What are the most common bugs in spring? This might seem like an irrelevant question to landlords at first glance. However, it offers important insight into what landlords must do to control pest populations during the season.
Spring Bug Infestations
Landlords are responsible for controlling pests to keep their rental properties safe and habitable. Otherwise, tenants might choose not to renew the lease agreement and move out. It also poses a liability risk for landlords as state law and city ordinances generally impose habitability requirements on rental properties. It is for these reasons that controlling pests and preventing infestations are essential.
Springtime is prime time for bug infestations. In winter, bugs often migrate, hibernate, or escape the cold by staying indoors. They’re largely undetectable and inactive during those months. However, they tend to ‘overwinter’ during the spring months. This means they start moving and quickly resume their previous routines. Let’s find the most common bugs in spring and where they’re mostly found.
States With the Biggest Insect Problems
According to a recent report on Flourish, some states have a bigger bug issue than others. Moreover, the predominant insect species may differ from state to state. Rental property investors and landlords should remember these facts before they choose to invest in a rental property. Without further ado, here are the states with the biggest insect problems based on search volume.
California
In California, residents are logging approximately 47,000 monthly searches for pest control. Bed bugs are the most commonly searched pest, with nearly 17,000 searches. Meanwhile, termites have 10,000 searches, while ants have 8,000.
Texas
Texans are conducting roughly 42,000 pest-related searches. Most of the searches involve bed bugs, with over 15,000 monthly searches. Meanwhile, termites take up over 9,000 searches, and ants produce more than 6,000.
Florida
In third place, we have the Sunshine State. The state’s residents conduct roughly 33,000 monthly searches. Unlike the other states, however, Floridians seem to be most concerned with termites. Over 12,000 of their monthly searches involve these pests. Bed bugs only come in second place with more than 8,000 searches. Meanwhile, ants have nearly 4,000.
New York
The state of New York generates 23,000 monthly pest-related queries. Bed bugs are the most pressing concern, as they generate over 8,000 searches. Meanwhile, ants take second place with more than 4,700 searches. Termites come in third with over 3,000 queries.
Pennsylvania
The people of Pennsylvania conduct 16,000 searches overall. They’re most concerned with bed bugs, as the searches related to these pests reach over 5,600. Meanwhile, ants are the second-most pressing pest, with over 4,300 searches. Lastly, termites generate over 2,500 monthly queries.
Illinois
The state of Illinois garners 15,000 searches involving pests. Like other states, bed bugs take the top spot, making up nearly 7,000 searches. Likewise, ants and termites come in second and third place, with over 3,600 and 1,600 searches, respectively.
Georgia
The residents of Georgia follow closely behind Illinois with roughly 14,000 monthly queries. They deem bed bugs the most bothersome as they account for over 6,200 searches. Meanwhile, termites and ants are nearly tied as the former generates 2,500 searches while the latter creates 2,100.
The Most Common Bugs in Spring and Their Predominant States
While bed bugs, ants, and termites are the predominant bug problems per state, they’re not the only insects that cause infestations. Let’s examine each insect and find out which states they cause the most trouble in.
1. Bed Bugs
These itchy insects might carry no diseases, but they can travel anywhere as anyone can pick them up. They cause the most trouble in California and Texas. Bed bugs typically make homes in mattresses, couches, clothing, wall voids, and moldings.
2. Ants
While they may seem harmless, ants do carry food-borne disease organisms such as E. coli and salmonella. They’re one of the most common bugs in spring and cause the biggest fuss in California, Texas, and New York. They often create homes in wooden structures and inside walls.
3. Termites
When bitten, these wood-eating critters carry the risk of infection. Florida, California, and Texas have the biggest termite problems because of diverse climates and California’s prevalent wooden structures. Termites create colonies inside wooden structures.
4. Mosquitoes
These bloodsuckers carry fatal diseases like Malaria, Zika, and Dengue. They cause the most problems in Florida, Texas, and California because of their mild environments. Mosquitoes breed in standing water and love wet debris.
5. Ticks
These insects carry diseases like Lyme Disease and Tularemia. Ticks love living in warm climates with varied ecosystems. Hence, Texas, California, and New York have the biggest tick problems. They like tall grass, trees, and bushes.
6. Spiders
These arachnids prefer mild, warm, and humid environments. They love dark and mild habitats like cellars, basements, and attics. Their bites are toxic and can cause systemic illnesses and skin lesions. They’re predominant in California, Texas, and Florida.
7. Cockroaches
Roaches can cause many health problems, like urinary tract infections, E. coli, and salmonella. They mainly inhabit densely populated areas with ample humidity. Thus, the states of California, Texas, and New York have the most problems with them. They prefer narrow cracks and crevices hiding in dark drawers, under sinks, and behind refrigerators and cabinets.
8. Wasps
These stingers can cause allergies and even death. Approximately 72 deaths per year are from wasps, bees, and hornets. They’re most bothersome in California, Texas, and Washington. Wasps make their nests outdoors, in the soil, on furniture, or under eaves.
The American Enemy: Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are the most universally bothersome insect, according to the report. They generate over 154,000 searches monthly as people find solutions to control them. These insects may not carry diseases, but they’re undoubtedly bothersome. They cause sleepless nights for Americans across all fifty states.
Apart from this, ants and termites take second and third place in the contest of infamy. Ants are concerning because they can cause health problems. They’re also always on the hunt for food. Meanwhile, termites cause a lot of problems when it comes to property. They chew on wood, often at the cost of a home’s structural integrity.
Using the Data to Your Advantage
The information provided above should give rental property owners some perspective. It allows them to know what to inspect and which kind of treatments to use for pest control. Moreover, they can watch for certain more prolific insects in their state.
On the other hand, this doesn’t mean landlords should hire an exterminator based on the given data. Even if termites are the most prolific in Florida, this does not mean the rental property will automatically have a termite problem. Landlords should still conduct a proper inspection before they hire a professional exterminator.
How to Control Pests in Rental Property
Landlords should take great measures to protect their rental properties from insects. Otherwise, the home might become unlivable as pests grow and infest the place. Here are some of the ways a rental property owner can control pests.
Conduct Regular Maintenance Checks
Landlords should inspect the property regularly. They should carry out maintenance checks, including inspecting insects and other pests. The earlier they can spot a problem, the faster they can remedy it and the less costly it will be. Remember always to inspect crevices and cracks. Check for moist areas or standing water and fix them.
It’s also a good idea to conduct a deep clean every once in a while. If possible, consider also investing in seasonal treatments to control problematic pests. This is especially true if the property is in a state with many pest reports.
Hire an Exterminator
Landlords should address both minor and major pest problems. If there is an infestation, call an exterminator immediately. They can find the source of the infestation and take measures to kill all the problematic bugs. Even if it costs a lot, it’s a worthwhile investment to save the rental property.
Stay Vigilant
Many insects are on the list of the most common bugs in spring. Each one comes with its own health and safety risks. Hence, property owners need to learn which are the most pressing in their state. They should also address any potential issues as soon as they can.
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