Bug Barometer 2025: What Oklahoma & Arkansas Can Expect This Spring and Summer

The National Pest Management Association’s Bug Barometer® for Spring and Summer 2025 points to a sharp rise in pest activity across the South Central U.S., including Oklahoma and Arkansas. Following an unpredictable winter and early spring — with periods of heavy rain, warm snaps, and moisture-retaining conditions — pest pressures are expected to begin earlier and last longer than usual.

In particular you can expect:

• Mosquito populations will likely expand rapidly, fueled by spring rainfall and standing water.
• Ants and cockroaches will increasingly seek indoor shelter as summer heat dries out the environment.
• Ticks could emerge sooner than expected due to early warmth and dense vegetation.
• Stinging insects may become more active and aggressive by mid to late summer.

What to Expect from Specific Pests in 2025

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are set to become a major nuisance early in the season. Spring rainfall leaves behind small reservoirs of stagnant water — ideal breeding grounds for mosquito larvae. As temperatures rise, adult mosquitoes will become more active, especially during dawn and dusk hours.

• Common habitats: Bird baths, clogged gutters, plant saucers, and low-lying areas in the lawn.
• Health risks: West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are concerns during peak activity months.
• Outlook: Early onset, higher volume, and prolonged presence into late summer.

Ants

Warm, wet conditions followed by dry spells create ideal conditions for ants to forage and form large colonies. By summer, many species — especially odorous house ants and fire ants — are expected to move indoors in search of moisture and food.

• Common entry points: Cracks in foundations, gaps in window and door seals, utility line access points.
• Behavior: Large indoor infestations and persistent outdoor mounds in yards and driveways.
• Outlook: Persistent, especially during drought-like heatwaves.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches, particularly American and German species, will migrate indoors during hot, dry conditions. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are particularly vulnerable to infestation once outdoor sources of moisture dry up.

• Health concerns: Known carriers of bacteria and allergens, triggering asthma in sensitive individuals.
• Signs of infestation: Droppings, egg casings, and musty odors in hidden areas.
• Outlook: Higher indoor pressure beginning in early summer, especially in urban and older homes.

Ticks

Early spring warmth and abundant vegetation will lead to increased tick activity, especially in wooded, shaded, or overgrown areas. Pets and humans alike are at risk of encountering ticks during outdoor activities.

• Habitat: Tall grass, leaf litter, brush piles, woodlines, and fence lines.
• Risks: Can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Outlook: Early emergence and widespread presence through late summer.

Stinging Insects

Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets build nests in eaves, wall voids, trees, and shrubs. As their colonies grow throughout the summer, they become more defensive and more likely to sting.

• Danger zones: Under decks, roof overhangs, and near outdoor gathering areas.
• Risks: Painful stings and allergic reactions, especially late in the season.
• Outlook: Heightened activity from mid-summer into early fall.

What You Can Do Now

Proactive steps now can reduce pest encounters as the season progresses:

• Eliminate standing water: Check buckets, planters, toys, and lawn depressions weekly.
• Seal access points: Caulk gaps, fix screens, and weather-strip doors.
• Reduce overgrowth: Keep grass mowed, prune shrubs, and remove leaf litter or woodpiles.
• Inspect outdoor structures: Look for early signs of wasp nests, ant mounds, or roach activity near entry points.
• Schedule early treatment: Preventative pest control is more effective than reacting after a major infestation.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for an Infestation

This year’s pest forecast for Oklahoma and Arkansas is clear: expect an earlier start, longer season, and more aggressive activity from common pests. Mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and cockroaches pose not just a nuisance but real health and safety concerns.

DIY methods can help with short-term issues but often fail to address root causes or provide long-term relief. A licensed pest control professional like our team here at Allstate Termite & Pest Solutions can help:

• Identify pest activity early
• Target the specific species affecting your home or business
• Apply safe, effective treatments based on local conditions and your property’s needs

Now is the time to act. Don’t let a manageable problem turn into a costly infestation. Reach out today for a seasonal pest inspection or customized treatment plan.