What Makes Mosquitoes So Active in Certain Areas?

It's no secret that the top five cities on the list get extremely hot and humid during summer. Summer storms—which are especially present in areas like Chicago, New York City, and Florida—give mosquitoes extra humidity to thrive.

“Warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain create the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to breed and thrive,” Sked says. “Urban areas also tend to have plenty of standing water, from storm drains to containers, which gives mosquitoes even more places to reproduce.”

An Upswing in Midwestern Mosquitoes

In its report, Orkin identified many Midwest cities as seeing a significant rise in mosquitoes year-over-year. Cities like Milwaukee and Minneapolis saw an especially large increase this year, with both cities ranking in the top half of the list.

“In the Midwest, increased mosquito activity is likely tied to changing weather patterns,” Sked tells us. “Warmer temperatures and more rainfall can extend the mosquito season and create ideal breeding conditions.”

In Midwestern cities, the issue of standing water still applies, giving mosquitoes plenty of opportunities to breed.

Dangers of Mosquito Bites

“Mosquitoes are often called the most dangerous animal in the world, responsible for up to an estimated 1 million deaths worldwide each year due to mosquito-borne diseases,” says Sked. “These can include West Nile virus, malaria, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Zika, and dengue fever.”

On top of these threatening illnesses, mosquito bites are also just a plain nuisance. Their bites are painful, itchy, and can sometimes cause allergic reactions or become infected. All in all, it's better to avoid being bitten as much as possible.

Abide by the BITE Protocol

Whether you're visiting a city that made Orkin's top 50 this summer or are preparing your home against an onslaught of mosquitoes, there are a few tips you can follow to keep yourself safe. Sked recommends closely following Orkin's BITE protocol to protect yourself from mosquitoes this summer:

• Block access to skin with long sleeves and EPA-recommended repellents.
• Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
• Trim vegetation around the home to reduce mosquito resting areas.
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Protect Your Property from Mosquitoes

If you've got an outdoor porch or patio you want to enjoy this summer without any pesky visitors, Sked has a few extra tips for you. First, you should try using outdoor fans while sitting outside. “Mosquitoes are not strong fliers, so airflow can help keep them away,” Sked explains.

Don't forget to address any standing water issues, too. For water features in mosquito-heavy areas, it's important that you choose one with flowing water rather than stagnant water.

Lastly, Sked says that you can also try professional barrier treatments. These types of yard treatments, applied around the perimeter of your property, repel mosquitoes. They often last for up to a month, so you'll need to schedule consistent treatments throughout the summer. If you've got a mosquito problem in your home or yard, it's always best to contact a professional to address the issue quickly.

Taking these precautions can help you prevent mosquito bites both indoors and out. It's important to protect your home now to prevent mosquitoes from gaining entry as summer continues.