DC, 2 VA Cities Ranked Among Worst Places For Mosquitoes

WASHINGTON, DC — America's worst cities for mosquitoes includes Washington, D.C., and two Virginia cities which are ranked on the pest control company Orkin's 2021 "top 50 mosquito cities list."

Washington, D.C., held steady at No. 3 on the list of 50 cities rated by the number of commercial and residential customers Orkin served from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021.

In Virginia, Richmond ranked No. 21, down seven slots from a year ago; and Norfolk ranked No. 24 down one slot from last year.

The No. 1 worst city for mosquitoes in the United States is Los Angeles, according to Orkin. The City of Angels unseated Atlanta, where Orkin is based, in the top spot after the Georgia capital held No. 1 for seven years in a row.

Atlanta took the No. 2 spot in 2021, with Washington, D.C., Dallas and Chicago rounding out the top five.

Three cities — Seattle, San Diego and Fresno, California — broke into the top 50 after not being ranked in 2020.

Mosquitoes typically become active when temperatures are above 68 degrees Fahrenheit overnight, and breeding season can start as early as May and last through September.

Frank Meek, technical services manager for Rollins, Orkin's parent company, said in a release that like many other insects, "mosquitoes need a food source, favorable temperatures and a proper breeding site to survive."

"They are attracted to areas where humans and other animals are present, due to our body heat and the carbon dioxide we exhale," Meek said.

Mosquitoes can carry vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika. These can be contracted by humans and pets.

Consider reducing or eliminating conditions that attract mosquitoes, and be sure to wear insect repellent to help protect yourself from bites. Things that attract mosquitoes include:

• Standing water in bird baths, fountains, potted plants, wading pools and other children's toys.
• Debris in gutters that provides moisture and harborage.
• Overgrown shrubbery that affords dark, humid resting places.
• Torn or missing window and door screens.