Mosquitoes Blight NYC Almost More Than Anywhere Else In U.S.

NEW YORK, NY — Forget the swampy southern states – New York City is one of the most mosquito-blighted parts of the U.S., according to pest control company Orkin. The city is second only to Atlanta.

The findings were based on the number of customers who called out the company to deal with the bloodsucking insects between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

Atlanta earned the miserable honor of worst city for mosquitoes for the sixth consecutive year.

Here are the 10 worst cities for mosquitoes according to Orkin:

1. Atlanta, GA

2. New York City, NY

3. Washington, D.C

4. Chicago, IL

5. Houston, TX

6. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX

7. Detroit, MI

8. Philadelphia, PA

9. Charlotte, NC

10. Raleigh-Durham, NC

Mosquito season begins when spring temperatures arrive, Orkin said. The pests are most active when temperatures climb above 80 degrees, with their numbers really increasing from July through September.

Along with irritating bites, mosquitoes can also be a serious health threat. New York City records cases of West Nile Virus almost every year. Most people infected by the disease that's spread by the insects have no symptoms, but carriers can suffer fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and even death.

To prevent mosquito bites, the Centers for Disease Control suggests using insect repellent that contain DEET, picaridin, ir3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. Other options include wearing long sleeves and pants or using air-conditioning or window and door screens.

It's important to also deal with standing water, which is what the insects breed in.

“Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water,” the CDC said. This includes vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.