This Is the Most Mosquito-infested City in the U.S.

.. and No, It’s Not in Florida or Texas. Pack extra bug spray if you are planning a trip to this sunny city.

By Opheli Garcia Lawler

KEY POINTS

One West Coast destination was recently named the most mosquito-infested city in the U.S. by Orkin, based on residential treatment data from the past year. Travelers are advised to wear repellent and cover up bare skin as needed.

Many travelers dream of vacationing in a warm, sunny place, ideally by the beach. Unfortunately, the climate of those locales means they are more often than not home to one pesky pest that can make a perfect day outdoors and into an itchy, scratchy mess. And there’s one city that you should probably pack a can of insect repellent for, if you plan to visit.

In pest control company Orkin’s annual report sunny Los Angeles, California, is the nation’s most mosquito-infested city. The list was created by assessing the number of new residential treatments Orkin provides in a 12-month period. Based on its internal data, L.A. took the top spot.

And while mosquitoes are a major annoyance, especially during vacations, bites can sometimes pose a serious risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, malaria—a mosquito-borne illness—kills 600,000 people worldwide annually. The United States reports about 2,000 cases per year.

“Mosquito control isn’t just about avoiding itchy bites,” said Frank Meek, an Orkin entomologist, in the report. “It’s about safeguarding your health and your community. Proactive measures are key to controlling these seasonal surges in mosquito activity.”

For Los Angeles, mosquitoes are an unwelcome and invasive species. Local governments in Southern California have taken to battling the bugs by releasing sterile mosquitoes into the environment in recent years in the hopes that it will drive down the population. The Los Angeles Times reported in a 2024 article that climate change has been a major factor in the growing mosquito population. The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the most common species in L.A. and is known as the “ankle biter.” The species has also been linked to an increased number of dengue fever cases in the city as well.

Whether you’re just visiting a new city or you’re dealing with them at home, Orkin does have a strategy to keep the bloodsuckers away. Just remember the acronym B.I.T.E.

• Block access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as CDC-recommended repellents.
• Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
• Trim shrubs, grass, and other vegetation to reduce mosquito resting areas.
• Eliminate standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

In addition to L.A., some of the most infected cities included Chicago and New York City. You can find the full list of the top 50 cities on Orkin’s website.

1. Los Angeles, California
2. Chicago, Illinois
3. New York, New York
4. Atlanta, Georgia
5. Detroit, Michigan
6. Houston, Texas
7. Dallas, Texas
8. Washington, D.C.
9. Cleveland, Ohio
10. Denver, Colorado

(Source : travelandleisure.com)