Cockroaches, those pesky insects that invade our homes and restaurants, are nocturnal creatures found all around the world. They thrive in warm and wet conditions and are often found in human living spaces, according to Orkin, an American pest control company. Out of the 4,500 species of cockroaches globally, 69 of them reside in the United States, with only 30 species commonly found in homes.
However, certain cities are more prone to cockroach infestations than others. Pest Gnome, a home service site, recently compiled a list of “The 25 Roachiest Cities in America” using data from the U.S. Census, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and climate information from across the nation. The list includes 18 states, with multiple cities from California, Texas, and Florida. Topping the list is Houston, where 37% of homes showed signs of cockroach presence in the past year. The high heat and humidity in Houston contribute to the large number of cockroaches, with the American cockroach and the German cockroach being the most common species.
San Antonio closely follows Houston, with over 28% of homes showing signs of cockroach infestations. Other cities in the top five include Tampa, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, which also have high temperatures and humidity year-round.
The complete list of the top 25 roach-infested cities in the US is as follows:
1. Houston, TX
2. San Antonio, TX
3. Tampa, FL
4. Phoenix, AZ
5. Las Vegas, NV
6. Miami, FL
7. Atlanta, GA
8. Birmingham, AL
9. Dallas, TX
10. Oklahoma City, OK
11. New York, NY
12. Richmond, VA
13. Los Angeles, CA
14. Washington, DC
15. Philadelphia, PA
16. Baltimore, MD
17. Riverside, CA
18. Chicago, IL
19. Minneapolis, MN
20. San Jose, CA
21. Boston, MA
22. Detroit, MI
23. San Francisco, CA
24. Rochester, NY
25. Seattle, WA
So why are cockroaches more prevalent in certain cities? Most of the cities on the list, especially those in the South, have warm temperatures throughout the year, which attracts cockroaches. These insects cannot survive in cold temperatures below 45 degrees. However, even cities with cold winters like Chicago, New York, and Detroit made the list because the cold weather causes roaches to seek warmth indoors.
To make your home less inviting to cockroaches, experts recommend keeping indoor areas clean, storing food in airtight containers, vacuuming frequently, disinfecting surfaces, using roach traps at doorways, and inspecting items delivered to your home. Outside the home, it is important to maintain screens, weather stripping, and seal weep holes, as well as prune trees and shrubs away from the house.
Getting rid of a cockroach infestation can take time, depending on the species and size of the infestation. Pest experts say it can take three to six months to completely eliminate them. So be diligent in keeping your home clean and taking preventative measures to keep these unwanted guests away.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
