Warm Weather Trends Signal Potential Upswing in Disease-Carrying Pests

Chicago: A warm start to the winter combined with below-average temperatures and precipitation may force rodents into structures to seek shelter and water. 

Cleveland: With the second warmest December recorded this year, tick populations may extend their stay through the winter months and into spring if warm temperatures persist.    

Dallas: Unseasonably warm and wet winter months could lead to an increase in tick activity as overwintering adults remain active when temperatures remain above freezing. Meanwhile, increased rainfall could create more standing water, creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes into the spring. 

Florida: If Florida experiences a warmer and wetter spring statewide as predicted, these conditions could lead to a surge in mosquito and cockroach populations across a number of its major cities, making it a contender for the list. 

Grand Rapids: Warmer-than-usual weather and below-average precipitation are forecasted this spring. This means ticks may be more active on warmer days, and rodent activity may increase as they seek water in these drier conditions.   

Hartford: Above-average temperatures and precipitation will lead to more foliage and underbrush growth, providing ideal conditions for tick and rodent populations to persevere throughout winter.   

Indianapolis: A warm and dry winter that continues into spring may lead to an increase in rodent sightings as rats and mice will push their way indoors to seek water sources. 

Los Angeles: Mosquito populations could continue to thrive well into the winter months if warmer temperatures and above-average rainfall persist as forecasted. 

Raleigh: Following the wettest December on record, a rainy spring is on the horizon. This combo could result in a bump in tick populations as abundant rainfall encourages plant growth, providing ticks with more cover and opportunities to latch onto a host.   

Seattle: If unseasonably warm conditions persist, brace for sustained tick activity throughout the winter months. And, with spring forecasts calling for mild temperatures and increased rainfall, there's no relief in sight as tick populations could continue to increase.