The Top 8 States Bugs Love to Call Home

Some states aren’t just great places for people — they’re paradise for pests, too. Warm weather, high humidity, and plenty of food and water sources can turn an everyday backyard into a bug buffet. Whether you’re planning a vacation, thinking about moving, or just curious about what states have the most bugs, we’re here to break it down.

Here’s a closer look at some of the buggiest states in America and the pests that call them home.

1. Florida

If you’ve ever stepped foot in Florida, this should come as no surprise. With its year-round warmth and humidity, Florida tops just about every list for bugs. The state’s tropical climate creates ideal conditions for pests to thrive — especially the biting, stinging, and crawling kind.

Bug Hotspots: Coastal cities, wetlands, and suburban neighborhoods

Top Pests:

• Mosquitoes

• Palmetto bugs (a.k.a. American cockroaches) 

• Fire ants

• Termites

• No-see-ums

2. Texas

Everything’s bigger — and buggier — in Texas. Thanks to its size and diverse geography, the Lone Star State sees its fair share of stinging insects, creepy crawlers, and wood-destroying pests.

Bug Hotspots: Suburban neighborhoods, rural areas, and wooded properties

Top Pests:

• Scorpions (especially in the western half of the state)

• Mosquitoes

• Carpenter ants

• Cockroaches

• Wasps

3. California

This West Coast state may not seem buggy at first glance, but its sheer size and climate diversity mean it supports a wide range of insect life. Whether you’re in a large city, by the coast, or in the mountains, you’re never too far from a critter in California. 

Bug Hotspots: Coastal cities, agricultural regions, and desert areas

Top Pests:

• Ants

• Termites

• Wasps

• Pantry pests (like beetles and moths)

• Millipedes 

4. Louisiana

Like Florida, Louisiana’s hot, wet environment makes it a paradise for biting and swarming bugs. Mosquitoes are a major issue, but they’re far from alone. The combination of standing water, thick vegetation, and long summers creates a nearly perfect ecosystem for pests.

Bug Hotspots: Swamps, bayous, and densely populated areas

Top Pests:

• Mosquitoes

• Formosan Termites

• Spiders

• Cockroaches

• Ants

5. Georgia

The Peach State is also the “Pest State” thanks to its humid climate. Georgia experiences a long bug season that can begin as early as March and last through October. Spring and summer bring out mosquitoes and ants, while fall and winter drive bugs indoors.

Bug Hotspots: Wooded areas, lakeside properties, and inside the home

Top Pests:

• Fire ants

• Mosquitoes

• Carpenter bees

• Silverfish

• American cockroaches

6. New York

This Northern state may be known for skyscrapers and subways, but it’s also home to plenty of pests — especially in densely populated areas. New York City’s warmth-trapping buildings, abundant trash, and aging infrastructure are ideal for bugs that thrive indoors. Outside of the concrete jungle, New York’s wooded areas and humid summers bring out a whole different set of pests, including mosquitoes that rival the South’s. 

Bug Hotspots: City apartments, basements, and suburban green spaces

Top Pests:

• Cockroaches (especially German cockroaches in apartments)

• Bed bugs

• Mosquitoes

• Carpenter ants

• Ticks 

7. Alabama

Jim Croce’s “Alabama Rain” is a great song, but it leaves out one detail — the state’s frequent rain showers make it a haven for pests. Paired with a warm Southern climate, Alabama is prime real estate for wood-destroying insects that thrive in moisture-rich environments.

Bug Hotspots: Forested areas, crawl spaces, and poorly ventilated homes

Top Pests:

• Termites

• Cockroaches

• Ticks

• Spiders

• Ants

8. South Carolina

From the marshes of the Lowcountry to the lakes and forests inland, South Carolina is crawling with insect activity. Bugs here are active for most of the year, thanks to the warm climate. That makes pest prevention especially important in homes.

Bug Hotspots: Coastal areas, golf course communities, and wooded suburbs

Top Pests:

• Mosquitoes

• Fleas and ticks

• Termites

• Wasps

• Stink bugs

Make the Move to a Pest-Free Home

Living in one of the buggiest states doesn’t mean you have to live with bugs. From targeted pest control to year-round protection, Arrow Exterminators can keep your home safe from pests. Contact us today for a free pest inspection.