Summer 2024 is poised to be the hottest on record, intensifying the annual battle against bugs - especially in the Houston area.
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For the third year in a row, data from the popular blog site Thumbtack reveals the buggiest cities in the U.S., derived from millions of home project requests nationwide.
SEE ALSO: Grab the bug spray: Texas has its first case of West Nile this year
This year’s list also debunks common pest control myths and offers practical tips for keeping pests at bay.
The data shows a significant rise in demand for pest control services, inspections, bed bug exterminations, and outdoor pesticide applications across major U.S. markets. Atlanta leads the list for the second year in a row, with cities in Texas and Florida dominating six of the top ten spots.
Here are the top 5 buggiest cities compared year over year (YoY):
1. Atlanta (requests up 1.5% YoY)
2. Washington, D.C. ⬆ (requests up 20.6% YoY)
3. Dallas ⬇ (requests up 7.7% YoY)
4. Baltimore ⬆ (requests up 26.4% YoY)
5. Houston ⬇ (requests up 8% YoY)
Pest Control Myth Busters
Citronella Candles? How well do they work
- While citronella candles can help repel mosquitoes and some flying insects, their effectiveness is limited to small areas and is contingent on strong scent presence. The repellent effect is temporary and less reliable in open or breezy conditions.
Higher Floors: Reduced, Not Eliminated Risk
- Living on higher floors can reduce encounters with ground-level pests like ants or rodents but doesn’t eliminate the risk. Pests can still infiltrate through shared walls, pipes, and vents.
Mothballs: Specific Use
- Mothballs are effective against moths and fabric-attracted pests but don’t protect against most household bugs. Misuse can also lead to toxicity.
Cedar Blocks: Limited Scope
- Cedar can repel some insects but is not a comprehensive solution. Its effectiveness diminishes over time and doesn’t cover all pests.
Ultrasonic Pest Repellers: Inconsistent Results
- Ultrasonic pest repellers claim to use sound waves to repel pests, but scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited and inconsistent, varying widely among different pests.