TO CLOSE

The Asian tiger mosquito, capable of transmitting the Zika virus, was discovered for the first time in Michigan in August 2017.
Ann Zaniewski / Detroit Free Press

The Detroit metropolitan area is finally experiencing a 80 degree weather this year, but the scourge of spring is accompanied by an abundance of mosquitoes.

Detroit is one of the worst places in the country for blood-sucking insects – No. 7 in the top 50 Mosquito Cities, according to a new ranking released Monday by pest control giant Orkin.

The list lists the metropolitan areas where Orkin conducted the largest number of residential and commercial mosquito treatments from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

Mosquitoes become more active as temperatures rise, the mosquito season going from April to October. They are more active when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. The activity of mosquitoes usually slows down when temperatures drop below 50.

Mosquito biting (Photo: WebSubstance, Getty Images / iStockphoto)

Atlanta ranks first, followed by New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Houston and Dallas-Fort. It's worth it in Detroit.

"Mosquitoes are more than embarrassing; they can pose a major threat to health, "Dr. Mark Beavers, an Orkin entomologist, said 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 animals company."

Last year, The West Nile virus sickened 104 people in Michigan and resulted in nine deaths, the highest number since 2012, when 17 people died.

How to stay safe

Health officials recommend the following measures to prevent the virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:

  • Make sure mosquito nets stay outside windows and doors.
  • Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the house, such as buckets, unused ponds, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
  • Use mosquito nets and / or fans on outdoor eating areas.
  • Apply an insect repellent that contains the active ingredient DEET or another approved EPA product to exposed skin or clothing and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Wear bright, long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors. Apply an insect repellent on clothes to avoid stings.

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