Rodents, roaches and pests — oh my! Renters and homeowners alike don't want pesky critters infesting their living spaces. While there are insects, rodents and other creatures everywhere in the U.S., some metro areas are more prone to pest infestation compared to others.
We took a look at the 15 most populous metro areas in the U.S. to see how they ranked for rodent and roach sightings using the newest data from the American Housing Survey. Curious to see if your city made the list? Read on!
Below, you'll discover which areas have the most rodents and roaches and what you can do for pest prevention in your apartment.
Big cities come with lots of perks — great food options, lots of people and endless things to do. But, on those busy streets and in those metro buildings, rodents and roaches lurk. Typically, you'll find more rodents and roaches in buildings that have structural damage with sagging roofs, broken windows or cracked walls. Reports of rodent and roach sightings increase if the apartment building is located within a half-block of a garbage landfill or other abandoned buildings.
The national average for roach sightings is 11.3 percent and the national average for rodent sightings is 11.9 percent, according to the Census Bureau. So which cities are the worst for pest infestations?
Pick your poison. Would you rather have to deal with roaches or rodents? While neither is ideal, if you live in the South, you're far more likely to encounter roaches than anywhere else in the US. In the South, the average percentage of roach sightings is 24.97 percent. This is significantly higher than the national average of 11.3 percent.
Roaches may be abundant in the South, but you will catch a break because rodent sightings are far lower than the national average. In the South, the average percentage of rodent sightings is only 4.13 percent.
If you live in one of the top three metros with the most roach infestations, you'll want to take steps to rid your home and prevent these pests. Hang tight though because we have more tips for pest prevention below!
You win some, you lose some in life. If you live in the North, you're far more likely to encounter rodents in your apartment and much less likely to deal with roaches. The national average for rodent sightings is 11.9 percent, but unfortunately, it's as high as 15.75 percent in the North.
Pixar and Disney make pests look cute and endearing, but if you actually see a mouse or cockroach in your apartment it's definitely not sweet. So, how do you manage pest infestations and get a grip on pest prevention? The best approach is prevention because once you have a problem it's usually a big deal.
Here are five things you can immediately do to keep your apartment pest-free.
Pests thrive in dirty, unkempt spaces. You can do your part and keep pests at bay by regularly cleaning your apartment, getting rid of the trash, regularly wiping counters, sweeping and mopping to get rid of crumbs.
Generally, keeping a clean space is a great pest prevention tactic.
While the landlord is responsible for general building upkeep, you can be diligent and check your own apartment for issues like cracks in the walls, leaks in the pipes, sagging roofs or other structural issues.
If you notice anything like this, let your landlord know right away because this can lead to pest infestations.
Rodents and roaches thrive on garbage so it's crucial that you dispose of it often and properly. First, make sure you are regularly taking out the trash in your house to prevent build-up inside. When you throw trash away indoors, make sure it goes into the can and doesn't end up on the floor. You can also purchase garbage cans with lids to deter pesky pests.
It may seem like a basic step, but sealing your food, keeping your pantry clean and storing food properly is one way to prevent pests in your space. If you see chewed boxes of food or trails of crumbs, beware! That could be the first sign of rodents in your home.
If you see signs of rot in your house — water damage, cracks or holes — repair them ASAP! This can lead to a place for critters to camp out, so repair it right away as a means of pest prevention.
Pests are a part of life but they don't have to ruin your apartment or infest your living space. Certain metro areas have more pest infestations but you can manage and prevent the pests yourself. And if it becomes too much, you can work with your landlord or property manager to keep up the apartment and make sure it's a livable, clean space you can enjoy and call home.
Sage Singleton is a writer from Salt Lake City with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, Sage loves traveling, reading and learning French.