Spring in Southeast NC: The Buzz and Slither are Back in Brunswick and Columbus Counties

BOLIVIA & WHITEVILLE, NC — As the azaleas hit their peak across Brunswick and Columbus counties, the 2026 spring season is bringing more than just pollen to our doorsteps. Local experts and recent reports from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) suggest that the warm, wet winter has paved the way for an early and robust “bug boom” throughout our coastal and inland communities.

From the sandy soils of Southport to the farmlands of Chadbourn, here is what residents should be watching for as the temperatures consistently climb past the 60°F mark.

The 2026 “Bug Boom”: Earlier and Hungrier

Pest control professionals in the region are already reporting an uptick in calls—weeks earlier than the typical peak.

The Mosquito Surge: In wetter areas like Green Swamp and the lowlands of Columbus County, mosquito larvae are already maturing. Homeowners are encouraged to tip over any standing water – even a bottlecap’s worth to prevent breeding.
Asian Needle Ants: Keep an eye out for these invasive pests in local neighborhoods. Unlike common house ants, these have a painful sting and are becoming increasingly common in our regional landscape.
The Palmetto Bug Migration: With the recent heavy rains, the large American Cockroach (locals fondly call them Palmetto bug) is moving out of the damp pine straw and seeking the dry shelter of crawlspaces and garages.

Snake Season: The “Five-Step” Rule

As we spend more time clearing brush and prepping gardens, encounters with our slithering neighbors are on the rise. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission notes that snakes are now active and on the move for food and mates.

While most snakes in our area, like the Black Rat Snake, are harmless and provide great rodent control, NC is the home to the venomous Copperhead. They are everywhere, active a dusk, overnight hours and dawn. Watch your step, they blend in well.

ID: Look for the distinct “hourglass” or “Hershey Kiss” markings on their tan bodies. They are masters of camouflage in our local pine straw, sand, woodpiles and leftover leaves from last Fall.
Safety: If you see one, don’t reach for a shovel. Experts recommend the “Five-Step Rule” – take five steps back and let the snake go its way. Most bites occur when people try to handle or kill them.

A few targeted spring chores can make a big difference:

The 12-Inch Rule: Pull mulch and pine straw back at least a foot from your home’s foundation to create a “dry zone” that roaches and ants hate to cross.
Seal the Gaps: Inspect the weather stripping around your doors. If you can see light through the crack, a Palmetto bug can see a way in.
Clean the Gutters: Clogged gutters are five-star hotels for mosquitoes and wood-destroying insects. Ensure water is flowing away from your foundation.

As we enjoy this beautiful Southeast North Carolina spring, a little bit of prevention goes a long way in keeping the wildlife where it belongs — outside.