The National Pest Management Association warns of a challenging season for pests that transmit diseases nationwide.

/PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its Public Health Pest Index, a biannual forecast identifying U.S. metropolitan areas most at risk for disease-spreading pest surges through late spring and summer. This key report arrives as emergency rooms see the highest weekly tick bite cases since 2017, alongside climbing mosquito-transmitted West Nile virus infections.

"Current patterns serve as a clear alert," stated Dr. Jorge Parada, NPMA medical advisor specializing in infectious diseases. "Growing pest activity can spark serious health dangers, including Lyme disease via ticks, West Nile virus from mosquitoes, and foodborne issues like salmonellosis from cockroaches and rodents. These threats are genuine, and prompt preventive measures can better shield our health and neighborhoods."

"Erratic weather patterns this year signal a particularly intense pest season," noted Dr. Jim Fredericks, NPMA senior vice president of public affairs. "That's why raising awareness and acting early is crucial. We developed the Public Health Pest Index to inform the public about risks and encourage proactive steps before pests escalate."

The top U.S. cities* on NPMA's Public Health Pest Index are:

Albuquerque: Extreme early heat and unusual dryness may drive cockroaches and scorpions toward homes and neighborhoods seeking water sources. Homeowners should remove standing water around properties to deter these pests amid rising summer temperatures.
Boston: Record winter snowmelt has created excess moisture, boosting thick vegetation that shelters ticks and provides foraging for rodents. Greater Boston residents should prepare for higher activity from these pests, raising chances of Lyme disease and rodent-related illnesses.
Cleveland: Higher-than-normal rain plus warming temperatures foster perfect breeding grounds for ticks and mosquitoes, both linked to grave diseases. Locals should adopt frequent outdoor precautions this season to guard against these vectors.
Dallas: Hot, wet conditions could spark outbreaks of flies and cockroaches across the Metroplex. Ongoing storms and floods might also breed mosquitoes in leftover water, heightening summer disease risks from pests.
Denver: Back-to-back record warm months may accelerate the pest season, favoring cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, and ticks in the warm, moist environment.
Las Vegas: Exceptionally hot spring weather could push cockroaches, rodents, and scorpions inside for water and relief. Approaching summer heat may speed breeding and population growth.
Los Angeles: Wet winter closeout followed by extreme heat sets the stage for rapid mosquito, fly, and cockroach proliferation. Persistent high temperatures in Southern California will likely sustain rising pest threats into summer.
Miami: Mild winter led into warm, rainy early spring ideal for mosquitoes, cockroaches, and flies. South Florida's humidity will prolong activity, so eliminate property moisture to curb growth.
New York: Quick change from blizzards to warm spells left surplus moisture for ticks, rodents, and mosquitoes to exploit. Continued damp warmth could accelerate pest surges.
Seattle: Abundant rain promotes lush growth for ticks and pools for mosquito larvae. Stay vigilant for upticks in these pests during the ongoing wet period.

*Listed in alphabetical order, not numeric ranking.

To safeguard families from growing pest-related health risks, NPMA advises swift steps: clear standing water, trim grass and shrubs to limit hiding spots, seal foundation cracks, and use airtight food storage. Outdoors, apply EPA-approved repellents like DEET and perform tick inspections post-activities.

For suspected infestations, consult licensed pest control experts for accurate identification and treatment. Learn more about pests and their dangers at PestWorld.org.

About the National Pest Management Association

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), a nonprofit with over 4,000 members founded in 1933, advances the pest management sector's role in defending public health, food, and property against pest threats. For details, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube, and @PestWorldOfficial on Instagram.

SOURCE National Pest Management Association