Each year, experts compile a list of the Top 50 Mosquito Cities in America, determined by the number of new mosquito treatment appointments made in that year. The 2018 results are in, and for the fifth year in a row, Atlanta claimed the top spot.
Who’s in the Top Ten?
Since last year’s list, Dallas, Texas jumped four spots, coming in at number 2. With the exception of New York and Washington D.C. (ranked at three and four, respectively), the top ten is made up of several southern and midwestern cities. Here’s the top 10:
- Atlanta, GA
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX (+4)
- New York, NY (+1)
- Washington, D.C. (-2)
- Chicago, IL (-2)
- St. Louis, MO (+20)
- Houston, TX
- Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL (-3)
- Kansas City, MO (+15)
- Charlotte, NC (-1)
Notice the drastic jump taken by both Missouri cities on the list – should residents begin to worry about this year’s mosquito populations? Perhaps no more than Texas residents; Texas metro areas take up two spots in the top 10 as well as six more in the top 50, the most of any state.
What About Connecticut?
Connecticut cities only took one spot in the top 50, with Hartford-New Haven at number 36. However, as Connecticut residents know, that doesn’t mean that we didn’t struggle with mosquito populations in 2018 – and there’s no reason to expect this year to be any different. In fact, with warmer spring weather around the corner, now is the perfect time to begin planning your mosquito prevention strategy.
Mosquitoes present many public health issues. From malaria to West Nile, Zika, and more, mosquitos can pass on a significant number of illnesses that can be deadly for some individuals. Although Zika case numbers continue to go down, it’s still important to control the mosquito population near your home before the next mosquito-borne disease arises.
What Can You Do?
It’s impossible to block mosquitoes out of your yard completely, and once there, they can be tricky to get rid of. Many commercial solutions aren’t as effective as they seem – home and garden center foggers don’t work well and could pose a risk to your family and pets. That’s why it’s important to do what you can to limit their breeding grounds near your home.
Mosquitoes can breed in as little as an inch of water, so your first step should be to eliminate any standing water in your yard. Overturn items like baby pools, birdbaths, and pet water bowls every few days to rid them of any mosquito eggs. Trim any shrubbery around your home to prevent mosquitoes from gathering in the humid shade beneath their leaves. In addition, address any cracks in your window caulking or holes in your screens where mosquitoes may gain access to your home. If you still find yourself scratching at bites in June, skip the home and garden center and contact a trusted pest control specialist.
Mosquito Control You Can Trust
Richland Pest & Bee Control has been providing mosquito control services to Connecticut residents since 1974. Whether you’re experiencing mosquito problems or simply want to prepare for the upcoming warmer seasons, contact us for a free quote today.