The Most Common Pests Americans Encounter at Home

With the onset of summer, nearly half of Americans are noticing an uptick in household pests, according to a recent survey highlighting the prevalence of various critters across different regions and settings.

Flies, spiders, and ants dominate the list of pests commonly found indoors, with more than 80% of respondents occasionally encountering them.

Mosquitoes and gnats also make regular appearances in American homes. In contrast, larger pests like mice, rats, raccoons, and opossums are less frequently seen, with sighting frequencies varying between urban and rural areas.

Regional differences are pronounced: the South experiences higher incidences of cockroaches, lizards, geckos, and snakes, while the Northeast and Midwest report more sightings of mice. In the West, cockroaches, lizards, and geckos are more prevalent compared to other regions.

Interestingly, urban residents are more likely to report seeing cockroaches and bedbugs regularly, whereas rural areas contend with higher numbers of wasps, snakes, moths, and mice. These variations underscore the diverse pest challenges faced across different geographic locations.

Looking back, adults today perceive slightly fewer household pests compared to their childhoods, particularly noting declines in sightings of flies, mosquitoes, and moths. This shift could reflect changes in environmental factors or evolving perceptions of insect presence.

When it comes to managing pest issues, a majority of Americans rely on manual extermination (66%) or eliminating food sources (66%). Roughly half use traps or baits (51%) and chemical pesticides (48%), while 25% have sought professional pest control services, especially those dealing with significant infestations.

These insights from the YouGov poll offer a comprehensive glimpse into how Americans perceive, encounter, and address household pests, highlighting regional variations and trends in pest management practices.