Why Kansas City Will See More Pest Problems in 2025
Over the past few years, Kansas City has experienced drought conditions, but 2024 and 2025 are bringing significantly more moisture. While this shift is great for lawns and gardens, it creates the perfect storm for increased pest activity. With above-average snowfall and higher-than-normal rainfall, conditions are ideal for pests to thrive. Here’s what to expect and how to stay ahead of potential infestations.
1. More Moisture Means More Mosquitoes
One of the biggest consequences of increased rainfall and snowfall melt is standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. With more moisture than in recent years, residents can expect a surge in mosquito populations. These pests aren’t just annoying—they can carry diseases like West Nile virus. To reduce mosquito activity, eliminate standing water around your home and consider professional treatments for long-term control.
2. Termites and Ants Thrive in Damp Conditions
Moisture-softened wood and damp soil, exacerbated by heavy snowmelt and rain, create prime conditions for termites and ants to expand their colonies. Termites, in particular, are a major concern, as they can cause costly structural damage before homeowners even realize they have an infestation. Annual termite inspections and preventive treatments will be more crucial than ever this year.
3. Rodents Seeking Shelter Indoors
Heavy rains and melting snow can flood rodent burrows, forcing mice and rats to seek shelter indoors. Increased rodent activity means more potential damage to insulation, wiring, and food supplies. Preventative measures like sealing entry points and maintaining a clean environment can help reduce the risk of infestations.
4. Fleas and Ticks Will Have a Longer Season
Warmer temperatures combined with high humidity from increased precipitation create the perfect environment for fleas and ticks to thrive. This puts pets and their owners at higher risk of bites and disease transmission. Regular pet treatments and lawn treatments will be key to keeping these pests under control.
5. Higher Risk of Cockroach Infestations
Cockroaches love moisture, and with increased snowfall and rainfall, they’ll be more likely to invade homes and businesses looking for food and shelter. These pests are known for spreading bacteria and triggering allergies, making them a serious health concern. Regular pest control maintenance can help prevent infestations before they start.
6. Bed Bugs and Increased Travel
The cold winter months mean that bed bugs’ primary food source—humans—are staying indoors in one place, reducing their movement. However, as the weather warms up, people will start traveling, visiting public places, and going out on the town more frequently. This increased activity gives bed bugs the perfect opportunity to hitchhike on clothing, luggage, and furniture, spreading infestations across our community. To prevent bed bug issues, inspect hotel rooms, wash clothing after travel, be careful at places you sit for 30 minutes or more, and seek professional pest control if signs of an infestation appear.
What Can You Do?
With increased moisture from both snowfall and rainfall driving pest populations up, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to protect your home or business. Here are a few tips:
Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.
Seal up entry points to prevent rodents and other pests from getting inside.
Set up preventative termite protection to detect and prevent costly damage.
Use flea and tick prevention for pets and outdoor spaces.
Be mindful of bed bugs while traveling and inspect your belongings.
Consider ongoing pest control services to keep issues in check before they become major problems.
At Local Guy Pest Control, we’re ready to help Blue Springs, Gain Valley, Pleasant Hill, and Kansas City residents stay pest-free, no matter what the weather brings. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or treatment!