TruGreen's New Survey Highlights Americans’ Reactions to Creepy Crawlers

 

According to new research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of TruGreen more than half (56%) feel frustrated when they find a bug or pest at their home. Others feel scared (39%), disgusted (39%) or anxious (39%). Still, 22% would rather call in a professional or get someone else to squish it for them. Only 17% would swat it, and 12% feel it is their duty to release them back to nature.

Other research findings include:

• Spiders aren’t so scary to homeowners. Whether found inside or outside the home, beetles, centipedes and cockroaches take the top spot as creepiest crawlers to be removed or squished. Surprisingly, spiders are less often subject to the same fate, whether found indoors (16%) or outdoors (11%).   
• Homeowners' reactions to critters can evoke a strong, vivid emotional response. A majority of homeowners, specifically 56%, express outright frustration, while there's a close tie among those feeling fear, disgust, and anxiety – each registering at 39%.
• The likelihood of taking action against creepy crawlers hinges largely on two factors: its appearance and where it is found. More than half of Americans (56%) make the choice to squish based on the bug or pest's appearance, while an equal percentage consider the potential harm these creatures could inflict on their children, pets, and homes. 
• Preparing food = worst scenario for encountering pests. A majority of Americans agree that discovering an uninvited pest while cooking is the worst-case scenario. A close second is the unsettling scenario of stumbling upon an unexpected bug while on the verge of sleeping (23%). On the other hand, some believe that the living room (16%) or the shower (12%) are the most undesired spots for such encounters.
• Social media squashes traditional advice. Americans depend heavily on social media channels like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for information on bugs and pest control with a staggering 97% compared to books, home improvement stores, or their family and friends. 
• Professionals are a go-to resource. More than half of the respondents (68%) said they would hire a professional for bug or pest issue and concerns, and 20% would rather “phone a friend” to squish the bug or pest than do it themselves.