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Sarasota, FL - Sarasota topped the list of the "Itchiest Cities in America," primarily due to mosquito issues and a high search interest in bug spray.
Ivarest, a company specializing in itch relief products, ranked 100 U.S. cities based on factors like the number of pest control businesses, search interest in bug spray, and the prevalence of poison ivy.
Sarasota earned the top spot largely due to its abundance of pest control listings and high interest in bug spray searches.
Mosquitoes, which are common in the area, are believed to be the primary cause of the itchiness.
In a survey of over 1,000 Americans, most agreed that mosquito bites are a frequent cause of itching.
Sarasota's ranking was bolstered by its residents' frequent search for bug spray, a reflection of the city's ongoing battle with these pesky insects.
Sarasota wasn’t the only Florida city on the list.
Orlando was also among the top 10, ranking seventh due to similar factors such as bug spray search interest.
Poughkeepsie, New York, ranked second, primarily because of high search interest in poison ivy treatments.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, came in third.
The study also found that nearly 60% of people said pests like insects and pollen had spoiled outdoor activities such as gardening or barbecuing.
Additionally, 1 in 20 individuals considered relocating due to persistent pest problems.
Other cities with fewer insect-related issues included Chicago, New York, and El Paso.
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