Roaches, ants, and rodents—oh my! Pests in the United States harm millions of dwelling units, with 14 million being infested with cockroaches and 15 million reporting mice or rats.
Pest control firms across the country report a high number of ants inside the home. Pestilence is a public health concern because it spreads disease. Discover the 8 states with the most severe pest problems and why their citizens are more likely to cope with them.
Florida
Because of Florida’s warm and humid atmosphere, bugs and other critters thrive and multiply rapidly. If you’ve ever lived in Florida, you’re definitely aware of how easy it is for infestations to occur and how difficult it is to remove them. Cockroaches, ants, spiders, ticks, termites, and everything else that enjoys the heat are common pests in Florida. Florida ranks first among the worst states for bugs and other pests. Several cities in the state have significant rat problems. Miami and Tampa are two of Florida’s rattiest cities.
Tennessee
The worst pests in Tennessee are ticks, termites, ants, and cockroaches. Tennessee, like many southern states, has a warmer, more humid environment, which attracts a wide range of pests and allows them to breed in higher numbers. Ticks, wasps, and bees are among the many outdoor pests in this state, in addition to those found inside.
Louisiana
Louisiana has a warm, moist climate, and the most prevalent pests there include cockroaches, termites, beetles, ants, spiders, rats, and bed bugs. Subterranean termites are quite abundant in the region, causing billions of dollars in house damage each year. In New Orleans, more than 40% of residents have reported encountering cockroaches in their houses. With consistently high temperatures, water encircling the majority of the city, and obsolete sewage systems, the location is a breeding ground for pests of all types.
Texas
Texas has one of the greatest densities of termites in the country, and it is one of the most commonly reported pest sightings in the state. However, the most frequent household pest in Texas is the cockroach. Pests in Texas are more prevalent during summer droughts when the heat and lack of moisture drive bugs indoors in search of shelter and water.
However, even during the rainy season, insects and other critters like mosquitos, rats, and roaches multiply and spread rapidly. Texas is one of the most welcoming states to common household pests.
California
While California lacks humidity, its mild environment draws a significant number of wildlife. Rats, termites, and cockroaches are frequent pests in places such as Los Angeles. After a strong rain, you will notice a lot more pests inside and outside, particularly mosquitos. Recently, San Bernadino and Riverside counties experienced one of the worst oriental fruit fly infestations in the state, which is detrimental to crops and the economy.
Georgia
Atlanta has been designated one of the United States’ buggiest cities. Because of Georgia’s southern position and warm, humid weather, insects and other pests persist even during the winter. Georgia, like Florida and Louisiana, attracts an abundance of creatures looking for food and shelter. Cockroaches, termites, chiggers, fleas, ticks, bees, and mosquitos are among Georgia’s most frequent household pests.
Mississippi
It has numerous insect infestations, including termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, mites, and mayflies. Mississippi inhabitants have low median family incomes, which might increase pest problems. The state also has a lot of outdoor pests, including as ticks and mosquitos, which can spread diseases.
South Carolina
South Carolina has a notoriously hot and humid climate, which makes it ideal for cockroaches and other pests. Roaches, in particular, are problematic in this southeast state. They spread quickly and are tough to eradicate. They are especially terrible in the fall and winter when they retreat indoors for warmth and nourishment. South Carolina is also hostile to fleas, ticks, ants, mosquitos, rats, spiders, bed bugs, and termites.
Conclusion
Pest problems plague numerous states in the U.S., with warm and humid climates exacerbating infestations. Florida leads the list, facing challenges from cockroaches, ants, and rodents. Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, California, and Georgia also battle various pests, impacting public health and housing. Mississippi and South Carolina struggle with insect infestations, compounded by economic factors and climate conditions.