Thumbtack Reveals the 2024 Buggiest Cities in the U.S., with Atlanta Holding the #1 Spot for the Second Year In a Row

According to our data, demand for pest control services, pest inspections, bed bug exterminations, and outdoor pesticide applications are up in major markets across the U.S., with Atlanta remaining at the top of the leaderboard for the second year in a row. Cities throughout Texas and Florida are also feeling the sting as they take 6 out of the 10 top spots.

10 Buggiest Cities in America

The top 10 buggiest cities in the U.S. are:

(Note: Arrows represent whether cities have moved up or down the list compared to 2023 results)

1. Atlanta (requests up +1.5% YoY)
2. Washington, D.C. ⬆ (requests up +20.6% YoY)
3. Dallas ⬇ (requests up +7.7% YoY)
4. Baltimore ⬆ (requests up +26.4% YoY)
5. Houston ⬇ (requests up +8% YoY)
6. Austin ⬇ (requests up +3% YoY)
7. Charlotte ⬆ (requests up +21.9% YoY)
8. West Palm Beach ⬆ (requests up +18.5% YoY)
9. Miami ⬇ (requests up +13.2% YoY)
10. Tampa ⬆ (requests up +15.6% YoY)
11. San Francisco ⬆ (requests up 25.1% YoY)
12. Orlando ⬇ (requests down 4.8% YoY)
13. Seattle (requests up 13.7% YoY)
14. Philadelphia ⬆ (requests up 11.1% YoY)
15. Boston (requests up 11.7% YoY)
16. New York ⬆ (requests up 29% YoY)
17. Denver ⬆ (requests up 15.7% YoY)
18. San Antonio ⬇ (requests down 5.1% YoY)
19. Raleigh ⬆ (requests up 18.7% YoY)
20. Chicago ⬆ (requests up 15.7% YoY)

Pest Control Myth Busters

Do citronella candles really work? What about home remedies or ultrasonic pest repellers? There are several common misconceptions around pest control, so we’re exposing a few myth-busters that can help you more effectively keep the bugs away.

Citronella Candles Are Your Best Outdoor Option: Citronella candles can help repel mosquitoes and some other flying insects, but their effectiveness is limited to a small area and only works when the scent is strong. The repellent effect is also temporary and depends on factors like wind and outdoor conditions to be most effective. Unfortunately, they are less reliable in open or breezy environments.

The Higher the Floor You’re On, the Safer You Are: Living a few stories up in an apartment can reduce the likelihood of encountering some pests like ants or rodents, which are more common on the ground level. However, it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely, as pests can still find their way to your unit through shared walls, pipes, and vents.

Mothballs Repel All Bugs: Many believe mothballs can repel a wide range of pests, but they are only effective against moths and other pests attracted to fabric. Mothballs don’t protect against most household bugs and can actually be toxic if misused.

Cedar Blocks Keep All Insects Away: Cedar can repel some insects, but it's not a comprehensive solution and doesn't affect all pests. Its effectiveness also diminishes over time.

Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work Universally: These devices claim to repel pests using sound waves, but scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited and inconsistent, and results vary widely among different pests.

Planting Certain Herbs or Flowers Guarantees a Bug-Free Yard: While some plants like lavender and marigolds can deter certain pests, they do not provide protection against all bugs and insects.

Home Remedies Always Work: Common DIY solutions like vinegar or lemon juice sprays can deter insects, but they are not reliable or long-term solutions for significant infestations.

Cats and Dogs Can Keep Pests Away: While pets might catch and occasionally deter some pests, they are not reliable or effective at keeping all insects away. In fact, pets can attract more pests due to food and water sources.

Clean Homes Don’t Get Bugs: Cleanliness helps reduce pest problems, but even spotless homes can still experience infestations due to structural issues or proximity to natural habitats.

Tips & Tricks to Beat the Bugs

So what can you do to fight off the bugs? From proper storage and regular cleaning to utilizing screens and sealing points of entry, here are the things homeowners can try.

• Seal Entry Points: No matter their size, bugs can find their way in if there are cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, doors, and windows! Be sure to seal open spots, ensure weather stripping and door sweeps are intact, and repair any broken screens around the house. Additionally, make sure you caulk all small openings around your outlet covers, light switches, light fixtures, baseboards, floor perimeter, and vent covers.
• Maintain Cleanliness: While a perfectly clean house can still experience pests, regularly cleaning kitchen counters, floors, and cabinets to remove crumbs and spills minimizes the chance. Be sure to address the less commonly accessed areas like crawlspaces and attic storage areas. Bugs like to be left alone, so it’s good to move items around regularly so they can’t build a home.
• Proper Food + Items Storage: This is a given, but many homeowners forget to do basic things like keeping pantry items in sealed containers, refrigerating perishable foods promptly, avoiding leaving food (including pet food!) out overnight, disposing of garbage promptly, and keeping trash cans sealed when possible. Try using vacuum storage bags to protect your clothes and other items that you store seasonally.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Even though it’s nice for the birds, it’s best to remove standing water from birdbaths and planters that are in close proximity to your home. It’s also important to remove water from your gutters when you can, fix leaky pipes and faucets, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements (especially in the hot and humid summer months).
• Yard Maintenance: Always trim shrubs and trees away from the house. The closer branches and foliage are to your home’s walls, the easier it is for pests to migrate in. Bugs love wet dirt, so be sure to maintain a gap between mulch and the home's foundation. 
• Use Screens and Nets: Most cities that experience intense heat and humidity understand the importance of installing screens on windows and doors to keep out the critters. Try using mosquito nets or outdoor screens on all appropriate doors and windows.
• Regular Inspections: At the end of the day, bugs will occasionally find their way in no matter what you do to stop them. Conducting regular inspections and preventative treatment plans from pest control pros can help. Weather conditions can influence the treatment schedule, so consult your local pest control service for a thorough home evaluation and tailored advice. When you’re ready to get started, there are thousands of excellent pros on Thumbtack who can help you manage pest problems.

To hire a local professional and get a free personalized home maintenance plan, download the Thumbtack app. 

About Thumbtack: We’re Thumbtack, a technology company helping millions of people confidently care for and improve their homes. Our homeowners get personalized guidance on what to do and when to do it as well as who to hire from our growing community of 300,000 local service businesses. Every day in every county of the U.S., people turn to Thumbtack to complete small fixes, routine maintenance, and major improvements. With over 10 million 5-star projects and counting, we empower homeowners to take control and local businesses to grow. Accomplish more with Thumbtack.

2024 Methodology: Data is from consumer requests on the Thumbtack platform from August 2023 to July 2024 for pest control services, pest inspection, bed bug extermination, and outdoor pesticide application. Rankings were based on the relative frequency of such requests adjusted for the population of state and metropolitan areas. 

Pricing data is based on projects requested in these categories on Thumbtack reported directly by the independent service professional or individual consumer. The price reported reflects the average price over the past year. Outliers were removed if the reported price was greater than three times the standard deviation from the mean within each category. Actual prices may vary based on city and supply. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.