California’s mild winter sets the stage for a ‘perfect storm’ of summer pests

California’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,” said 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 California this past winter — and fewer hard freezes than normal  — the conditions were ideal for pests like termites, mosquitoes, fire ants, 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.”

California’s top pest threats for summer 2025
This year, Smith said California homeowners should brace for a range of unwanted guests.

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

Termites
Mild winters allow termite colonies to stay active. “We’re already seeing signs of early swarms,” Smith noted. “And when termites swarm early, it often means they had a head start underground.

Fire ants
With fewer soil freezes to suppress colonies, Smith warns of widespread mounds by mid-summer. “These guys can rebuild fast, and they’re aggressive.”

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,” said 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 said 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 explained. “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. 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
Get ahead of mosquito season
“Walk your property and drain any standing water — gutters, birdbaths, flowerpot trays,” Smith said “Even a bottle cap full of water can breed mosquitoes.”

 Termite-proof early
“Spring is the perfect time for a termite inspection,” Smith advised. “Look for mud tubes along foundations or soft spots in wood. And don’t let mulch or wood touch the siding.”

Tidy up the yard
Fire ants and ticks love overgrown areas.

“Keep your lawn mowed, trim shrubs, and clear debris piles,” Smith said. “It removes hiding spots and nesting grounds.”

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 said.

Don’t skip crawlspaces and attics
“Roaches and rodents often hide in dark, humid spaces,” Smith warned. “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 said pests don’t discriminate.

“Cities are just as at risk,” he noted. “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 10th 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 California’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 said. “They’ve been waiting — and now they’re ready.”

He encourages California homeowners to act early.

“Pest control is a lot easier when you catch issues at the start,” Smith added. “Wait too long, and it becomes a battle.”

Smith’s Pest Management, Special to LassenNews.com