I like to think of myself as a pretty tough guy, but I'll admit that I absolute can't stand bugs.

Something about their creepy little eyes and legs just gives me the willies.

Cockroaches, spiders, and even swarms of flies really creep me out.

That's why I'm dreading the weather warming up: experts say bugs are going to be everywhere this year.

Pest Problems Nationwide

Every year, the National Pest Management Association - America's authorities on creepy crawlies of all kinds - puts out a "bug barometer."

The report predicts how big the country's bug population will be in the spring and summer, and breaks the threat level down by region.

These aren't just guesses either. The group consults weather patterns, exterminators, and bug researchers.

And their report this year is full of bad news.

Leftover moisture from the stormy season, and all that wacky winter weather, mean there will be plenty of bugs in 2018.

"This year's La Niña brought unusual moisture, sleet and snow to southern areas that are typically much warmer and drier this time of year," the group says.

Meanwhile, weather was colder in the north, which can drive bugs and rodents indoors.

While the NPMA is warning everyone to prepare for plenty of bugs - mosquitoes especially - they have listed what to expect by region:

Northeast and New England

The winter brought plenty of heavy snowfall, which will drive rats and mice to seek shelter in your home.

As spring and summer arrive, the major concern becomes ticks, so keep an eye on your kids and pets.

Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest

The year was cold and dry, which means ants and other crawling bugs will look for moisture indoors.

Like the Northeast, you should also be prepared for a major tick boom when spring arrives.

Southeast

The year was unusually cold down south, but mosquito researchers say the bug population is still booming.

Start preparing your home to keep termites and cockroaches out - they're coming soon.

North Central

Ticks will thrive in the above average temperatures, along with ants.

Flies will also be a major concern in this region, so learn some clever ways to trap and exterminate them.

South Central

The winter in this area was cold and wet - and it will stay that way well into spring. That means homes will be under siege from termites, and later cockroaches.

Northwest

Warm weather on the Pacific coast helped more ants survive the winter. As spring arrives they'll look to expand their territory - by moving in with you.

Meanwhile, there will be plenty of cockroaches and other crawling bugs to deal with.

Southwest

The winter was warm down south, and that means anything that crawls will be thriving.

Look out for ants, cockroaches, spiders, and other bugs inside your home.

Protect your home

Wherever you live, there are a few easy steps you can take to keep bugs and pests out of your house.

Start outdoors, by looking around the perimeter of your house.

Fill up any burrows and look for holes leading into your home.

Trim any overgrown hedges, plants or trees near your walls or roof line to keep bugs from getting in.

Check regularly for ant colonies and spray any that you find.

Finally, move inside your house and start filling in holes in your foundation and walls, and adding sweeps to any outside doors.

Caulking will keep bugs out, but if you have a rodent problem try steel wool.

Any source of food or water - like leaky pipes - is a magnet for pests.

No matter where you live, this year you should take extra precautions to keep stinkbugs out of your home.

Smells like trouble

Stink bugs aren't the first pest that comes to mind when you think of home-invading bugs, but their numbers are growing.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug was introduced to America in the 1990s and has been multiplying like crazy ever since - especially on the coasts.

They're less than an inch long and brown, with a pair of "stink glands" under their body.

They definitely earn their name - you can tell your house is infested by following their smell, which has been compared to rotten fruit, cilantro, and stale almonds.

One of the trickiest thing about stink bugs is that if you squish them, their stench only gets worse.

So it takes some real creativity to deal with these pests.

Lock them out

The only way to protect your home from stink bugs is to keep them out.

Invest in window screens, and close up any cracks in the outside walls of your home.

The crafty bugs have even been known to get in through vents and air conditioning machines, so keep a screen on them too.

The place to check for stink bugs is on the ceiling or attic - they like to nest high up.

If any bugs do get inside, you can scoop them up and flush them down your toilet to get rid of the smell.

If you live on the coasts, it might be worth getting your property sprayed before the weather warms up to keep bugs far away.

Are you taking extra steps to keep out pests this year?

[H/T: Pest World, Today]