Stay one step ahead of pests with the 2025 pest forecast

Stay one step ahead of pests with these 2025 pest predictions

As temperatures rise, so does pest activity. While bees and ants are common warm-weather visitors, they’re far from the only insects active. Some insects are seasonal staples, while others emerge periodically or spread to new areas, making pest activity slightly different each year.

From invasive species expanding their range to insects emerging after years of lurking underground, there are some pests to watch for in 2025. Whether they’re fluttering, buzzing, or burrowing, here’s what you might see more of this year, why they’re emerging, and what to do when you see them.

14th Generation Cicadas

With cicadas’ unusual life cycle, one can’t help but wonder when they’ll return. It turns out that cicadas are visible in 2025.

If you live in the eastern United States, be prepared for a sound—the 14th generation of cicadas has returned to the earth after 17 years of lurking underground. These insects are about 1-2 inches long and are easily recognizable by their black bodies, red eyes, and translucent wings.

Millions of cicadas emerge from the ground, emitting loud mating calls. While the sound may be unbearable, it’s a sign of a rare natural event. Cicadas don’t bite or sting, and while they may look scary, they are harmless to humans and pets.

Cicadas play an important ecological role, aerating the soil when they emerge from the ground and providing food for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. However, they lay eggs on tree branches, so if you’ve recently planted young trees, consider covering them with netting to protect them.

Asian Tiger Mosquito

With its black body and white stripes, the Asian tiger mosquito is one of the most striking mosquitoes you can encounter. Unfortunately, its beauty comes with a bite—literally.

Native to Southeast Asia, the Asian tiger mosquito has spread across the United States due to global trade and a warming climate. While these mosquitoes can carry disease, the biggest concern in most areas is avoiding itchy bites. Unlike most mosquitoes that emerge at dusk, this one also comes out during the day, making it a stubborn pest.

To repel Asian tiger mosquitoes, remove standing water from flower pots, gutters, and birdbaths, as these are common breeding sites. Using insect repellent and wearing light-colored clothing will also help reduce the chances of an Asian tiger mosquito landing on you.

Spotted Lanternfly

Scientists have been keeping an eye on this bug lately, but it’s not for the best of intentions.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that was introduced to the U.S. in 2014 and has been growing in numbers ever since. They prefer habitats rich in hardwood trees and vineyards, and so far, they’ve been found primarily on the East Coast.

The problem with spotted lanternflies is their appetite. These eye-catching bugs pierce the bark of trees with sharp mouthparts to feed on sap, which can weaken trees and plants over time. They leave behind honeydew after they’re done eating, a substance that causes fungi to grow on host plants.

If you’re a gardener or homeowner, you’re unlikely to see significant damage to your plants unless there are large numbers of spotted lanternflies nearby. But if you do see one near your home, it’s a good idea to take a photo and report it to your local agricultural office. Keep an eye out for bugs with gray wings and black spots, as well as red, black, and white underwings.

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Another bug known for damaging trees is the Asian longhorned beetle. These insects are easily identified by their shiny black bodies and long black and white antennae. As the name suggests, this beetle is an invasive species from Asia and can often be found on trees such as maple, elm, and birch.

Asian longhorned beetles leave their mark by boring into trees to lay their eggs. Over time, this weakens and kills trees. While their impact on forests can be significant, they are not a direct threat to humans or animals.

Thankfully, several states have eradicated these invasive pests, but they are still spreading in states such as New York and Ohio. If you find Asian longhorned beetles in your woods, do not take any wood or lumber with you. This could cause the beetles to spread to new locations, such as your backyard.

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