Know what the worst thing about mosquitoes is? It’s not that they can pierce our skin and draw blood and we might not even feel it. It’s not that they can give us welts that can itch for days. It’s not even that they can carry diseases. It’s that those little bloodsuckers have EVOLVED to prefer us over other mammals. So if given a choice between a dog, a cow and a human, guess who wins? Or rather, loses? Us.
There are over 3,000 different species of mosquitoes around the world and nearly 200 that are recognized to be in the United States. Although different species may or may not be in different states, every state has mosquitoes in it. And Orkin, one of the largest nationwide pest control companies in the country, has put out an annual list of the 50 cities in the U.S. that have the most mosquitoes. They base the list on the number of mosquito customers served from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. The list includes both residential and commercial treatments.
Atlanta is listed as #1 for the seventh consecutive year – WTG, Atlanta! Here’s the “Top 20” for the rest of the list, including how their ranking has improved or worsened since the previous year:
- Atlanta
- Los Angeles (+10)
- Washington, D.C.
- New York (-2)
- Chicago (-1)
- Dallas-Ft. Worth
- Detroit
- Charlotte, N.C. (+1)
- Philadelphia (-1)
- Miami (+4)
- Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (-1)
- Houston (-7)
- Memphis, Tenn. (+16)
- Richmond, Va. (+2)
- Minneapolis (+12)
- Tampa, Fla. (+2)
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Baltimore (-3)
- Grand Rapids, Mich. (+10)
- Orlando, Fla. (+2)
Click here for the full list of 50 cities.
According to Orkin, mosquitoes usually start to become active when overnight temperatures are above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Breeding season can begin as early as May and usually lasts through September.
“Mosquitoes are one of the world’s greatest public health threats,” said Frank Meek, Technical Services Manager, Rollins, Inc., Orkin’s parent company. “While we typically think less about that in the U.S., the current pandemic may cause heightened concern over disease transmission.”
In the wake of COVID-19, most Americans are considering road trips this summer. But really, even if you’re playing it safe and staying at home, spending more time in your backyard means chances to get bitten up by mosquitoes.
There are plenty of conventional and natural mosquito repellents out there, so stock up (but don’t hoard – it isn’t toilet paper) when you get a chance. There are other ways to keep mosquitoes at bay at home, some of which are not as well known as others.
Feature photo: CDC
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
