1. Grubs

“Grubs are a common term for beetle larvae and could describe a range of beetle pests, including Japanese Beetles and June Beetles,” Crumbley says. “These pests are chunky, soft-bodied, and usually pale or white with a brown or dark colored head.”

You’re most likely to spot grubs crawling around in your yard, within the top layer of soil. Beetle eggs are first laid during the fall—grubs will then burrow deep into the ground until winter is over. Spring is when you’ll start to see grubs emerge; this is also when they’ll wreak the most havoc on your garden.

“Grubs are significant—especially for home gardeners—as they feed on the plant root, causing it to receive less water and nutrients from the soil and ultimately wilt and die,” Crumbley says. “This can leave large bald patches in grass lawns.” She notes that grubs are most active from March to May, and then again from August to October.

How to Stop Them

Prevent grubs from taking over your yard this spring by adjusting your watering schedule.

“Grubs thrive in moist, well-irrigated soil, making it important to regularly evaluate your lawn’s irrigation,” Crumbley says. She adds that it’s important to avoid overwatering and that any areas of your yard prone to flooding or water pooling should be addressed before spring.

2. Mosquitoes

Everyone’s least favorite pest is shaping up to be a major player in 2026. “Extreme weather events in late 2025 and early 2026, namely snowstorms and high precipitation, have added more moisture to the environment and cleared new spaces for watersheds to establish,” Crumbley says. “Combined with above-average soil temperatures, particularly in Eastern and Central regions where the ground has not remained consistently frozen, conditions are ideal for mosquito populations to rebound.”

While the peak season for mosquitoes is June through August, you’ll likely see them become active as soon as the ground temperature starts warming up to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Stop Them

Thankfully, preventing a major mosquito infestation is simple. "Start by eliminating any standing water or ambient moisture left behind from winter,” Crumbley says. Examples included flooded areas in your yard, snow piles that haven’t melted, or water trapped in clogged gutters or downspouts.” The goal is to remove any kind of stagnant water from your yard, as still water is where mosquitoes breed."

3. Subterranean Termites

“The termite homeowners should be most concerned about in 2026 is the subterranean termite,” Crumbley says. “These destructive pests infest from underground where they seek out and feed on exposed wood within the soil."

While subterranean termites are less active in winter, they become a major issue as soon as warm weather returns. If your region has been having an especially warm winter this year, this means that subterranean termites will only become more active in spring.

How to Stop Them

“Surveillance and prevention are key to detecting an infestation and controlling it early before it gets out of hand,” Crumbley says. “Subterranean termites enter through small foundation cracks or by infesting wood in direct contact with the soil and often leave behind mud tubes. Homeowners should regularly inspect basements, crawl spaces, garages, and other subterranean areas for signs of infestation.”

For remodel projects, Crumbley also recommends using pressure-treated wood or non-wood alternatives to avoid attracting termites. If you do see termites in your home, that’s a sign of a full-blown infestation. Because of the extensive damage termites can cause—much of which may be hidden within the foundation of your home—it’s important to call in a professional right away if you suspect a termite infestation. These pests cannot be addressed on your own, but regular home inspections can help prevent future infestations.

4. Spotted Lanternflies

These invasive pests entered the U.S. just 12 years ago and have since infested 21 states. “As we move into 2026, homeowners should be aware that if spotted lanternflies aren’t in their state yet, it may be only a matter of time,” Crumbley warns.

“Measuring 1-1.5 inches long and identified by their chunky black bodies with bright red wings, these pests are polyphagous herbivores that can feed on over 103 plant and tree species, including fruit trees and fruiting vines. They also tend to cluster on the vegetation they infest, leading to swarms and dense populations in localized areas, which can intensify damage,” Crumbley explains.

You may spot them beginning in May, but their peak season runs from July to October. If you see spotted lanternflies in your area, Crumbley advises you to make a report to your local government so that they can help you control these pests. Should you find one in your home or yard, the USDA asks that you kill it immediately. This includes spotted lanternfly eggs, nymphs, and adults.

How to Stop Them

“To prevent accidental invasions, seal unwanted entry points and consider adding a mesh or screen to open doors and windows. To protect susceptible plants from spotted lanternfly damage, consider adding nets, mesh, or tarps to cover plants during peak seasons,” Crumbley says.

She also adds that you can also call in professionals to help deal with spotted lanternfly infestations.

5. Exotic Fruit Flies

“In 2025, a new invasive insect began making waves in California. For the first time in years, over a hundred separate fruit fly invasions were detected by the USDA,” says Crumbley.

“Unlike the tiny fruit flies we’re used to seeing hovering around fruit bowls or flying around kitchens, exotic fruit flies are large, colorful, and a massive agricultural threat in the United States,” Crumbley explains. “The USDA APHIS claims that exotic fruit flies can host over 400 different types of major crops, from plants in your backyard garden to crops important for many agricultural industries. Heading into 2026, it’s important to keep an eye out for these pests, especially during peak travel times like spring and summer.”

How to Stop Them

In 2026, it’s important that you do your part to avoid accidentally bringing any unwanted pests into the U.S. When traveling internationally, always declare produce and organic items for inspection. Additionally, any exotic fruit fly activity should be reported to the government.

“If you suspect exotic fruit flies in or around your home, take photos, capture them when possible, and report them to your local extension agency or state’s Department of Agriculture or Natural Resources,” Crumbley advises.

Good News for Cicada Haters

There is one piece of fantastic pest-related news that homeowners have to look forward to in 2026: a quiet, cicada-free summer. After the last couple of years of periodical cicada activity, this year brings a pleasant break from periodical brood activity. Expect to see annual cicadas emerge as usual in June, sticking around until September. But compared to the massive broods that have plagued the eastern U.S. over the past few summers, we’ll take annual cicadas any day.