When you think of summer, the first thing that comes to mind for many of us swimming pools, vacations, BBQ, or even just hanging outside more. Summer is all those things, but unfortunately, it's also prime mosquito season. Warmer temperatures mean these pests will be out in full force in many areas of the country, particularly the Southeast.
Mosquitoes can affect people in every state, so even if your city doesn’t appear on Orkin’s top 20 list, you should still be aware of the health risks associated with mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, mosquitoes can be more than just a nuisance or an itchy bump on your arm or leg. Mosquito bites can transmit West Nile virus and other conditions that cause encephalitis — or swelling of the brain.
“Mosquitoes are a public health threat,” said entomologist, Mark Beavers, Ph.D. “Zika virus is currently one of the most notable illnesses that can be spread by mosquitoes, and it will likely be a problem again this year, especially in areas where the type of mosquito that can carry the virus thrives,” added Beavers
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For the fourth year in a row, national pest control specialists, Orkin ranked the top mosquito cities in the country by the number of mosquito services performed. The list includes both residential and commercial treatments.
*Numbers listed in parenthesis are the ranking change from 2016 - 2017.
25. Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio (-7)
24. Kansas City, Mo. (+25)
23. Richmond-Petersburg, Va. (-2)
22. Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., Asheville, N.C (-6)
21. Philadelphia (+9)
20. Phoenix, Ariz.
19. Boston (-9)
18. Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Mich. (-3)
17. Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (-8)
16. West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Fla. (+15)
15. Mobile-Pensacola, Fla. (+11)
14. Memphis, Tenn. (-3)
13. Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va. (+1)
12. Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Fla. (+11)
11. Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (+11)
10. Nashville, Tenn. (-3)
9. Charlotte, N.C. (-1)
8. Detroit (-4)
7. Houston (+5)
6. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
5. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (+8)
4. New York (+1)
3. Chicago (-1)
2. Washington, D.C. (+1)
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And the number one city with the worst mosquito problem is...
1. Atlanta
Mosquito Prevention Tips
The best way to control mosquitoes is by removing the conditions that attract them. To help keep your property from becoming a mosquito breeding ground this summer and reduce the risks associated with mosquito bites, Orkin recommends the following tips:
Empty standing water from bird baths, flower planters and other areas where water may collect, such as playground equipment or trashcans. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water – just one cup – to breed.
Clean gutters and downspouts regularly or cover them with mesh to prevent leaves and debris from collecting and holding water.
Make sure window and door screens fit tightly and have no holes to keep mosquitoes from making their way indoors.
Encourage guests, tenants and employees to apply an EPA-approved insect repellent before heading outside, and wear long sleeves and pants outside from dawn to dusk, which is prime time for most mosquito activity.
