall pest invasions. Low humidity reduces some pest pressure, but field-associated rodents, occasional invaders, and stinging insects remain significant concerns. Rural structures and grain storage facilities face unique pest challenges not seen in more urban regions.

The Pacific Northwest's cool, wet climate creates a unique pest environment dominated by moisture-loving species. Carpenter ants and dampwood termites thrive in the region's abundant rainfall and dense timber construction. While many heat-loving species are less prevalent here, the region faces growing challenges from invasive species and rodent pressure in urban centers.