WBOB Original Reads

Bugged Out: Providence Among Top U.S. Cities for Pest Concerns

7/5/2017

Americans in some cities may not be the only ones enjoying a bite during their backyard barbecues this summer. TruGreen, the nation's leading professional lawn care company helping people live life outside, today announced the results of its first annual list of the 10 U.S. cities most bothered by bugs.

According to customer data compiled by TruGreen, these cities are worried the most about mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, ants and other creepy, crawly and sometimes dangerous pests interrupting their time outside. As temperatures rise, more insects come out to play, and a recent survey conducted online by Harris Poll for TruGreen in June 2017 found that 60 percent of Americans in the Northeast are worried about ticks ruining their time outside this summer, compared to 48 percent in the Midwest, 35 percent in the South, and 32 percent in the West.

If you're a bug-loving entomophile, you may find few people who share your passion for pests in these cities, but if you suffer from entomophobia, a fear of insects, you may be in good company in:

Hartford, Connecticut
Columbus, Ohio
Detroit
Boston
Rochester, New York
Cincinnati
Pittsburgh
Providence, Rhode Island
Buffalo, New York
Chicago

The last week in June is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, and mosquitoes are by far one of the most bothersome bugs of summer. In fact, 65 percent of Americans use bug spray on themselves/their family to combat mosquitoes outdoors at home, but although it's the top response for preventative measures, only half (51 percent) say it is most effective at preventing mosquitoes from biting outdoors at home, according to another Harris Poll survey conducted online for TruGreen in March 2017.

"Nobody likes to be bothered by bugs, but they can be more than just annoying. Insects like ticks and mosquitoes can transmit diseases and cause allergic reactions in both people and pets," said John Bell, board certified entomologist and TruGreen regional technical manager. "Having a yard that's free of annoying insects and pests is one of the best ways to live life outside, and TruGreen is committed to helping Americans enjoy life outside without having to worry about biting insects. Our new Mosquito Defense service targets pests where they live and comes with our Mosquito Free Guarantee which states TruGreen will perform a free re-service any time a customer sees biting mosquitoes in their yard between treatments."

If you live in one of these cities, or somewhere else where you want to banish bugs, here are some tips for minimizing pests in your yard:

Mosquitoes lay their eggs near water, so remove standing water that accumulates in things like buckets and birdbaths.
Ticks love tall grasses and brush, so keep your grass cut.
Invite animals who eat bugs to your yard to move in and feast by placing bat and birdhouses in your yard.
Fleas thrive in moist places, so be careful not to over water your lawn and landscape.
Take the necessary precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and consider hiring a professional lawn care company to address your pest concerns.