Pests by the Numbers

Wednesday, 7th July 2010

According to the Book of Odds, large numbers of United States residents are sharing their homes with pests. In fact, one in 6.67 adults has lived under the same roof as ants, mice or cockroaches in the last month. This is due to a variety of factors. 

First, mice, ants and cockroaches have extremely high birthrates.   A German cockroach can lay 30 to 40 eggs at a time. A mouse can birth 10 babies at a time and has a gestation period of only 20 days, and an ant can lay thousands of eggs a year.

In addition, homes are very comfortable for pests. They enjoy the food, shelter and temperature controlled surroundings that are available in homes.

Lastly, ants, mice and cockroaches are very difficult for homeowners to kill. Pests are very skilled at hiding, and it is incredibly difficult for homeowners to find them. Thus, they rarely spray the pesticides in the pests’ hiding places. 

Since pests are such a serious issue, it is important that people take pest control measures when necessary. With one in every 6.67 adults living with pests, the issue will not get better until people take action.

Keywords: Pests by the Numbers