Washington DC has been ranked among the top three cities with the worst mosquito infestations in Orkin’s annual list. Released on Monday, this ranking sheds light on the escalating presence of these blood-sucking insects as temperatures climb.
Mosquito season typically spans from April to October, and the Washington DC area has become a focal point for these pesky creatures. While most cities on the list are in the Mid-Atlantic or Southeast states, even colder regions like Chicago and New York find themselves among the top five.
Beyond causing discomfort outdoors, mosquitoes pose significant health risks. Globally, they are notorious for transmitting diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. In the United States, mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and other illnesses that can lead to encephalitis, or brain swelling.
Given the connection between Zika infection in pregnant women and birth defects in their babies, residents are encouraged to take precautions against Zika transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress that Zika virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites.
Mark Beavers, Ph.D., an entomologist at Orkin, emphasized the public health threat posed by mosquitoes. “Zika virus is currently one of the most notable illnesses that can be spread by mosquitoes, and it will likely be a problem again this year, especially in areas where the type of mosquito that can carry the virus thrives.”
The city ranking is determined by the number of residential and commercial mosquito treatments conducted by Orkin from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017.
To protect against mosquito bites, experts recommend using conventional mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin. Natural alternatives like oil of lemon eucalyptus can also offer protection. However, citronella oil and garlic have not been scientifically proven effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Maryland’s Bug Guy blog provides practical tips to avoid mosquito bites, including applying repellent before heading outdoors, using fans to create airflow on patios, eliminating stagnant water, and introducing soil microbe Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to water sources to eradicate mosquito larvae.
The CDC also offers guidance on preventing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, such as wearing protective clothing, staying in air-conditioned spaces with screened windows and doors, and implementing mosquito control measures both indoors and outdoors.