A pest management company recently released a report ranking the cities in the United States with the most mosquitoes.
Pest control service Terminix compiled the list using service data from the company's more than 300 branches throughout the US. The company analyzed the cities where residents had the highest number of mosquito control services in 2023.
Cities With The Most Number Of Mosquitoes
Based on the study conducted by Terminix, these are the top 10 US cities with the most number of mosquitoes:
- Los Angeles, California
- New York, New York
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Washington, DC
- Houston, Texas
- Tampa-St. Pete, Florida
- Orlando-Daytona, Florida
- San Francisco, California
"Although these cities were pinpointed based on Terminix service data, any area that experiences seasonal temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit is at risk of mosquito activity, with coastal regions and areas prone to higher humidity being the most vulnerable," the study noted.
States With the Least and Most Mosquitoes
In addition to cities, the study also ranked states with the most mosquito problems. California topped the list, followed by Texas, Florida, Georgia, and New Jersey. On the other hand, the states with the least mosquitoes are Maine, Idaho, Iowa, Nevada, and Nebraska.
Why Are Mosquitoes Dangerous?
Despite their small size, mosquitoes are considered the world's deadliest animal. A person bitten by a mosquito can develop skin irritation, encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain), and meningitis (an infection and inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord).
Additionally, mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases and viruses, including malaria, dengue virus, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika and West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes don't only carry diseases that afflict humans. They can also transmit diseases and parasites to dogs and horses, including dog heart worms, eastern equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
The key to preventing illness from mosquitoes is to prevent their bites. The most important way to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water around your home, which serves as their breeding ground.
Americans who live in areas near a body of water or a greenway would not be able to completely eliminate standing water. In this case, they are recommended to get a professional mosquito treatment.
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