This Florida City Has Been Ranked the Most Mosquito-Infested Cities in the US

If you live in Miami, you might want to stock up on insect repellent and mosquito nets. According to a recent ranking by pest control company Orkin, Miami-Fort Lauderdale is the most mosquito-infested city in Florida and the 10th most mosquito-infested city in the entire United States.

How the ranking was done

Orkin’s ranking was based on the number of commercial and residential customers it served from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. The ranking included 50 cities across the country, with Los Angeles taking the top spot, followed by Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Chicago.

Miami-Fort Lauderdale rose two spots from its previous ranking in 2020, when it was 12th on the list. Other Florida cities that made the list were Tampa (13th), Orlando (15th), West Palm Beach (30th), and Jacksonville (37th).

Why mosquitoes are a problem

Mosquitoes are not only annoying, but also potentially dangerous. They can carry and transmit various vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika. These diseases can affect humans and animals, causing symptoms ranging from mild fever and headache to severe neurological damage and death.

According to the Florida Department of Health, there are 14 anopheles mosquito species in Florida that are capable of transmitting malaria, a parasitic disease that can cause severe complications and mortality. Although malaria is rare in the United States, there have been several cases reported in Florida this summer, mostly among travelers who visited endemic areas.

Another disease that has been detected in Florida this year is dengue fever, a viral infection that causes high fever, rash, joint pain, and bleeding. Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are also responsible for Zika and chikungunya. These mosquitoes are active during the day and breed in containers of water, such as buckets, tires, and flower pots.

How to prevent mosquito bites

The best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure, such as:

  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Applying insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing, following the product label instructions.
  • Installing or repairing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
  • Eliminating or treating standing water around the home, where mosquitoes can lay eggs. This includes changing the water in birdbaths, fountains, and pet bowls at least once a week, cleaning gutters and drains, and covering rain barrels and trash cans.
  • Reporting any suspected or confirmed cases of mosquito-borne diseases to the local health department, and cooperating with mosquito control efforts.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes are a common and troublesome pest in Florida, especially during the summer months. They can also pose a serious health threat, as they can carry and spread various diseases that can affect humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to seek medical attention if any symptoms of mosquito-borne diseases occur. By doing so, Floridians can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the buzzing and biting of these pesky insects.

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