See the "Bug Barometer" for Midwest bug predictions...

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Summertime is not so far away now, and while it means lots of long days spent at the beach or pool, it also means bugs are back out. According to PopSci, The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has released its annual forecast for how bad pests might get this spring and summer, and the news is not so great.

Since most of the country experienced a mild and wet winter it could give bug populations a big boost. Jim Fredericks, chief entomologist for the NPMA explains that temperature plays a role, as insects are "cold-blooded" and tend to become more active as the weather gets warmer. Additionally, excess rainfall can create plenty of standing water where insects like mosquitoes can lay their eggs. The mild winter also makes it likely that more bugs survived than usual.

Midwest: Early Termite Swarms/Mosquitos Increased

Winter Recap: Wetter than average weather with record-breaking warm December.

Prediction:  Warmer weather can jump-start and and tick activity.  This is in addition to the premature mosquito population increase already occuring.

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