A healthy environment often thrives in diversity. However, when one species infiltrates a location or area in great numbers, this invasion can be considered pest infestation. It’s not a problem that you should take lightly. Pests like rodents and insects can significantly damage your home and business.

Plus, it can pose serious health issues affecting one’s mental, emotional, and even psychological well-being. For instance, bed bugs can cause nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, and trauma, among many psychological manifestations.

Some pests can look scary, often triggering traumatic experiences for people badly affected by their presence. Others can produce disgusting odors that can transform how one views their environment.
In this article, you can take a comprehensive look at the pest infestation statistics and better understand its tremendous effect on property, health, and overall well-being.

Your Unwanted Roommates: Most Prevalent Pests in Homes and Offices

Homeowners, tenants, and landlords often find dealing with common household pests overwhelming. Commonly called bugs, pests are insects in large populations that enter the home, yard, farm, or neighborhood. Some pests go out in full force, invading kitchens, bathrooms, and other parts of the house. They leave in their trail severe damage to both property and well-being.

Understanding the common pests in your area is crucial to ensure adequate preparation and dealing with these unwelcome housemates. To equip you better, here are the most prevalent invaders you’re likely to encounter.

Frequency of Pest Infestations

Pests are one of the top public health concerns in the country. It’s often prevalent among low-income households and housing units with structure problems and water leaks.

The U.S. Census Bureau found that sightings of rodents numbered 14.8 million in 2019. From the same survey report, the 15 most populated metropolitan areas in the country reported a show of significant sights of pests, namely rodents and roaches. The national average for roach sightings is 11.3%, while rodents are 11.9%.

The southern states have the most frequent cockroach infestations. Nine out of ten cities with the most reported sightings of cockroaches are in the South. About 41% of surveyed households reported having cockroaches in New Orleans alone. Warmer temperatures contribute to the infestation. It’s widely known that roaches can thrive better in warmer weather, allowing them to complete their reproduction cycle faster.

Termites are another pest with the most frequent infestations in the U.S. Statistics say that more than 600,000 homes in the country deal with termite infestations annually. The United States is also home to 40 of the 2,000 termite species.Low-income apartments in four New Jersey cities were interviewed, and found that bed bug infestation rates range from 3.8% to 29.5% among the buildings. The overall infestation rate is 12.3%.

Seasonality of Pest Infestations

Pest infestations can be seasonal. The season and changing temperatures can heavily influence their behavioral patterns and movements. They can be more threatening whenever there is a shift in the weather. While they commonly thrive during spring and summer, some pests can be resilient in colder temperatures.

It’s essential to monitor and track the common signs of potential infestation by keeping tabs on seasonal pests. This way, they can be dealt with more effectively.

Oriental roaches tend to be more active during summer, while German cockroaches are likely to be present year-round. Heating systems in rooms that maintain a temperature of around 65°F to 70°F can create an optimum environment for cockroaches to develop and thrive.

For rodents, the spring season is their best time of the year. They tend to be more abundant by late spring since their annual breeding cycle starts around March when the weather gets warmer. Rodents are also prevalent in the summer because of the abundance of food and vegetation.

Termites habitually avoid the light, preferring to live in the ground and inside the wood they consume. When they reach man-made structures, these pests can feed 24 hours a day, throughout the week, without stopping. In Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., subterranean termites are usually active from early spring to late fall. When conditions are right, they can feed 365 days a year.

As for ticks, exposure to this organism can occur year-round. However, they can be most active in warmer months, usually between April and September.

Commonly found almost anywhere their host can live, bed bugs generally survive and remain active at temperatures as low as 7°C (46°F). Curiously, they die when their body temperatures reach 45°C (113°F).

Hotspots for Pest Infestations

Some unwanted, many-legged roommates infest most prominent American cities. There is a long-running joke that says moving to the Northeast is a good idea. That is if you are a rat.

In the same survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau on housing quality nationwide, some topics touched on the quality of the respondents’ living conditions. A key question was whether there were unwanted critters around their house, which was often the case.

The American Housing Survey cited Philadelphia, New York, and Boston as the cities with the most reported rodent infestations. About 18% of Philadelphia households reported seeing mice or rats in their homes. Boston and New York followed closely with 16.9% and 15.4% respectively.

The South takes the crown when it comes to cockroach infestations. A whopping 41% of respondents reported having cockroaches in their households. Other cities with reports of cockroaches include Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Raleigh.

Termites are one of the top issues often considered during home inspections. According to this report, around 50 cities nationwide were identified for possible termite infestations. Of all these cities, Miami, Florida, took the top spot. Other termite-infested cities include Los Angeles, Tampa, Washington, DC, Raleigh, Atlanta, Norfolk, and San Francisco.

When it comes to bed bugs, Chicago is ranked first. This city has been on the list of the most bed bugs-infested towns for three years. New York is next in line, followed by Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Environmental Factors Influencing Pest Infestations

Pest infestations are widely affected by various environmental factors. Depending on the temperature, they can either thrive or die. Whenever there is an increase in temperature and precipitation levels, pest species can thrive in warm and humid environments. However, when those two factors get too high, the growth and reproduction of some pest species can slow down. Washing the eggs and larvae off the host plant can even destroy them.

The World Economic Forum pointed out how temperature can regulate the psychology and metabolism of insects. This report is especially relevant given predictions that global warming will exceed 1.5°C and 2°C. The increase in temperature also increases the psychological activity of insects, causing their metabolic rates to spike, too. This spike in metabolic rates means insects will eat more to survive. In particular, insect herbivores will consume more and grow faster, leading to a higher population growth rate. Since these insect herbivores mature more quickly, they will reproduce more, creating conditions that can increase crop damage.

In 2022, New York City experienced an invasion of spotted lanternflies. These speckled red bugs can feed on the sap of food crops such as apples, grapes, and peaches. They were challenging to manage and control. The rise in temperatures allowed these lanternflies to thrive and even spread to new areas.
Researchers believe warming temperatures and milder winters in the eastern U.S. and Canada are increasing the white-footed mouse population. The country’s east and central states have recorded above-average temperatures, with the Northeast and the Great Lakes region warming by more than 3°F. These climatic changes have triggered the migration of the white-footed mice past a transitional forest region, expanding their territories.

Understanding the Impact of Pest Infestations

Pest infestations can have extensive ramifications, affecting living or work spaces negatively. These impacts can also extend to health and finances.

According to this survey, 46% of respondents experienced structural damage due to pest infestations. Pests like mice can chew on just about anything they can use to build their nests, be it paper, cloth, books, or even wood. They can also tunnel into insulation housed inside walls and attics.

A rat infestation led to the closure of 400 Family Dollar stores. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found skin-crawling conditions when inspecting a Family Dollar warehouse in Memphis, Arkansas. According to a federal company review, they discovered a total of 2,300 rodents in 2021. In response, Family Dollar recalled dozens of food items, cosmetics, drugs, and other products, ultimately leading to the closure of over 400 stores across six southern states.The economic damage caused by termites is around $40 billion globally, with 80% of damages brought about by subterranean termites. Other pests, like rats and mice, can carry many diseases, which can spread to people directly. Rodent bites can also be of health concern. Some rodents have ticks, mites, and fleas that serve as vectors, effectively spreading diseases between rodents and people.

Public Health Impact of Pest Infestations

Public Health Impact of Pest Infestations

Pest infestations often become a focal point in public health discourse due to their implications for disease transmission. Vector-borne diseases like dengue are common, with about 40% of the world’s population at risk for dengue infection. Such a disease is a potent reminder of the 2012 West Nile virus outbreak in the United States. Although most infected by this virus remain asymptomatic, approximately one in five will develop a fever and other symptoms.

The most common vector-borne disease in the country is Lyme disease. An estimated 300,000 infections occur each year in the United States.

Leptospirosis is one of the most prevalent diseases resulting from rat infestations. Global statistics indicate that roughly one million cases surface annually. In the United States alone, the occurrence ranges from 100 to 150 cases yearly.

Cockroaches are the common cause of giardiasis. This disease has 14,887 cases in the United States. The Northeast has the most reported cases, followed by Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts. Another disease associated with cockroaches is typhoid fever. It has affected an estimated 11 to 21 million people worldwide. In the U.S., about 350 people are diagnosed with typhoid fever yearly.Ticks can transmit numerous diseases, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia, through the bite of an infected tick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been tracking reports of this disease. The cases have increased steadily since 2000, jumping from 348 reported cases to a peak of 5,762 in 2017.

Proactive Measures against Pest Infestations

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has published an article detailing the dos and don’ts of pest control. They put great emphasis on prevention, which is often better than cure. These preventive measures include the following tips:

• Eliminate pest attractants. Start by removing anything that attracts pests, such as food, water, or hiding places.
• Store food properly. Use glass containers or sealed plastic and cover trash cans tightly to prevent access to food sources.
• Prevent water accumulation. Avoid water buildup anywhere in the house, including trays under houseplants or the refrigerator.
• Declutter your space. Remove old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard stacks to eliminate hiding spots.
• Seal entry points. Close off possible entry points, like caulking cracks and crevices around cabinets or baseboards to block pest access.

Another helpful tip when managing pest infestation is using pesticides safely and correctly. Try low-risk pesticides first before going for strong ones. More potent pesticides are often toxic and can harm people and pets.

When to Seek Professional Pest Control Services

Proper measures can often manage a pest infestation, but if it gets out of control, professional help is the only solution. Pest control is a crucial industry that provides help to those affected by pests in various ways, ensuring health and safety.

It’s also a growing industry. The pest control industry in the U.S. had more than 34,000 different businesses that operated as of January 2023. The climate change ramifications exacerbate the problem of pest infestations, compelling many to seek the help of pest control services.

Pest control services have experienced professionals who can effectively deal with pests. They know the latest methods and technologies in the field and can better help affected individuals and businesses.

Some of the reasons why people and businesses hire pest control professionals include the following:

• They want to save time.
• They want to save money.
• They want to clean their premises efficiently.
• They want to avoid damage.
• They want to have a peace of mind.
• They want to get professional advice to address the problem’s root cause.

When pest infestations are already threatening to cause property damage, health issues, and other public safety concerns, then seeking the help of quality pest control services is a must.

Conclusion

Pest issues can significantly impact one’s peace of mind. It often ushers in serious ramifications that can affect many aspects of one’s life, including health, property, and safety. It’s crucial to understand how to deal with pest infestations, which involves recognizing the most common household pests and identifying the seasons when they are most active.

Equally valuable is discerning the appropriate times for individuals and businesses to undertake preventive measures independently and recognizing when to enlist the expertise of professionals. In striking this balance, you’re safeguarding your peace of mind and ensuring the well-being and security of your cherished spaces.

References

Allen, S. (2022, October 4). Almost 50% Of Homeowners Experienced Structural Damage From Pests, But Unwilling To Pay Pest Control Costs. Forbes Home. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/pest-control-survey-structural-damage/

Anaplasmosis epidemiology and statistics | CDC. (2022, August 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/anaplasmosis/stats/index.html

Associated Press. (2022, July 3). Climate change means more mice, Demand for pest control in the US. VOA. https://www.voanews.com/a/climate-change-means-more-mice-demand-for-pest-control-in-us/6638355.html

CDC – Lice – Head Lice – Epidemiology & Risk factors. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/epi.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). LEPTOSPIROSIS Fact Sheet for Clinicians. https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pdf/fs-leptospirosis-clinicians-eng-508.pdf

DiNuzzo, E., & Kaplan, J. (2023, March 15). This is the most Termite-Infested city in America. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/most-termite-infested-city-in-america/

Doggett, S. L., Dwyer, D. E., Peñas, P. F., & Russell, R. C. (2012). Bed bugs: clinical relevance and control options. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 25(1), 164–192. https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.05015-11

Giardiasis NNDSS Summary Report for 2019 | Water-related Topics | Healthy Water | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/surveillance/giardiasis/giardiasis-2019.html

Hamilton, W. D. (1981). FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE TANK MIXING PESTICIDES (3rd ed., Vol. 5). ORNAMENTALS NORTHWEST ARCHIVES. https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/horticulture/osu-nursery-greenhouse-and-christmas-trees/onn050305.pdf

How will climate change affect the number of insects? (2022, May 20). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/warmer-wetter-climate-change-insects-biodiversity/

Kaufman, E., & Simko-Bednarski, E. (2017, January 26). These cities have the worst roach and rodent infestations. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/25/us/creatures-regions-census-roaches-rodents-cities/index.html

Landsverk, G. (2019b, August 15). “You don’t feel safe in your own home:” Bed bugs’ biggest health threats are psychological, triggering flashbacks, extreme anxiety, and other symptoms of PTSD. Insider. https://www.insider.com/bed-bugs-cause-ptsd-mental-health-risks-2019-8

Matt. (n.d.). Exploring The Prevalence Of Termites In Homes And Why Prevention Is Essential | Mast Producing Trees. https://mast-producing-trees.org/exploring-the-prevalence-of-termites-in-homes-and-why-prevention-is-essential/

Meyersohn, N. (2022, March 5). 400 Family Dollar stores closed after a rat infestation. It’s part of a troubling pattern. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/04/business/family-dollar-rat-infestation-memphis-dollar-tree/index.html

NCEZID: Vector-borne Diseases (spread by bites from mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas) | What We Do | NCEZID | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/what-we-do/our-topics/vector-borne-diseases.html

Oi, F. M. (2022). A Review of the Evolution of Termite Control: A Continuum of Alternatives to Termiticides in the United States with Emphasis on Efficacy Testing Requirements for Product Registration. Insects, 13(1), 50. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010050

Pesticides’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality | US EPA. (2022, October 12). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/pesticides-impact-indoor-air-quality

Questions and Answers | Typhoid Fever | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/sources.html

Ramirez, R. (2022, September 24). Spotted lanternflies are thriving in the Northeast. Scientists fear they could spread farther. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/24/us/spotted-lanternfly-habitat-expanding-climate/index.html

Today, N. N. a. U. (2023, January 13). These US cities have the worst bedbugs problems in the nation, according to Orkin. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/01/13/worst-cities-bedbug-problems-us/11038544002/

U.S. Census Bureau. (2021, October 8). Residents of 14 million housing units reported seeing roaches, 14.8 million saw rodents in last 12 months. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/how-many-american-homes-have-pests.html

Why termites thrive in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. (n.d.). https://americanpest.net/services/res-core/why-termites-thrive-in-maryland-virginia-and-washington-d-c/