Homeowners’ associations would benefit from knowing the buggiest states in the U.S. Armed with this knowledge, HOA boards can focus their pest control efforts on effectively eradicating the bugs that plague their areas. Of course, not all states have the same bug problem, as several factors can affect the pest population and their multiply rate.
The Buggiest States in the U.S. According to Google Searches
A recent analysis of Google searches for pests across the United States depicted exciting results on the states that most experience pest problems. The study found that California sits at the top, with about 47,000 monthly bug-related searches. Close behind are Texas, with nearly 40,000 searches, and Florida, with about 32,000.
Here are the top 10 buggiest states in the U.S.
1. California
California searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 16,260
- Termites – 10,000
- Ants – 8,710
- Cockroaches – 4,910
- Spiders – 2,720
- Mosquitos – 1,770
- Ticks – 1,240
- Wasps – 1,180
Total searches: 46,790
2. Texas
Texas searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 15,740
- Termites – 9,290
- Ants – 6,230
- Cockroaches – 2,920
- Mosquitos – 2,010
- Spiders – 1,840
- Wasps – 1,580
- Ticks – 1,250
Total searches: 40,860
3. Florida
Florida searches revealed the following results:
- Termites – 12,490
- Bed bugs – 8,390
- Ants – 3,830
- Mosquitos – 2,670
- Cockroaches – 2,260
- Spiders – 1,480
- Wasps – 600
- Ticks – 490
Total searches: 32,210
4. New York
New York searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 8,390
- Ants – 4,710
- Termites – 3,180
- Cockroaches – 2,210
- Spiders – 1,100
- Ticks – 970
- Mosquitos – 910
- Wasps – 720
Total searches: 22,190
5. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 5,660
- Ants – 4,340
- Termites – 2,570
- Cockroaches – 1,090
- Spiders – 780
- Wasps – 560
- Mosquitos – 430
- Ticks – 420
Total searches: 15,850
6. Illinois
Illinois searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 6,790
- Ants – 3,670
- Termites – 1,680
- Cockroaches – 1,020
- Spiders – 850
- Wasps – 590
- Ticks – 500
- Mosquitos – 430
Total searches: 15,530
7. Georgia
Georgia searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 6,270
- Termites – 2,570
- Ants – 2,100
- Mosquitos – 1,100
- Cockroaches – 1,020
- Spiders – 770
- Wasps – 430
- Ticks – 320
Total searches: 14,580
8. North Carolina
North Carolina searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 5,380
- Ants – 2,370
- Termites – 2,310
- Cockroaches – 1,180
- Mosquitos – 670
- Spiders – 580
- Wasps – 390
- Ticks – 320
Total searches: 13,200
9. Virginia
Virginia searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 3,720
- Ants – 2,510
- Termites – 2,260
- Cockroaches – 1,030
- Mosquitos – 630
- Spiders – 560
- Wasps – 350
- Ticks – 340
Total searches: 11,400
10. Michigan
Michigan searches revealed the following results:
- Bed bugs – 5,060
- Ants – 2,020
- Spiders – 890
- Termites – 840
- Cockroaches – 780
- Mosquitos – 500
- Ticks – 430
- Wasps – 390
Total searches: 10,910
Most Common Bugs People Want Gone
While it is apparent which states are the most infested with pests, not all are equal. Some bugs are more undesirable than others, and the data clearly shows that.
1. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the undisputed champions in pests, earning a unanimous vote for eviction from the American population. With a staggering 154,240 monthly searches, these little invaders stand as the most hated pests in the country.
From the East Coast to the West Coast, people are trying to rid their beds and homes of bed bugs, exploring everything from preventive measures to comprehensive extermination tactics. In a notable declaration back in 2010, the EPA and CDC joined forces to designate bed bugs as pests of public health significance.
Considering how easily bed bugs can travel, it’s understandable that they remain a top concern among Americans. And while bed bugs aren’t known for spreading diseases, they can cause extreme itching, making sleep elusive.
2. Ants
Small in size but large in number, ants take the number two spot on the list. States like California, New York, and Texas have a widespread ant problem. And California’s diverse climate makes it a perfect home for many ant species. In Texas, the fire ant wreaks havoc. Meanwhile, New Yorkers continue to look for ways to prevent and remedy ant infestations, which are prevalent considering the density of its cities.
In terms of health, ants are a known hazard. These picnic crashers can transmit food-borne contaminants such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella.
3. Termites
California, Texas, and Florida have a considerable termite problem. With Florida’s climate, California’s wooden architecture, and Texas’s weather, these states make ideal nesting places for these insects.
While they don’t transmit diseases, termites pose other risks. Homeowners, in particular, despise termites because they destroy wood. As such, they go to great lengths to prevent and eradicate termites at the first sign of them.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches make up a huge chunk of searches in California, New York, and Texas. These city spaces and their climates make them perfect breeding grounds for these pesky crawlers. Aside from their ability to cause shrieks among people, cockroaches are also known to carry diseases. These include dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, leprosy, listeriosis, coli, giardia, shigellosis, and more.
5. Spiders
Next up on the list are spiders. While not all spiders are harmful, they remain a great cause of distress among Americans, particularly in California, Florida, and Texas. These states provide moist and warm climates, allowing spiders to grow in number.
Although spiders aren’t known to transmit diseases, a spider bite or sting can be quite nasty. It can lead to painful swelling, blistering, and itching. Some even have allergic reactions, though not all warrant a visit to the hospital.
6. Mosquitos
The climate in Florida makes it a mosquito’s paradise, particularly in South Florida. Weather also plays a huge role in the prevalence of mosquitos, not just in Florida but also in California, Texas, and other states.
When mosquitos bite, they can leave an ugly and itchy mark. However, that’s the least damage they can do. Mosquitos can also spread diseases such as malaria, dengue, the Zika virus, the Chikungunya virus, and the West Nile virus.
7. Wasps
Wasp problems are more common in states where mild weather and outdoor leisure are mainstays. These include states such as California, Washington, and Texas. While wasps don’t carry human diseases, their stings can cause severe pain and even fatal allergic reactions. In fact, wasp, bee, and hornet stings lead to an average of 72 yearly deaths.
8. Ticks
Ticks take the last spot on the list, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a threat. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
With their health risks, it’s no wonder states like California, New York, and Texas consider them a serious concern. The diverse ecosystems, rural regions, warm climate, and comprehensive outdoor areas in these states make them a prime breeding ground for ticks.
Homeowners Associations and Pest Control
Homeowners associations are responsible for many things, including the maintenance of common areas and amenities. These communal spaces are not immune to pest infestations. Apart from their health and safety risks, these pests can also cause property damage, directly or indirectly. Thus, pest control is a must.
Here are some steps HOA boards can take to ensure pests don’t become a problem.
1. Conduct Frequent Inspections
HOA boards should schedule regular inspections of common areas and amenities. These inspections can identify openings in walls and roofs — prime points of entry for pests. Inspections are vital during the seasons when pests become the most prevalent and in states where the searches are high.
2. Invest in Strategic Landscaping
Strategic landscaping can help counteract a pest infestation. Consider using plants that ward off insects, such as lavender, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass. Additionally, HOA boards should ensure that landscapes and lawns are trimmed regularly. If there’s any stagnant water nearby, drain them, as these are mosquito hotspots.
3. Do Proper Maintenance
Routine inspections will reveal areas of concern in shared spaces, but the work doesn’t stop there. Boards should make sure to address the problems identified. This includes patching up any holes that provide access to pests, properly discarding trash that attracts pests, and keeping water sources clean and moving.
4. Partner With a Pest Control Company
A pest control company can provide extermination services if an HOA already has an infestation. However, many pest control companies offer prevention services, such as regular inspections, disinfection, and treatments.
5. Educate Residents
While the HOA is responsible for common area pest control, overall maintenance is a two-way street. Homeowners should take care of their properties and try not to cause pest problems for the neighborhood. Boards should communicate with residents and educate them on how to prevent pests. Some HOAs even offer pest control as a package, adding it to homeowner dues to simplify things.
Transitioning from Winter to Spring
Many homeowners and HOAs might notice that their pest problem subsides during winter. While some pests die in cold temperatures, most become less active. Pests tend to thrive better during warmer months, so they go underground or hide until spring. This is why owners may discover that pests suddenly appear when the seasons change.
Fortunately, there are some things homeowners and HOAs can do to prepare for spring pests.
- Seal any cracks or holes around exterior walls and openings to prevent pests from entering the home.
- Begin spring cleaning early.
- Clean the spaces around the exterior foundation so pests can use food or shelter.
- Clean up the garden by removing debris, dead plants, and weeds.
- Make use of crop rotation and companion planting techniques.
- Ensure the soil is healthy and well-amended for better pest resistance.
- Water plants at the base to avoid damp conditions that attract pests.
- Inspect plants regularly for any signs of pests.
- Make use of organic pest control products for the garden.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the buggiest states in the U.S. can be a valuable resource for homeowners associations in their pest control efforts. Proactive measures such as frequent inspections, strategic landscaping, proper maintenance, collaboration with pest control companies, and resident education can contribute to effective pest management in common areas. By implementing these strategies, HOAs can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for residents.
Cedar Management Group can help HOA boards navigate the ins and outs of pest control. Call us today at (877) 252-3327 or contact us online to learn more!
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