Charlotte, North Carolina’s Rival City Tops Most Pest List

Charlotte's rival city topped the list of the most pest-infested cities. A recent study by New York-based pest inspectors Doctor Sniffs analyzed 2021 U.S. Census data that revealed the number of rat and cockroach sightings in the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.

The city that holds the title that nobody wants is just down I-85  from the Queen City. Atlanta topped the list as the metropolitan area with a combined pest sighting rate of 165.9 per 100,000 residents. That's some serious pest.

A Doctor Sniffs spokesperson said in a statement, “Whilst the more northerly metropolitan areas see a decrease in the number of cockroach sightings compared to the more southern areas, taking proactive measures to ensure all properties remain pest-free is ultimately the best approach to the ongoing pest problem."

Many government agencies say rodents and cockroaches carry a variety of diseases and allergens that pose significant risks to humans.

Miami and Washington, D.C. took second and third place, respectively.  Read more about Charlotte's rival city that topped the list of the most pest-infested cities here.

If it's one thing we can all agree on, no one wants to live near a lot of bugs. At least I would hope the majority of us are not fans of living within the vicinity of too many bugs. Who would really want to be near that many bugs, for fun? Anyways, did you know of Termite Awareness Week? Well, me neither! But, Termite Awareness Week runs March 5-March 11 each year. The week serves as a reminder of how much damage termites can do to a person's living space. Termites can damage your home, your office building, or your favorite business. They never sleep which makes them even worse because the damage never stops!

Orkin knows how much termites can be a hassle to many people and their lives. So, they curated a list of the top 50 most termite-infested cities across the country. Now, I know you're like me probably hoping you're not in that area. Well, unfortunately, a few Carolina cities made the top 20. One North Carolina city, in particular, made the top 5. YIKES! No worries, I give you the Carolina cities we all know and love and their placement on the list. If you're interested in the full list of cities, click here to read the full article by Orkin.

Well, how about Greenville, North Carolina came in at No. 44 on the list. Remember, I am only sharing which Carolina cities made the list and their placement. Greenville was on the list last year, but this year they moved up one spot in the ranking. Guess this part year rang in a bit more damage than the year prior.

Here we are ranking in at No. 34 is a South Carolina favorite, Columbia. Columbia seems to have had a good year as they went down 6 spots compared to their ranking the year prior. Now, being on the list may still suck for termites but at least they're getting a little better it seems.

We're still in South Carolina with a beach town favorite coming in at No. 27. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina not only is one of the country's top termite cities, but things seem to have gotten worse. They made the prior year's list but this year, they moved up 7 spots. Whew, be careful Myrtle Beach!

South Carolina is just booming with termite cities it seems like. Another South Carolina favorite, Charleston is coming in at No. 26. The city also had a big year in which it moved up 15 spots compared to the year prior's rankings. Now, I am from Charleston and fortunately have never dealt with termites in any of my previous residents but I have heard stories from many in the area before.

Well, guess what? We're still talking South Carolina! Coming in at No. 20 is Greenville. This city has seen a big spike in growth over the last few years, so that means tons of new buildings and houses being built in the area. Plenty new spots for termites to latch onto.

Now, we're home! Charlotte made the list for the top 20 as some of the top termite cities. Luckily, the city did drop down two slots from their rankings in the previous year but we are still pretty high up, unfortunately.

Well, the highest ranking Carolina city is right here in the Tar Heel state. Raleigh, North Carolina ranked in the No. 5 spot for top termite cities across the country. The city went up on slot compared to the year before, so looks like the growing city is also growing in termite infestations as well.