Detroit among the 10 worst US cities for mosquitoes

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DETROIT (WWJ) – The temperatures are rising and the summer is approaching. So are the mosquitoes.

And for those living in Detroit, it can be a scary thought.

According to Orkin, Motor City is among the 10 US cities most affected by mosquitoes. The pest control company released its annual list of the 50 most mosquito-prone cities on Monday, while Detroit ranked 7th, four places higher than last year.

Orkin compiles the list based on the number of new mosquito treatments in the past year. The data cover April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

Here is the Top 20 summary showing the change since last year:

  1. Atlanta
  2. New York (+1)
  3. Washington, D.C. (+1)
  4. Chicago (+1)
  5. Houston (+2)
  6. Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas (-4)
  7. Detroit (+4)
  8. Philadelphia (+9)
  9. Charlotte, N.C. (+1)
  10. Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (+5)
  11. Phoenix (+14)
  12. Los Angeles (+4)
  13. Boston (+20)
  14. Miami (-6)
  15. Baltimore (+27)
  16. Richmond, Virginia. (+14)
  17. Nashville (-4)
  18. Tampa (-4)
  19. Indianapolis (+5)
  20. St. Louis (-14)

Grand Rapids was the only other Michigan city on the list, occupying No. 29.

See the complete list here.

The mosquito season begins when spring temperatures come in, and they are most active when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, according to Orkin. The company says that the breeding season usually extends from July to September, while the peak of the West Nile virus season is usually between the end of August and the month of September and sometimes lasts until 'in October. Mosquito activity generally decreases when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and stops when temperatures drop below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

"Mosquitoes are more than embarrassing, they can be a major threat to health," said Dr. Mark Beavers, Orkin's entomologist, in a press release. "Mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and, for those who may remember, Zika, threaten the safety of humans and pets . "

Orkin recommends the following tips to help residents protect themselves from mosquitoes:

Eliminate favorable conditions for mosquitoes in and around your yard

  • Anything that can hold water should be removed or cleaned frequently, as mosquitoes can breed in just an inch of stagnant water.
  • Clean the gutters to prevent the accumulation of rainwater. Be sure to look for puddles on the roof due to rainwater, leaking pipes or even condensing air conditioners.
  • Change the water (at a minimum) weekly in bird baths, fountains, potted plants and all containers containing standing water, including wading pools.
  • Make sure that the pool water is treated and circulating.
  • Cut shrubs, because adult mosquitoes like to rest in dark, protected and very humid areas, as under leaves of lush vegetation.

Prevent mosquitoes from biting

  • Wear a loose long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Mosquitoes can sting through tight clothing.
  • Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing products such as DEET, picaridine or IR3535.

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