Bugs are Back in Minnesota Bringing a High Risk Tick Season

Walking out the door this morning to take the dog out, I had the porch light on and for the first time in months there were a bunch of bugs swarming around the light.  I just though great - well, Spring has sprung bringing with it bug season.

Get our free mobile app

COULD THIS YEAR BE ONE OF THE WORST ONES FOR PESTS

I had heard that this year could be one of the worst years for mosquitos and ticks. Definitely something to watch out for since it seems that lately the diseases that they can bring have been getting more prevalent.

As I did some research to find out what the issue with ticks this year and why they are expected to be worse than normal, I found that it's because of the warmer climate that we have been experiencing overall.

Based on trends observed by MMCD Tick Specialist Janet Jarnefeld, nymphal deer ticks may have a higher prevalence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in 2026. Ticks have a three year life cycle from egg to larva to nymph to adult. The nymphs peak in May and June when they emerge after overwintering. Jarnefeld reports that the trend of larval tick activity has been pushing to later in the fall, which would mean a higher prevalence of infected nymphal deer ticks the following spring.

That is not great news if you have some concern regarding ticks.  Always wear some sort of bug spray and wear light clothing so they are much easier to spot.

The mosquito outlook is just as ominous.

The beginning of the season doesn't seem too bad.  There have been some mosquito sightings when we have had those warmer days.  But the actual surge is expected to be mid-summer.

In 2025 we had very few spring mosquitoes thanks to a dry February through April and Dr. Larson estimates that may be the case again in 2026. Significant rainfall in April could change that estimate, however, especially if it causes the river levels to rise significantly. With much of the snow melted, river levels are mostly considered at Medium depth throughout the metro area according to the Minnesota DNR. Again, spring rain could change things, but currently MMCD Black Fly Specialist Carey LaMere is predicting average numbers of black flies (biting gnats) to start the year.

JUST KNOW HOW TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AND MAYBE SPRAY FOR UNWANTED PESTS

It might be a good idea to hire some sort of mosquito and tick protection.  We did do that one year, and they came out to spray for mosquitos and ticks and it helped so much.  The good thing is that there are several companies out there that use all natural protection.  That gives us so many less worries regarding kids and pets in the yard.  It does what it needs to do without worry of harmful agents for other things.

It's still a good thing that we are moving into the warmer part of the year.  Start planning some outdoor gatherings and hopefully the weather will cooperate.