Bug Alert: The Most Common Pests You Can Expect in 2026

With a new year, our team is preparing for new pest problems. Changes in the weather and even temperature fluctuations can impact how active pests are and how we have to approach our treatment. Plus, research centers and departments of agriculture are raising the flag on potential invasive pests in North Carolina.

The best way to avoid pest infestations is to stay informed about what to expect. We’ll go over the most common pests you can expect in the coming year and how we can help you ‌live pest-free!

Are Pests Becoming More Common?

You might feel like you’ve been seeing more pests in recent years than usual, and research supports this observation. With milder winters and longer summers, we are seeing a rise in pests across the nation, but especially in the Southeast. Mostly, this means there will be an increase in the most common pest problems already affecting North Carolina homeowners, but there may also be some new invasive pests you’ll have to deal with.

That being said, this isn’t an increase across the board. For example, 2026 is supposed to be a slow year for pests like cicadas. And we’ll still see the seasonal increases and decreases we’re used to. However, if you want to avoid the uptick in pest activity, now is the time to invest in recurring pest control to prevent infestations before they even start.

6 Most Common Pest Trends in 2026

So what are the most common pests in 2026? There are six pests we’re getting ready to treat more often. Some of these you may already be familiar with, but others are new, invasive species to our region that can cause serious ecological damage if not treated properly and quickly.

1. Ticks

Often, people feel like they can take a break from tick prevention as the colder winter months come in. However, we’re experiencing milder winters and, therefore, higher tick activity throughout the year. It’s important to stay vigilant against ticks as they can carry several diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF).

If you’re going outside, wear long pants and shirts as well as close-toed shoes (preferably boots) and socks. Once you come in, inspect your body for ticks and remove any you find safely. If you have pets or children, you’ll also want to inspect them for ticks.

2. Mosquitoes

Similar to ticks, mosquito activity is rising due to warmer temperatures year-round. These blood-suckers can also spread disease and are a general nuisance. One of the best ways to protect yourself from these pests is prevention. This includes:

Using bug spray when you’re outdoors for a long time
Removing or treating any still bodies of water in your yard (puddles, filled buckets, birdbaths, etc.)
Treating your home’s pool
Investing in professional mosquito treatment for your yard and home

3. Spotted Lanternfly

A growing invasive species in North Carolina is the spotted lanternfly. These pests are destructive to our natural ecosystem, especially to our agricultural and hardwood industries. They deplete the plants of their resources, weakening them and causing diseased trees and plants. Plus, they excrete a sticky substance when they feed, which can cause mold, further damaging the area they feed on.

If you see a spotted lanternfly, you should report it immediately to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. They have a form to fill out for sightings, so they can try to get rid of the pests before they become a bigger problem. You can recognize these pests from their black-spotted white and red wings.

4. Termites

A common problem we have each year is termites, and that trend is expected to continue in 2026. Termites can cause structural damage to homes as they eat wooden items, including furniture and structural beams. As we enter the summer months, we expect to see more termites, as this is when reproductive termites begin to form new colonies. If you suspect you have termites, you should call a professional immediately to prevent significant damage.

5. Spongy Moth

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has identified spongy moths as a problem pest in 2026. These moths can wreak havoc on our native trees, and their caterpillars are known to cause rashes to humans. The Department is making treatment plans to reduce their populations in our state to avoid ecological damage and risks to humans.

To avoid skin irritation, you can recognize their caterpillars by their fuzzy bodies with blue and red spotting, with the blue spots being close to their head and the red spots beginning almost halfway on their body.

6. Joro Spiders

While Joro spiders are becoming an invasive species in North Carolina, they pose little risk to humans, pets, or even the environment. Some scientists believe these spiders are simply “here to stay” in the Southeast. While their large size and bright coloring can be alarming, their bite is harmless to humans, and they are not aggressive pests.

No Matter the Pest Trends, Clint Miller Keeps Your Home Safe

At Clint Miller Exterminating, we’ve seen seasons of high pest activity and seasons of low pest activity. And through it all, we provide high-quality, effective pest control services to protect you and your home from infestations.

From emergency treatments to recurring pest packages, our team’s goal is a pest-free life for you. If you have concerns about what the 2026 pest season may bring, give us a call—we’d be happy to walk through your treatment options!