The top 10 cities for mosquitoes in the US

By Chaffin Mitchell, AccuWeather staff writer

Share this article:

Pest control company, Orkin, came out with its annual Top 50 Mosquito Cities list in the United States, which listed Atlanta as number one for the fifth year in a row.

The list ranks the metro areas where Orkin conducted the greatest number of new mosquito treatments over the past year.

Texas holds the most spots on this year’s list with seven cities, followed by Florida and Louisiana with four cities each. The number one spot, Atlanta, is followed by Dallas, which jumped four spots from last year alone.

Orkin’s Top 50 Mosquito Cities list ranks metro areas by the number of mosquito customers served from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. The list includes both residential and commercial treatments.

Mosquito season starts when spring temperatures arrive, and the insects can be most active in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Orkin Entomologist Chelle Hartzer, mosquitoes continue to be a major health concern, especially in the summer months.

“Mosquitoes can transmit several diseases to humans including Zika virus, West Nile virus and several kinds of encephalitis. Each of these mosquito-borne diseases may have serious side effects,” Hartzer said.

While it may not be possible to shield your yard and home from mosquitoes completely, there are several techniques that help deter them.

Mosquitoes are able to breed in an inch of standing water, so it is best to remove any object that has the potential to hold water. For containers such as pet water bowls, vases and bird baths, you should replace the water every few days.

“After mating, females typically seek a blood meal to aid in egg production. She often lays them in standing pools of water. Egg numbers vary from species to species but can be as much as over 100 eggs in a single laying,” Hartzer said.

(KajaNi/iStockphoto/Getty Images)

It is a good idea to clean gutters to avoid the buildup of rainwater. Be sure to check for puddles that form on the roof, as well as leaking pipes or condensation from air conditioners.

Change water often in bird baths, fountains, potted plants and any containers that hold standing water. It is also a good idea to keep pool water treated and circulating.

Adult mosquitoes like to rest in dark areas with high humidity, therefore trimming shrubbery and collecting any leaves can prevent lingering mosquitoes.

People can prevent mosquitoes from biting by wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes can bite through tight, fitted clothing.

Experts recommend inspecting doors and windows for drafts or openings around their perimeters and window air conditioning units to eliminate possible entry points. Install weather stripping around doors and re-caulk around window frames. Keep doors tightly closed as a propped-open door is a welcome mat for mosquitoes to enter your home.

It is also a good idea to make sure that all window screens are securely in place and free of holes or tears.

If possible, schedule your activities to avoid the times when mosquitoes are most active, which are usually around dawn and dusk.

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.

Report a Typo

Weather News

Comments

Comments that don't add to the conversation may be automatically or manually removed by Facebook or AccuWeather. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.

More Weather News

Northwestern US: Beneficial rain, cool air to return next week after prolonged dry stretch

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 4:55:00 AM EDT

The northwestern United States will experience a flip to cool, rainy weather as Pacific storms return next week.
The worst isn't over: Common ways people are often killed during a major storm's aftermath

Weather News

A natural disaster's threats don't end once the severe weather dissipates.
What is a low pressure area?

Weather News - October 18, 2018, 1:57:23 PM EDT

When meteorologists use the term: low pressure area, what are they referring to?
New western Pacific Ocean tropical threat to brew near Guam

Weather News - October 18, 2018, 11:34:03 AM EDT

The lull in the western Pacific Ocean may come to an end next week with a new tropical threat expected to brew near Guam.
Mexico may face new tropical threat next week

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 5:53:47 AM EDT

On the heels of short-lived Tropical Storm Tara, Mexico remains on high alert as a new tropical threat is expected to take shape.
'We built it for the big one’: How this Mexico Beach house survived Hurricane Michael

Weather News - October 18, 2018, 12:29:54 PM EDT

Mexico Beach, Florida, was almost completely flattened by Hurricane Michael. However, one home stood high on stilts above the wreckage, appearing largely untouched from the storm.
Eastern Spain faces highest risk for flooding, mudslides into Friday

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 5:45:05 AM EDT

Eastern Spain is facing the highest risk for flooding from a pair of storms bringing unsettled weather to the Iberian Peninsula and neighboring Africa.
Gusty winds, snow showers to accompany new cold blast in midwestern, northeastern US this weekend

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 3:20:21 AM EDT

A renewed wave of cold air, locally damaging winds and rain and snow showers will sweep through the midwestern and northeastern United States this weekend.
Northwestern US: Beneficial rain, cool air to return next week after prolonged dry stretch

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 4:55:00 AM EDT

The northwestern United States will experience a flip to cool, rainy weather as Pacific storms return next week.
The worst isn't over: Common ways people are often killed during a major storm's aftermath

Weather News

A natural disaster's threats don't end once the severe weather dissipates.
What is a low pressure area?

Weather News - October 18, 2018, 1:57:23 PM EDT

When meteorologists use the term: low pressure area, what are they referring to?
New western Pacific Ocean tropical threat to brew near Guam

Weather News - October 18, 2018, 11:34:03 AM EDT

The lull in the western Pacific Ocean may come to an end next week with a new tropical threat expected to brew near Guam.
Mexico may face new tropical threat next week

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 5:53:47 AM EDT

On the heels of short-lived Tropical Storm Tara, Mexico remains on high alert as a new tropical threat is expected to take shape.
'We built it for the big one’: How this Mexico Beach house survived Hurricane Michael

Weather News - October 18, 2018, 12:29:54 PM EDT

Mexico Beach, Florida, was almost completely flattened by Hurricane Michael. However, one home stood high on stilts above the wreckage, appearing largely untouched from the storm.
Eastern Spain faces highest risk for flooding, mudslides into Friday

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 5:45:05 AM EDT

Eastern Spain is facing the highest risk for flooding from a pair of storms bringing unsettled weather to the Iberian Peninsula and neighboring Africa.
Gusty winds, snow showers to accompany new cold blast in midwestern, northeastern US this weekend

Weather News - October 19, 2018, 3:20:21 AM EDT

A renewed wave of cold air, locally damaging winds and rain and snow showers will sweep through the midwestern and northeastern United States this weekend.