(WXYZ) — As metro Detroit swings into 80-degree weather, it’s that time again to watch out for pesky mosquitoes.
In fact, Detroit has ranked among the worst cities in the nation when it comes the annoying blood-sucking insects. According to Orkin’s 2019 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, Detroit claimed the No. 7 spot.
The list ranks the metro areas where Orkin conducted the most residential and commercial mosquito treatments from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.
Mosquitoes become more active as temperatures rise, with mosquito season ranging from April to October. Experts say the insects are most active when temperatures rise above 80 degrees.
Mosquito activity usually slows when temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and stops when temperatures drop below freezing.
The bugs aren’t just a nuisance — their bites can transmit serious diseases like West Nile virus, encephalitides, dengue and chikungunya. Peak West Nile virus season is typically late August through September, and sometimes lasts through October.
Here are the top 10 mosquito cities:
- Atlanta
- New York (+1)
- Washington, D.C. (+1)
- Chicago (+1)
- Houston (+2)
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas (-4)
- Detroit (+4)
- Philadelphia (+9)
- Charlotte, N.C. (+1)
- Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (+5)
View the full list here.
Orkin recommends the following tips to help protect against mosquitoes:
Eliminate Mosquito-Friendly Conditions in and Around Your Property
- Any object that has the potential to hold water should be removed or cleaned out frequently, as mosquitoes can breed in just an inch of standing water.
- Clean gutters to avoid rainwater build up. Be sure to check for puddles that form on the roof from rain water, leaking pipes or even condensation from air conditioners.
- Change the water (at minimum) weekly in bird baths, fountains, potted plants and any containers that hold standing water, including wading pools.
- Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.
- Trim shrubbery, as adult mosquitoes like to rest in dark, protected areas with high humidity, such as under the leaves of lush vegetation.
Prevent Mosquitoes from Biting
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing.
- Apply an EPA-registered mosquito repellent containing products such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
Eliminate Entry Points
Inspect doors and windows for drafts or openings around their perimeters and window air conditioning units. Install weather stripping around doors and utilize caulk around window frames.
Ensure that window and door screens are securely in place and free of holes or tears.
Keep doors tightly closed. A propped-open door is a welcome mat for mosquitoes to enter your property.
Click here for more information on how to get rid of mosquitoes near your home.
