Which pest causes the most damage to property each year?

Author: Mr. Landen Halvorson  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Termites in particular pose a major threat, causing more than $5 billion in property damage each year – costs that are typically not covered by homeowners insurance policies.

What pest causes the most damage?

Here we go: Termites cause over $5 billion of damage to property in the U.S. each year, according to the National Pest Management Association. And damage by termites is typically not covered by homeowner's insurance.

What pest is most damaging to a house?

Termites. It should come as no surprise that termites are at the top of our list. Termites have a bad reputation for a reason: They're one of the most destructive pests you can have in your home. Termites make their way into the structure of your home and feast on the wood inside.

Which of the following pests is the most destructive?

When it comes to destruction, termites top the list. The Formosan termite and eastern subterranean termite are arguably the most destructive termite species.

What is the most destructive pest in the world?

Locusts (Acrididae family)

This is because in special circumstances they can gather in numbers of a biblical scale, moving across landscapes engulfing fields and devastating crops in a matter of minutes.

Which Insect Pests and Diseases Cause the Most Damage to Soybean Stems in Illinois?

What is the most invasive pest?

Top Invasive Pest Threats
  • Asian Longhorned Beetle. ...
  • Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. ...
  • Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle. ...
  • European Cherry Fruit Fly. ...
  • European Grapevine Moth. ...
  • Flighted Spongy Moth Complex. ...
  • Giant African Snail. ...
  • Imported Fire Ants.

What is the number one pest problem in America?

Flies, spiders, and ants top the list of pests that Americans are most likely to notice in their homes; at least eight in 10 say they are aware of the presence of each of these on at least rare occasions, and nearly all people see at least one of these species. Mosquitos and gnats also are common.

What are the hardest pests to get rid of?

In conclusion, termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches are the most challenging pests to eliminate from your home. Their ability to hide, reproduce quickly, and withstand many extermination methods make professional pest control services essential for effective pest management.

What is the top nuisance pest?

Let's discuss the most common types of nuisance pests to know more about them:
  • Ants. Ants are one of the most common types of nuisance pests found in homes and commercial buildings. ...
  • Cockroaches. ...
  • Flies. ...
  • Mosquitoes. ...
  • Spiders. ...
  • Rodents. ...
  • Carpet Beetles. ...
  • Wasps (Yellow Jackets, Paper Wasp, etc.)

Which insect is considered to be the most destructive?

Fire Ants

Fire ants are very protective of their colonies and so intruders are given NO mercy. Not only are these bites painful but they can cause very severe reactions, especially in those with fire ant allergies.

What's the worst pest to have in your house?

Rats and Mice Are Some of the Worst Household Pests

In addition to the health concerns, rats and mice also are known for ruining the structural integrity of your home by chewing through wiring, damaging and contaminating your insulation, and making holes to come and go from the outside.

What is the number one household pest?

Cockroaches

Unfortunately, roaches are one of the most common pest problems in California.

What state has the worst bug problem?

California is the worst state when it comes to bugs, and the winner, winner, chicken dinner is bed bugs. For an average month, Cali had 47,000 searches for all things buggy, with bed bugs taking the top honors with over 17,000 searches for that insect.

What is the most annoying pest in the world?

1) Mosquito's: Itchy bites, annoying buzzing sounds, and they carry diseases. 2) Fleas: Tough to handle infestations, itchy bites on pets and people. 3) Midge/Sand Fly: Painful bites, and they attack in groups. 4) Common House Flies: Hang around our food, loud buzzing, nasty habits, and they carry disease.

What is the strongest pest?

6 Strongest Insects in the World
  • Rhinoceros Beetle. The rhinoceros beetle is a relatively large insect that gets its name from the large projection that males have on their faces that resembles the horn of a rhinoceros. ...
  • Leafcutter Ants. ...
  • Ironclad Beetle. ...
  • Dung Beetle. ...
  • Honey Bees. ...
  • Cockroaches.

What termite causes the most damage?

Drywood termites don't cause the extensive damage that subterranean termites do. Drywood termites cost property owners hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and repairs each year; subterranean termite damage is in the billions.

What is the most damaging pest?

Termites: Silent Destroyers

Let's start with the big one on every homeowner's mind: termites. These little insects cause billions in property damage every year. Often, the case that such damages aren't apparent to the homeowner until it's too late.

What is America's top nuisance pest?

America's #1 Nuisance Pest: Ants.

What is the super pest?

The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), which can be blown long distances on the wind, is considered to be a super-pest because it is resistant to most insecticides, and the centimetre-long caterpillars can cause losses to growers.

What insect do you hate the most?

List: Top 5 Pests We Love to Hate
  • Bed Bugs. The thought of bed bugs feeding on humans while they are sound asleep at night is enough to make anyone quiver with fear. ...
  • Cockroaches. Cockroaches are certainly abhorred by homeowners. ...
  • House Flies. House flies are undoubtedly one of the most annoying pests. ...
  • Lice. ...
  • Mosquitoes.

How do I permanently get rid of pests?

While it seems nearly impossible to keep bugs out all the time, here are some easy ways to help eliminate.
  1. Seal Up Cracks & Openings. Take a close look at your screens, windows, and doors. ...
  2. Clean Up the Kitchen. ...
  3. Dry Up Damp Areas. ...
  4. Clean & Sweep Regularly. ...
  5. Keep the Outside Free of Debris. ...
  6. Kill the Bugs You See.

What is the most popular pest?

Here are 10 of the most common household pests and how to deal with them.
  • Ants. These small, brown insects are attracted to sweet foods and often enter homes searching for food. ...
  • Cockroaches. ...
  • Bed bugs. ...
  • Rats. ...
  • Mice. ...
  • Fleas. ...
  • Spiders. ...
  • Termites.

What is the bug infestation in 2024?

It's official: 2024 belongs to the cicadas. This spring, two different broods of cicadas — one that lives on a 13-year cycle and the other that lives on a 17-year cycle — will emerge at the same time from underground in a rare, synchronized event that last occurred in 1803.

What is the hardest infestation to get rid of?

What Is the Hardest Pest to Get Rid Of? Bed bugs, termites and cockroaches tend to be the hardest to eliminate. Less challenging ones include: Centipedes.

What US state has the least bugs?

However, based on homeowner perception from the Infogroup ORC, the 10 states believed to have the least pest issues are:
  • Washington DC.
  • South Dakota.
  • Connecticut.
  • Idaho.
  • New Hampshire.
  • Delaware.
  • North Dakota.
  • Illinois.

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