Does a mild winter mean more insects in the spring? 

If the winter is mild and stays consistently warm all season, insects DO have a better survival rate and we'll likely have more of them in the Spring.

 

What does this year's winter mean so far?

We've had a lot of variability in temperatures this winter. Lots of ups and downs. This can often be more traumatic for insects than a consistently cold winter. The insects come out during the warm stretch of weather, then during 

a drastic cool-down they become caught off guard in the chilly conditions. A winter with lots of variability can often lead to less insects in the winter.

 

What does a snowy winter mean? 

Winter with lots of snow doesn't always mean bugs will die off. Snow can act as a blanket, protecting the insects underground from experiencing the frigid temperatures above the snow's surface.

 

What is the worst scenario for an insect? 

The worst situation an insect can be in is an extremely cold, below average winter with little to no snow cover to keep him warm. This often leads to insects dying off at a more rapid rate.

 

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Source

Cockroaches can carry bacteria such as E coli and salmonella on their bodies, which can contaminate food, cooking equipment and food surfaces. Cockroach allergens, increase the severity of asthma symptoms through cockroach saliva, droppings and their decomposing bodies.   

 

Fleas can transmit the plague. Rodents and animals that can carry plague, which people get from the bite of an infected flea.

 

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed from one human to another by the bite of infected mosquito.

 

Rodents can spread hantavirus, a virus from rodents urine, saliva, and droppings. Rodents serve as vectors, carrying bacteria, such as salmonella, on their bodies and contaminating food sources, kitchen surfaces and equipment.

 

Ticks can carry Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and others. Once a tick is infected by feeding on an infected host, the disease can then be transmitted to you.