Entomologists Warn of Increased Pest-Borne Disease Risks This Summer in 10 Major U.S. Cities

Summer 2026 Pest-Born Disease Risks

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has recently unveiled its Public Health Pest Index, a crucial biannual forecast highlighting U.S. metropolitan areas facing heightened risks of pest-borne diseases this coming summer. With emergency rooms reporting an uptick in tick bite cases and an increase in West Nile virus incidents, the findings paint a worrying picture for public health as the warm season approaches.

A Wake-Up Call

According to Dr. Jorge Parada, a medical advisor for NPMA specializing in infectious diseases, the current situation should serve as a serious wake-up call. "Increased pest pressure can directly lead to a rise in significant public health threats, such as Lyme disease from ticks and West Nile virus from mosquitoes, not to mention foodborne illnesses spread by cockroaches and rodents. These are legitimate risks, and acting early is crucial for safeguarding our health and communities," he warned.

Dr. Jim Fredericks, NPMA's senior vice president for public affairs, emphasized the atypical weather patterns affecting pest behavior this year. He cited that an unusually warm winter and spring are likely to exacerbate pest-related issues. "Public awareness and taking early action are our top priorities. The Public Health Pest Index helps residents understand these risks and allows them to prepare before issues escalate," he added.

Cities at Risk

The NPMA's report named ten U.S. cities that are particularly at risk this summer:

1. Albuquerque: Record warmth and an unusually dry start to the pest season may push cockroaches and scorpions closer to residential areas. Residents are advised to eliminate standing water sources around their properties.

2. Boston: A record winter thaw has led to a surge of moisture, giving rise to tick and rodent populations. Greater Boston residents should brace for increased pest activity, alongside heightened Lyme disease risks.

3. Cleveland: Above-average rainfall coupled with rising temperatures creates ideal conditions for disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes. It is crucial to take precautions outdoors to mitigate risks.

4. Dallas: The combination of hot and wet weather patterns may lead to a surge in flies and cockroaches, with mosquitoes also breeding in standing water from potential storms.

5. Denver: Consecutive months of record warmth are expected to catalyze a thriving pest season, with a notable increase in cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.

6. Las Vegas: An exceptionally hot spring may prompt cockroaches and rodents to seek shelter indoors, potentially leading to rapid population growth as temperatures rise.

7. Los Angeles: A rain-heavy winter followed by soaring temperatures could allow mosquito and fly populations to explode in Southern California.

8. Miami: Following a mild winter, conditions are ripe for mosquito, cockroach, and fly activity. Residents are cautioned to remove moisture sources around their properties.

9. New York: The transition from blizzard conditions to warmer temperatures has created excessive moisture that pests are quick to exploit, resulting in heightened pressures this summer.

10. Seattle: The ongoing heavy rainfall is likely to bolster both tick populations and standing water for mosquitoes. Residents should remain vigilant as these conditions persist.

Preventative Measures

To avert a surge in pest-related health risks, NPMA recommends immediate actions like eliminating standing water, maintaining vegetation, regularly inspecting and sealing building cracks, and storing food in pest-proof containers. When outdoors, using EPA-registered insect repellents and conducting thorough tick checks post-activity is also suggested.

Should infestations be suspected, it is advisable to engage professional pest control services for proper identification and resolution of the problem. To learn more about pest risks and actions for prevention, visit PestWorld.org.

About NPMA

Founded in 1933, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is a non-profit organization representing over 4,000 members and dedicated to safeguarding public health, food, and property from potential pest dangers. For further information, engage with them on various platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.