The Buggiest Cities

The summer months usher in warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, however, the season also brings with it plenty of bugs. While pests are problematic across the country, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), compiled the list of the “Top 10 Buggiest Cities,” which will leave residents buying repellent in bulk and looking for ways to prevent infestations.

According to traffic to NPMA’s website – www.pestworld.org – the “Top 10 Buggiest Cities” are:

New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Washington, DC
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Boston
San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
Dallas-Ft. Worth
Houston

“While these 10 cities may be the buggiest, pests are plentiful in every city and state. As Americans spend more time outdoors during the summer months, we encourage them to take precautions to protect themselves, their families and their pets from the multitude of health risks posed by pests,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.

Here are NPMA’s summer pest prevention tips:

Seal cracks and small openings in the home’s foundation, around windows and doors.
Repair ripped window screens.
Keep tree branches and bushes trimmed and away from the house.
Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water.
Inspect the outside of a home for nests built by stinging insects — typically found in the eaves under roofs.
Keep kitchen counters clean, and store food like sugary cereals in sealed containers.
Empty garbage containers frequently and seal indoor containers.
Make sure pets’ food and dishes are not left out for long periods of time.
Always apply an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when spending time outdoors, and reapply as directed on the label.
Keep grass cut low. Remove weeds, woodpiles and debris.
Inspect yourself and your family members carefully for ticks after being outdoors.