Colorado Wildlife Alert: The Dangerous Pests You Need to Watch Out For Right Now

From "kitchen invasions" in the Front Range to the early emergence of mountain pine beetles, here is what you need to know to stay safe in the Rockies this month.

1. The 2026 "Early Arrival" Pest Surge

Pest control experts across Denver, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado are reporting that typical summer pressures have arrived a full month early in 2026.

• Ants and Roaches: Kitchen invasions are starting earlier than normal as colonies grow faster due to the mild winter. Increased activity is being noted around foundations and patios.
• Wasps: Wasp queens, which usually wait until May, have been spotted building nests under eaves and decks since early April.
• The Forecast: Warm temperatures are accelerating life cycles, meaning populations of cockroaches and earwigs are expected to spike significantly by mid-summer.

2. Black Bears: The "Bear Aware" Spring

On April 7, 2026, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) issued an urgent reminder for residents as bears emerge from their dens.

• The Conflict: Bears are currently leaving their dens and often return to places where they found human-provided food in previous years.
• The New Law: As of April 2026, Colorado lawmakers are seeking tougher enforcement and increased fines for individuals who carelessly lure bears with unsecured food and trash.
• Action Plan: Remove bird feeders immediately. Secure all trash in bear-resistant containers and keep pet food indoors. CPW is currently offering $1 million in grant funding to local HOAs and businesses to implement community-based solutions for reducing human-bear conflicts.

3. Mountain Pine Beetle: The Front Range Warning

A report released in April 2026 by the University of Colorado Boulder highlights a growing concern for Colorado's forests. Unseasonably warm temperatures and ongoing drought have bolstered Mountain Pine Beetle populations.

• The Threat: These beetles weaken and kill trees, specifically targeting stressed stands along the Front Range.
• What to Look For: Look for "popcorn-like" clumps of resin (pitch tubes) on the bark of pine trees and a sudden reddening of the tree canopy.
• Prevention: If you have vulnerable trees on your property, April is the final window for preventative spraying or the application of pheromone packets (verbenone) before the main summer flight season begins.

4. Aquatic Invasive Species: Mandatory Inspections

With the 2026 boating season kicking off, CPW is strictly enforcing the Mussel-Free Colorado Act.

• The Threat: Invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels remain a top threat to Colorado's water infrastructure. While no mussels are currently found "upstream" of Colorado, infested waters in neighboring Kansas (just 150 miles away) put the state at high risk.
• The Rule: All motorboats and sailboats must have a 2026 Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp before launching. Trailered boats are subject to mandatory inspections.
• Action: Ensure your boat is "Clean, Drain, Dry" before approaching any of the State 72 inspection and decontamination stations.

5. Ticks and "Overwintering" Mosquitoes

Despite a "rollercoaster" of spring temperatures, biting insects have already made their first appearance of 2026.

• Tick Surge: The first Deer Tick of the season was recorded on March 9th. Experts warn that because larval activity pushed late into last fall, nymphal ticks (the size of a poppy seed) may have a higher prevalence of Lyme disease this spring.
• Mosquito Activity: While the main population isn't expected for several weeks, Anopheles mosquitoes—which overwinter as adults—are already seeking bloodmeals on warm days.
• Action: Helicopter and drone larvicide treatments are scheduled to begin the week of April 20, 2026, in larger wetlands. Perform a full-body tick check every evening after spending time in the foothills or tall grass.

Summary Checklist for Colorado Residents

1. Seal the Gaps: Prevent early-season ants and spiders by sealing cracks around basements and window frames.
2. Lock the Trash: Avoid being part of the new 2026 enforcement crackdown by securing bear attractants.
3. Buy the Stamp: Get your 2026 ANS Stamp before heading to the reservoir.
4. Inspect Your Trees: Check your pines for "pitch tubes" to catch Pine Beetle activity before it spreads.