Cockroaches are one of the most persistent pests in the U.S., thriving in warm, humid environments and finding shelter in homes, businesses, and urban infrastructure. While no one wants to think about these unwanted visitors crawling around their city, the reality is that some places have it worse than others. These are twelve of the most cockroach-infested places in the U.S. Is your city on the list?
1. Houston, TX
37% of homes in Houston, Texas, have reported cockroach sightings in the past year. Houston has a subtropical climate with high heat and humidity, which creates the perfect conditions for many types of cockroaches, like the American cockroach and German cockroach. These species thrive in warm, moist environments like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
2. San Antonio, TX
28% of homes in San Antonio, Texas, showed signs of cockroaches. San Antonio shares Houston’s warm climate but has fewer cockroach infestations because of less humidity. American and German cockroaches are very common in this city, especially during summer months when temperatures rise.
3. Tampa, FL
Tampa, Florida, is very humid, which makes it a haven for cockroaches. Florida’s tropical climate supports year-round roach activity. It’s always warm and moist, which is why it is one of the most cockroach-infested places in the U.S. American cockroaches can often be found in outdoor areas like sewers and storm drains.
4. Phoenix, AZ
Despite its dry, desert climate, Phoenix ranks fourth on our list. This is because of urban infrastructure, which provides dark and damp hiding spots for roaches. Irrigation systems and air conditioning units create localized moisture that contributes to infestations. The Turkestan cockroach is increasingly common in Phoenix because of its adaptability to arid conditions.
5. Las Vegas, NV
Despite being a desert city, Las Vegan struggles with cockroaches. These pests find shelter in urban areas with access to water sources like leaky pipes or irrigation systems. During the summer, they often seek shelter indoors because of the heat. The Oriental cockroach is often found in basements and crawl spaces in Las Vegas.
6. Miami, FL
Miami has a tropical climate, which is why it struggles so much with roach infestations. High humidity and urban density make Miami a hotspot for infestations. The city also faces challenges with pest control due to its older infrastructure. The German cockroach is a significant problem in apartments and condos where shared walls facilitate the spread of these pests.
7. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta ranks seventh on our list because of its humid summers. Warm weather combined with frequent rainfall creates the perfect breeding grounds for roaches. American cockroaches thrive in basements and sewer systems across Atlanta.
8. Birmingham, AL
Birmingham struggles with roaches due to its warm climate. This city’s consistently warm temperatures throughout the year allow roaches to reproduce rapidly. Older homes with wooden structures are particularly vulnerable to these pests. Smokybrown cockroaches are common in Birmingham.
9. Dallas, TX
Dallas faces the same issues as the other Texas cities on this list. This city’s high heat, combined with urban development, provides ample food and shelter for roaches. The city ranks ninth on the list due to its large population and warm summers. Both American and German cockroaches can be found indoors and outdoors.
10. Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is tenth on our list due to its warm summers. The city’s hot climate during summer months drives roaches indoors as they seek cooler environments. Urban infrastructure also plays a role in harboring pests. Brown-banded cockroaches are commonly found in residential areas in Oklahoma City.
11. New York City, NY
New York City is notorious for its pest control problems. Its dense population, aging infrastructure, and shared housing units contribute significantly to infestations despite colder winters limiting outdoor populations. German cockroaches dominate indoor spaces like apartments and restaurants.
12. Richmond, VA
Richmond’s warm summers support significant roach activity. High humidity levels during summer months encourage infestations in both residential and commercial properties. Older buildings are particularly vulnerable to infestations because of structural cracks and leaks. American cockroaches are frequently found in basements and crawlspaces in this city.
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