Atlanta is one of the best cities when it comes to a lot of things: we set the culture, we make absolutely delicious food, we have tons of breathtaking art… but we also live in a humid, hot climate, and that comes at a price. Atlanta just “won” an award that might ~bug~ residents a little: we’re officially the 4th buggiest city in the United States. Keep scrolling to learn more about what this means for ATLiens!
Why is Atlanta one of the ‘buggiest’ cities in the country?
First of all, yes, you read that right. The ATL is one of the top 5 buggiest cities in the country… coming in just above Houston, Texas. According to a new study by Thumbtack, Atlanta, like much of the country, is facing a muggier-than-usual summer, making the bugs come out in droves!
According to Thumbtack’s findings, these are the top ten buggiest cities for 2025:
How did Thumbtack come up with this data?
You might be wondering… how do they know? Did they count up all the creepy crawlies in each city? Well, no. Not exactly.
They say,
Data is from consumer requests on the Thumbtack platform from August 2024 to July 2025 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.
How do I keep the bugs away in Atlanta?
Just because we’re a buggy city doesn’t mean you have to have a buggy house! Here are some tips and tricks to keep the bugs away, according to Thumbtack!
- Maintain your drains
- If you wanna keep the fruit flies at bay, you’ve gotta keep your drains clean. Fruit flies are drawn to moist environments, particularly kitchen and bathroom drains. If you’re noticing a problem with fruit flies, first, take all the fruits and veggies off of the counter and seal them in a Tupperware or a ziplock (or in the fridge), and then clean your drains well. For a simple and effective method to deter them, try pouring a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda down the drain to break down organic residue.
- Seal entry points
- Weatherstripping is the most important barrier against insects and critters. Every year, inspect your windows and doors to make sure there aren’t cracks or holes in the screens, seals or anywhere else. It might seem like a no-brainer, but even the smallest openings can serve as entry points for insects.
- Declutter and keep it fresh
- Spiders tend to migrate indoors during rainy or humid weather in search of dry shelter. To discourage them from staying, keep your home clutter-free to reduce potential hiding and web-building spots. Also, try applying diluted citrus or peppermint oil to baseboards and corners as a natural deterrent, as spiders dislike these scents.
- Be smart with your outdoor choices
- Keep your outdoor spaces bug free with citronella candles, mosquito-repelling torches, or even a bug zapper for larger bug problems. Mosquitoes are also repelled by citrus and mint-based scents, and are less attracted to loose, light-color clothing. You might also consider adding bug repellent herbs to your garden or patio areas–lavender, basil, and marigold are a few that work great.
We knew Atlanta was one of the top cities… but we aren’t so sure how we feel about being the top city for BUGS!