Least Wanted: Ants Number One Nuisance Pest in America

NPMA Staff

According to the 2010 Pest Control Attitudes and Usage Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), ants are the number one pest concern, with termites, spiders, cockroaches and mosquitoes not far behind. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. homeowners currently use or have used a professional pest control company for pest problems and preventative care in their homes.

"Pests are more than nuisances in our daily lives. They can destroy property and pose health risks to children and adults alike. Our survey tells us many homeowners recognize these threats and recognize that effective pest control requires professional services," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. "Regular professional pest control should be part of every homeowner's maintenance plan."

The survey polled more than 1,000 homeowners in the U.S. and examined their opinions about pest problems and professional pest control. Here are several key highlights:

• 54 percent of survey respondents named ants as their top pest concern. Ants have long been the scourge of homeowners as they invade kitchens in warm months in search of food.
• 53 percent of survey respondents believe pest control professionals are more effective in handling household pest problems than they are. That number spikes to 88 percent when asked of current pest control users.
• 59 percent of current pest control users elect to have a contract with a pest control company because they feel it best protects their family. 56 percent also cite intolerance of pests as a secondary issue.
• 84 percent of respondents, who use professional pest control, had their most recent pest problem resolved in one to two visits. Those who tried to deal with the problem themselves had varying rates of success, many failing to eliminate the problem.

For more information about household pests and tips on how to find a professional pest control company, visit www.PestWorld.org

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property.
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