Mosquito menace: Orkin's top 20 U.S. cities
Mosquitoes become an increasing problem across the U.S. as temperatures rise, and along with the buzzing and itchy bites comes the risk of disease: Some mosquitoes can transmit illnesses like West Nile virus and Zika. Mosquito season typically falls between April and October.
The pest control company Orkin has released its annual list of the U.S. cities where it deals with the most mosquitoes. Click through the gallery to find out how your hometown ranks for the pesky problem.
No. 20: Phoenix, Ariz.
Phoenix ranks 20th on Orkin's list of U.S. cities with the worst mosquito problems. Worldwide, mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous animals due to their ability to spread diseases like malaria, which poses a serious public health risk.
No. 19: Boston
According to the CDC, more than 5,000 cases of Zika have been confirmed in the U.S. since January 2015. More than 220 cases were spread by mosquitoes in Florida and Texas, while the rest were related to travel abroad.
No. 18: Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Mich.
Orkin based its rankings on the number of mosquito customers served over the past year, from April 2016 until the end of March 2017. The company recommends the following tips to help protect against mosquitoes ...
No. 17: Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
You can prevent mosquitoes from breeding in as little as an inch of standing water by removing buckets, toys and other containers from your yard.
No. 16: West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Fla.
Mosquito prevention tip: Be sure to change water weekly in potted plants, bird baths, fountains and other containers that hold standing water.
No. 15: Mobile, Ala.-Pensacola, Fla.
Mosquito prevention tip: Keep pool water treated and circulating.
No. 14: Memphis, Tenn.
Mosquito prevention tip: Clean your house's gutters regularly so that water doesn't pool inside of them.
No. 13: Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va.
Did you know that adult mosquitoes like to rest in dark areas with high humidity? Make sure to trim shrubbery on your property.
No. 12: Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Fla.
To prevent mosquito bites, wear loose-fitting clothes such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
No. 11: Tampa, Fla.
To prevent mosquito bites, Orkin suggests applying an EPA-registered mosquito repellent that contains products such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
No. 10: Nashville, Tenn.
Nashville ranked No. 10 on Orkin's list of the top U.S. cities for mosquitoes.
No. 9: Charlotte, N.C.
One simple fix to help prevent these critters from getting into your home -- use window and door screens and keep them in good repair.
No. 8: Detroit, Mich.
You can also prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by closing gaps around windows and doors.
No. 7: Houston, Texas
Why do mosquito bites itch? Our immune system responds to mosquito saliva, which then releases histamines that cause itching.
No. 6: Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
It may take a few hours before you notice that you were bitten.
No. 5: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The Miami area reported the first locally-transmitted cases of Zika virus spread by mosquitoes in July 2016.
No. 4: New York
Most mosquito bites are harmless, and symptoms tend to subside within a few days.
No. 3: Chicago
To help stop the itch from a mosquito bite, apply a cold compress or calamine lotion to the affected area.
No. 2: Washington, D.C.
Orkin's list ranks metro areas by the number of mosquito customers served from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017.
No. 1: Atlanta
Atlanta topped the pest control company's list for the fourth year in a row.