Is it Just Me, or Are Pests Getting Bigger?

Posted by Mosquito Squad

May 14, 2025

Is it Just Me, or Are Pests Getting Bigger?

As if outdoor pests are not enough of a problem, could they be growing bigger now too?

Throughout Western IL and the East St. Louis Metro, folks are asking – “Are these spiders getting bigger?” And honestly, who really wants to even consider gigantic bugs invading our yards and homes. Isn’t it stressful enough for us to know they’re out there already? There are a number of explanations concerning reports of bigger pests, and Mosquito Squad of St. Louis Metro East has the goods.

Different Pest Species Are Moving into Our Region

Climate change has slowly but surely resulted in milder winters and longer periods of warm weather. This has given way to pest species that might not have been in Missouri and Illinois before. For instance, the Asian tiger mosquito is bigger than other species, at 7mm to 8mm in length, and in recent years they have expanded their territory across Missouri. So, we are perhaps not seeing growth in mosquitoes themselves, but rather we are witnessing new, bigger mosquito species in our backyards. Either way – this is bad news! After all Asian tiger mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of diseases, like West Nile virus and dengue!

Seeing More Adult Pests Could Make It Seem Like They’re Growing

Adult pests, like spiders and ticks, are making their way closer to our homes. The sheer amount of pest populations due to longer periods of seasonal warmth is bound to result in adults coming by our private spaces in search of sustenance and hiding spaces, where they can make their habitats. This is especially true in late autumn, as adult pests are trying to get close to and inside your home for overwintering.

Anecdotally, Folks Say Pests Are Bigger – And They Might Be Right!

Climate change, as stated above, is responsible for growing populations and expanding pest territories. Well, this would not be happening if pests were not able to survive and thrive in the areas they are moving into. Spiders, for instance, could acquire bigger meals for longer periods of time each year because the weather is warmer and spring seasons are wetter. These things bode well for gnats and mosquitoes, and these are spider food sources. Whether the more plentiful food sources is actually making spiders and other pests grow in size is yet to be seen, but it seems like a rational answer.