What can HOAs do to control pests?

The following outlines the measures an HOA can take to proactively prevent and manage pests within the community: common area inspection, strategic landscaping, common area maintenance, pest control services, and resident education.

What's the Buggiest State In The U.S.?

Knowledge of the buggiest state in the U.S. is crucial in pest control, particularly for homeowners associations. This information is pivotal for shaping effective pest control strategies and addressing specific bug problems within communities. Which states have it the worst? And what kind of pests are the most undesirable among Americans?

What Is the Buggiest State in the U.S.?

A recent examination of Google searches across the United States shed light on the states grappling with the most prevalent pest issues. California emerged at the forefront, registering approximately 47,000 monthly bug-related searches. Following closely are Texas, with around 40,000 searches, and Florida, roughly 32,000.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 states witnessing the highest volume of pest-related searches in the U.S.

1. California

California witnessed a total of 46,790 pest-related searches. Bed bugs accounted for a significant portion, totaling 16,260 searches, closely followed by termites with 10,000 searches. Ants claimed the third spot with 8,710 searches, trailed by cockroaches at 4,910 and spiders at 2,720. The list concluded with mosquitos at 1,770, ticks at 1,240, and wasps at 1,180.

2. Texas

In Texas, the number of searches related to pests reached 40,860. Bed bugs led the pack with 15,740 searches, followed closely by termites at 9,290. Ants secured the third spot with 6,230 searches, followed by cockroaches at 2,920 and mosquitos at 2,010. Spiders, wasps, and ticks completed the list with 1,840, 1,580, and 1,250 searches, respectively.

3. Florida

Florida recorded a total of 32,210 pest-related searches, with termites dominating at 12,490 searches, closely followed by bed bugs with 8,390 searches. Ants claimed the third spot with 3,830 searches, trailed by mosquitos at 2,670 and cockroaches at 2,260. Spiders, wasps, and ticks rounded the list with 1,480, 600, and 490 searches, respectively.

4. New York

New York secured the fourth position with 22,190 total searches for pest-related issues. Bed bugs were the top concern, amassing 8,390 searches. Ants took the second spot with 4,710 searches, followed by termites at 3,180 and cockroaches at 2,210. The list concluded with spiders at 1,100, ticks at 970, mosquitos at 910, and wasps at 720.

5. Pennsylvania

Pest-related searches in Pennsylvania amounted to 15,850. Bed bugs were a prevalent topic, with 5,660 searches closely followed by ants at 4,340. Termites claimed the third spot with 2,570 searches, followed by cockroaches at 1,090 and spiders at 780. Rounding out the list were wasps at 560, mosquitos at 430, and ticks at 420.

6. Illinois

In Illinois, searches related to pests totaled 15,530. Bed bugs led with 6,790 searches, closely followed by ants at 3,670. Termites secured the third spot with 1,680 searches, followed by cockroaches at 1,020 and spiders at 850. Wasps, ticks, and mosquitos completed the list with 590, 500, and 430 searches.

7. Georgia

Georgia recorded 14,580 searches related to pests, with bed bugs being the most searched at 6,270, followed closely by termites with 2,570 searches. Ants claimed the third spot with 2,100 searches, trailed by mosquitos at 1,100 and cockroaches at 1,020. Spiders, wasps, and ticks concluded the list with 770, 430, and 320 searches, respectively.

8. North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are 13,200 total searches for pest-related issues. Bed bugs were the primary concern in the state, accumulating 5,380 searches. Ants came in second with 2,370, and termites took third with 2,310. Cockroaches, mosquitos, spiders, wasps, and ticks rounded the list with 1,180, 670, 580, 390, and 320 searches, respectively.

9. Virginia

Pest-related searches in Virginia amounted to 11,400. Bed bugs constituted a significant portion with 3,720 searches, closely followed by ants at 2,510. Termites claimed the third spot with 2,260 searches, followed by cockroaches at 1,030 and mosquitos at 630. Spiders, wasps, and ticks rounded the list with 560, 350, and 340 searches, respectively.

10. Michigan

In Michigan, searches related to pests totaled 10,910. Bed bugs led with 5,060 searches, closely followed by ants at 2,020. Spiders secured the third spot with 890 searches, followed by termites at 840 and cockroaches at 780. Mosquitos, ticks, and wasps concluded the list with 500, 430, and 390 searches, respectively.

Most Undesirable Pests According to Americans

Aside from the buggiest state in the U.S., the Google search analysis also revealed which bugs Americans hate the most. Here is the list of the most undesirable pests in the country.

1. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs rank as the most unwelcome pests among the American populace. With a staggering 154,240 monthly searches, these intruders in our bedrooms hold the dubious distinction of being the nation’s most detested pests.

Nationwide, people are actively seeking ways to rid their beds and homes of bed bugs, exploring various methods from preventive measures to comprehensive extermination strategies. In 2010, the EPA and CDC collaborated to designate bed bugs as pests of significant public health concern.

Given the ease with which bed bugs can spread, it’s evident why Americans harbor strong aversions to them. While bed bugs aren’t known for transmitting diseases, their bites can cause severe itching, disrupting a peaceful night’s sleep.

2. Ants

Small yet formidable, ants claim the second spot on the list. States like California, New York, and Texas struggle with a prominent ant problem. The diverse climate in California creates an ideal habitat for numerous ant species. In Texas, the terrifying fire ant poses significant issues. Meanwhile, densely populated New York residents continue to seek solutions to prevent and address ant infestations.

From a health standpoint, ants pose a recognized threat. These little insects can transmit food-borne contaminants, including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella.

3. Termites

California, Texas, and Florida face a difficult challenge with termites. With Florida’s climate, California’s reliance on wooden architecture, and Texas’s weather conditions, these states provide optimal nesting conditions for these insects.

While termites don’t transmit diseases, they present other threats. Homeowners, in particular, dislike termites due to their capacity to damage wooden structures.

4. Cockroaches

Cockroaches take over search queries in California, New York, and Texas. These bugs multiply in dense environments. Beyond their scary appearance, cockroaches are notorious for transmitting diseases. This list includes dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera, leprosy, listeriosis, coli, giardia, and shigellosis.

5. Spiders

Spiders are up next. While not all spiders pose a threat, they still cause concerns among Americans, especially in California, Florida, and Texas. These states offer moist and warm climates, making them hotspots for the leggy bugs.

Despite not being carriers of diseases, a spider bite or sting can cause pain and swelling, blistering, and itching. Some individuals may even experience allergic reactions that require medical attention.

6. Mosquitoes

The weather conditions in Florida form the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, particularly in South Florida. Weather patterns significantly contribute to the widespread presence of mosquitoes in Florida, California, Texas, and various other states.

Mosquito bites can result in unappealing and itchy bumps. However, they don’t stop at that. Mosquitoes are disease transmitters carrying illnesses such as malaria, dengue, the Zika virus, the Chikungunya virus, and the West Nile virus.

7. Wasps

States with consistent mild weather and comprehensive outdoor spaces, such as California, Washington, and Texas, often face more prevalent issues with wasps. Although wasps do not transmit human diseases, their stings can result in intense pain and occasionally lead to lethal allergic reactions. On average, wasp, bee, and hornet stings contribute to 72 deaths every year.

8. Ticks

While ticks come last on this list, they can still be hazardous. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Considering their health risks, it’s easy to see why states such as California, New York, and Texas see them as a threat.

Pest Control in HOA Communities

Homeowners associations bear the responsibility for pest control in communal areas and amenities. The following outlines the measures an HOA can take to prevent and manage pests within the community proactively.

Common Area Inspection. Ensure consistent inspections of communal spaces and facilities. These examinations help identify holes and gaps that pests might exploit as entry points. Spring inspections are exceptionally crucial as pests emerge from their winter hiding spots.
Strategic Landscaping. Strategic landscaping plays a role in preventing pest infestations. Consider incorporating insect-repelling plants such as lavender, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass. HOA boards should also prioritize regular lawn and foliage trimming. Eliminate stagnant water sources, as they serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects.
Common Area Maintenance. While regular inspections identify problems in communal spaces, HOAs must take prompt action. Boards should address identified issues, including sealing openings that grant pests access, properly disposing of pest-attracting garbage, and maintaining clean, flowing water sources.
Pest Control Services. For HOAs dealing with infestations, enlist the services of a pest control company for extermination. Many pest control companies offer preventive services, encompassing routine inspections, disinfection, and treatments.
Resident Education. While HOAs shoulder the responsibility for pest control in common areas, overall maintenance requires collaboration. Homeowners should uphold the upkeep of their individual properties and refrain from actions contributing to pest issues. HOA boards should actively communicate with residents, offering education on effective pest prevention. Some HOAs streamline the process by including pest control as part of homeowner dues.

The Buggiest State in the U.S. Revealed

It is undeniable that pests can cause anxiety and frustration for numerous HOAs. Therefore, implementing effective pest control and prevention measures is essential. Gaining insights into the buggiest state in the U.S. will enable HOA boards to make informed decisions regarding pest prevention and control strategies.

Clark Simson Miller provides HOA management services to homeowners associations and condominiums. Call us today at 865.315.7505 or contact us online to learn more!

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