WASHINGTON (AP) — Insect experts say this year’s warm winter means bugs are getting an early start.

University of Maryland entomology professor Mike Raupp says insects are cold-blooded and they come out earlier when there is a warm winter.

The Washington Post reported Sunday that an Orkin exterminator branch in Montgomery County has already
responded to mosquito sightings this year. And the Fairfax-based National Pest Management Association has issued an early warning for ticks that can carry Lyme disease.

But the warm winter isn’t necessarily good news for insects.

Instead of hibernating, some are becoming active and eating food stored for the winter. And in areas where there has been little snow or rain, bee experts are worried that will hurt the growth of spring flowers bees depend on for nectar.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)