Warm Weather Means Pests Won't Be Going Away Just Yet, Local Expert Warns

Yonkers, NY, October 9, 2025 – As temperatures remain unseasonably mild across the region, Suburban Pest Control is urging homeowners and property managers in Westchester County, Rockland County, and New York City to remain vigilant. According to the National Pest Management Association's latest Bug Barometer® forecast, warmer-than-normal weather could prolong insect and rodent activity well into fall and even early winter. (PestWorld)

"This fall and winter, our region is especially vulnerable to insects like ants and mosquitoes—and yes, even ticks," says Tim Best, board certified entomologist with Suburban Pest Control. "With mild nights and fewer hard freezes, pests have more opportunity to thrive longer than they normally would."

Pest Pressure: What's Likely in Our Backyards

• Ants and cockroaches may linger in and around homes, taking advantage of warm indoor conditions.
• Mosquitoes, if not yet dormant, could continue to pose a nuisance and even health risk in wet or shaded pockets.
• Ticks may remain active later into the season, increasing the window for tick-borne illnesses.
• As cooler weather finally settles in, rodents often begin moving indoors seeking warmth and food.

The Bug Barometer report cautions that a delay in freezing temperatures gives pests a longer "season" to forage, reproduce, and reestablish populations. (PestWorld) In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region—including New York—extended pest activity is a real possibility. (PestWorld)

Local Tips from a Local Expert

Tim Best, BCE, offers homeowners these practical suggestions:

1. Seal entry points — Check for gaps around doors, windows, pipes, vents, and the foundation.
2. Reduce standing moisture — Watch for leaks, clogged gutters, and excess water in planters or low spots.
3. Trim vegetation away from structures — Limbs and shrubs touching walls provide "bridges" for pests.
4. Declutter and clean — Give pests fewer hiding places (wood piles, debris, leaf litter).
5. Be proactive—don't wait until you see pests — Early inspections and proactive treatments can catch problems before they escalate.

"If you spot signs like ant trails, rodent droppings, or mosquito breeding sites, don't wait," Best warns. "Early intervention is always easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation in mid-winter."