What do you do when you need an answer to a pressing question? You google it. What were consumers googling when it came to pests in 2018? Hopefully it was Clark Pest Control, but we know that can’t always be the case.

Pest Control Technology magazine, a trade publication that serves the professional pest management industry, reported that flies, ants, and mosquitoes caused the most widespread problems in and around United States households in 2018. Combined, these three insects were identified as the top-searched pests in 41 states. They also accounted for 34 percent of pest control searches across the country.

The list was compiled in a research study from Organic Lesson and analyzed Google's search interest data (by state) of 30 common household pests and rodents, including flies, ants, bed bugs, mosquitoes, fleas, mice, and cockroaches.

The study looked at pest control keywords with a DIY intent, such as “bed bug remedies,” “mosquito traps,” and “how to get rid of fruit flies.”

How did the Top 10 list of most common pests shake out nationally?

1. Flies
2. Ants
3. Bed bugs
4. Mosquitoes
5. Fleas
6. Mice
7. Gnats
8. Cockroaches
9. Rats
10. Lice

In a somewhat surprising statistic, bed bugs didn’t come out as a top pest search in any one state, but they did account for the third-highest percentage of pest control searches across the U.S.

What pests were bugging Californians? The top five pests that consumers searched for in California included:

1. Flies
2. Mosquitoes
3. Ants
4. Fleas
5. Rats

According to the study, flies, mosquitoes, and ants accounted for a third of total pest control searches in California. The Los Angeles metropolitan area registered the most searches for this pesky trio of pests, followed by San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, and Sacramento.

One pest that did not register in the report, but a significant one for California homeowners, is termites. As we approach prime termite swarming season, Clark, your neighborly pest control and lawn care expert, would like to remind you to schedule their termite inspection to make sure these destructive pests are not threatening your home. Watch for more information on termites as Clark recognizes National Termite Awareness Week, March 10-16.  

Clark reviews customer service requests and pest trend data regularly, to identify and develop effective management strategies that use the latest technology, along with products that leave the smallest environmental footprint.

To protect your home and family from pests, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time, I’m Clark, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.