Which States Have The Most Bugs In America?

It pays to know what states have the most bugs in America, especially for homeowners associations. Common area maintenance is a big part of managing an HOA community, and pest control is crucial. Unfortunately, an unfamiliarity with pests and their prevalence will keep HOA boards in the dark about what to do. After all, knowledge is power.

 

Which States Have the Most Bugs in the U.S.?

A recent examination of Google searches for pests across the United States unveiled compelling insights into the states struggling the most with pests. California tops the list, with approximately 47,000 monthly bugs-related searches. Following closely are Texas, with around 40,000 searches, and Florida, with approximately 32,000.

Here are the states that have the most bugs in America.

 

1. California

In California, bug-related searches total 46,790. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• 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

 

2. Texas

In Texas, bug-related searches total 40,860. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• 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

 

3. Florida

In Florida, bug-related searches total 32,210. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Termites: 12,490
• Bed bugs: 8,390
• Ants: 3,830
• Mosquitos: 2,670
• Cockroaches: 2,260
• Spiders: 1,480
• Wasps: 600
• Ticks: 490

 

4. New York

In New York, bug-related searches total 22,190. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 8,390
• Ants: 4,710
• Termites: 3,180
• Cockroaches: 2,210
• Spiders: 1,100
• Ticks: 970
• Mosquitos: 910
• Wasps: 720

 

5. Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, bug-related searches total 15,850. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 5,660
• Ants: 4,340
• Termites: 2,570
• Cockroaches: 1,090
• Spiders: 780
• Wasps: 560
• Mosquitos: 430
• Ticks: 420

 

6. Illinois

In Illinois, bug-related searches total 15,530. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 6,790
• Ants: 3,670
• Termites: 1,680
• Cockroaches: 1,020
• Spiders: 850
• Wasps: 590
• Ticks: 500
• Mosquitos: 430

 

7. Georgia

In Georgia, bug-related searches total 14,580. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 6,270
• Termites: 2,570
• Ants: 2,100
• Mosquitos: 1,100
• Cockroaches: 1,020
• Spiders: 770
• Wasps: 430
• Ticks: 320

 

8. North Carolina

In North Carolina, bug-related searches total 13,200. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 5,380
• Ants: 2,370
• Termites: 2,310
• Cockroaches: 1,180
• Mosquitos: 670
• Spiders: 580
• Wasps: 390
• Ticks: 320

 

9. Virginia

In Virginia, bug-related searches total 11,400. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 3,720
• Ants: 2,510
• Termites: 2,260
• Cockroaches: 1,030
• Mosquitos: 630
• Spiders: 560
• Wasps: 350
• Ticks: 340

 

10. Michigan

In Michigan, bug-related searches total 10,910. Here is a breakdown of that figure:

• Bed bugs: 5,060
• Ants: 2,020
• Spiders: 890
• Termites: 840
• Cockroaches: 780
• Mosquitos: 500
• Ticks: 430
• Wasps: 390

 

Most Prevalent Bugs According to Google Searches

Pests come in many forms, but some are more undesirable than others. The analysis found that Americans searched for the following bugs the most.

 

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs take the top spot, with an overwhelming 154,240 monthly searches. This earns them the title of the most detested pests in the country. From coast to coast, people are determined to eliminate bed bugs from their homes, employing preventive measures and extermination tactics.

In 2010, the EPA and CDC declared bed bugs as pests of public health significance, emphasizing the need to address these nocturnal nuisances. Despite not spreading diseases, their ability to cause extreme itching makes them a primary concern.

What states have the most bed bugs? California ranks first, with 16,260 related searches for bed bugs, followed by Texas with 15,740.

 

2. Ants

Despite their small size, ants secure the second position on the list due to their sheer numbers. States like California, New York, and Texas grapple with widespread ant problems. California’s diverse climate provides a habitat for various ant species, while Texas faces the menace of fire ants. New Yorkers actively seek solutions to prevent and address ant infestations, given the density of their cities.

Ants pose a health hazard by transmitting food-borne contaminants, including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella.

 

3. Termites

California, Texas, and Florida have significant termite challenges, given their climate, wooden architecture, and weather conditions. While termites do not transmit diseases, they wreak havoc on wooden structures, leading homeowners to take extensive measures for prevention and eradication.

 

4. Cockroaches

California, New York, and Texas face numerous searches related to cockroaches. These nasty pests thrive in urban spaces and diverse climates. Besides inducing fear in even the toughest men, cockroaches are known carriers of diseases such as dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, leprosy, listeriosis, coli, giardia, shigellosis, and more.

 

5. Spiders

Spiders claim the fifth spot, causing distress in states like California, Florida, and Texas, where moist and warm climates provide favorable conditions for their proliferation. While not known for disease transmission, spider bites can result in painful swelling, blistering, and itching. Some individuals even experience severe allergic reactions.

 

6. Mosquitos

Florida’s climate, especially in South Florida, makes it a paradise for mosquitos. The weather is pivotal in their prevalence in California, Texas, and other states. Beyond leaving itchy marks, mosquitos are vectors for malaria, dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus.

 

7. Wasps

Wasps are more prevalent in states with mild weather and outdoor activities, including California, Washington, and Texas. While not carriers of human diseases, wasp stings can cause severe pain and potentially fatal allergic reactions. On average, wasp, bee, and hornet stings lead to 72 yearly deaths.

 

8. Ticks

Ticks round off the list, posing a threat in states like California, New York, and Texas due to diverse ecosystems, rural areas, warm weather, and large outdoor areas. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.

 

What Can HOAs Do About Pests?

It’s one thing to know which states have the most bugs but another thing entirely to know what to do about them. Homeowners associations are responsible for maintaining common areas and amenities vulnerable to pest infestations. Beyond the health and safety risks, pests can also cause property damage. Clearly, there is a need for pest control.

To prevent pests from becoming a problem, here are some tips HOA boards can use:

• Perform Routine Inspections. Schedule regular inspections of common areas and amenities to identify potential entry points for pests, particularly during seasons when pests are most prevalent.
• Make Use of Strategic Landscaping. Utilize strategic landscaping to counteract pest infestations. Incorporate plants like lavender, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass, known to repel insects. Regular trimming of foliage is crucial, and draining stagnant water eliminates mosquito breeding grounds.
• Ensure Regular Maintenance. Address identified problems from routine inspections promptly. This includes patching up access points for pests, disposing trash to avoid attracting pests, and maintaining clean and moving water sources.
• Hire a Pest Control Company. If infestations occur, enlist the services of a pest control company for extermination. Many pest control companies offer preventive services, including regular inspections, disinfection, and treatments.
• Educate Residents. While HOAs handle common area pest control, homeowners play a vital role in overall maintenance. Communicate with residents, providing education on preventing pests. Some HOAs even offer pest control services as part of homeowner fees.

 

Springtime Pest Control in HOA Communities

Many homeowners and HOAs experience decreased pest problems during the winter season. This is because pests die out in cold temperatures or become less active. Pests come alive in warmer months, prompting them to go underground or hide until spring arrives. To prepare for spring pests, homeowners and HOAs can take the following steps:

1. Patch up cracks or holes around exterior walls and gaps to keep pests from entering homes.
2. Initiate spring cleaning early.
3. Clear spaces around the exterior foundation that pests may take shelter in or use as a food source.
4. Tend to the garden by removing debris, dead plants, and weeds.
5. Implement crop rotation and companion planting techniques.
6. Ensure healthy and well-amended soil for improved pest resistance.
7. Water plants at the base to avoid creating damp conditions that attract pests.
8. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests.
9. Use organic pest control products in the garden.

 

The Final Word

Understanding which states have the most bugs can inform HOAs of their pest control strategies. These strategies include conducting regular inspections, investing in strategic landscaping, ensuring proper maintenance, and hiring pest control companies. With these in mind, associations can promote a healthier and safer neighborhood for all.

Elite Management Services assists homeowners associations and condominiums, including help with pest control. Call us today at (855) 238-8488 or contact us online to learn more!

 

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