Los Angeles Tops the List as the Most Infested City for Mosquitoes Nationwide
As the mosquito season officially commences across the United States, Orkin's latest report has shed light on the growing problem of mosquito infestations in urban areas. The 2026 Mosquito Cities List has unveiled data indicating a significant shift in mosquito activity, with Los Angeles once again securing its position as the number one city for mosquito problems in the nation.
Historically, Atlanta had maintained the dubious distinction of being the city with the most active mosquito population for a period of six consecutive years until 2021. Since then, Los Angeles has consistently held the title, marking a trend of increasing mosquito activity that is no longer confined to the Southern regions of the U.S. This year's list highlights a broader expansion of mosquito activity across various regions, pointing to an alarming national concern.
The report reveals that the top three cities for mosquito infestations are Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, with other cities also witnessing a surge in mosquito activity. This upsurge indicates that areas once considered low-risk are now experiencing higher levels of infestations, leading to a reevaluation of pest control priorities nationwide.
Moreover, mosquitoes are identified as the deadliest animals globally, responsible for over 600,000 deaths linked to malaria annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the U.S., these pests transmit serious diseases, including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika virus. Some mosquito-borne infections previously rare in the country, like dengue fever, are on the rise, making preventive measures even more critical as the peak season progresses.
Orkin's ongoing commitment to public health aligns with these findings. The company is actively involved in raising awareness of mosquito-borne risks by collaborating with the American Red Cross. To support this initiative, during the peak mosquito season from May to August 2026, Orkin will donate $25 for every mosquito control service purchased, with a total goal of $250,000 in contributions to the Red Cross.
The rankings were derived from data collected over the year, specifically focusing on the number of new residential mosquito treatments conducted by Orkin between March 18, 2025, and March 18, 2026. Besides the top contenders—Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York—other notable cities on the list include Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia, each facing unique challenges related to mosquito control.
Shannon Sked, an entomologist at Orkin, remarked, "In the last ten years, we've seen a clear geographic shift in mosquito activity, moving beyond traditional hotspots and becoming a nationwide issue. Emerging trends, particularly in the Midwest, highlight how climate changes and the range of aggressive mosquito species like the yellow fever mosquito have contributed to this expansion."
This year notes remarkable year-over-year growth for Midwestern cities, with positions like Milwaukee and Minneapolis climbing significantly in the ranks. Meanwhile, cities like Miami and Greensboro experienced a decline in their mosquito activity rankings, reflecting fluctuating environmental conditions affecting pest populations.
The 2026 Mosquito Cities List also impressively introduces new entries, such as Traverse City, MI, and Greenville, NC, signaling growing concerns about mosquito activity in areas not traditionally recognized as mosquito burdens. These changes reinforce the pressing need for communities to adopt preventive measures to mitigate mosquito populations effectively.
Orkin recommends following a straightforward acronym—BITE—to aid in prevention efforts. These steps include:
1. Block access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants and applying CDC-recommended insect repellent.
2. Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of living spaces.
3. Trim surrounding vegetation to minimize mosquito resting spots.
4. Eliminate standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
For those seeking further information on mosquito prevention and strategies, Orkin's website offers a plethora of resources tailored to educate the public.
Orkin, with a legacy spanning 125 years, has remained at the forefront of the pest control industry by delivering expert pest management solutions while prioritizing public health. The company's ongoing partnership with the American Red Cross emphasizes its dedication to combating mosquito-related health risks and helping to safeguard communities across the nation.
Learn more about Orkin's contributions, offerings, and commitment to community health by visiting Orkin.com.
Historically, Atlanta had maintained the dubious distinction of being the city with the most active mosquito population for a period of six consecutive years until 2021. Since then, Los Angeles has consistently held the title, marking a trend of increasing mosquito activity that is no longer confined to the Southern regions of the U.S. This year's list highlights a broader expansion of mosquito activity across various regions, pointing to an alarming national concern.
The report reveals that the top three cities for mosquito infestations are Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, with other cities also witnessing a surge in mosquito activity. This upsurge indicates that areas once considered low-risk are now experiencing higher levels of infestations, leading to a reevaluation of pest control priorities nationwide.
Moreover, mosquitoes are identified as the deadliest animals globally, responsible for over 600,000 deaths linked to malaria annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the U.S., these pests transmit serious diseases, including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika virus. Some mosquito-borne infections previously rare in the country, like dengue fever, are on the rise, making preventive measures even more critical as the peak season progresses.
Orkin's ongoing commitment to public health aligns with these findings. The company is actively involved in raising awareness of mosquito-borne risks by collaborating with the American Red Cross. To support this initiative, during the peak mosquito season from May to August 2026, Orkin will donate $25 for every mosquito control service purchased, with a total goal of $250,000 in contributions to the Red Cross.
The rankings were derived from data collected over the year, specifically focusing on the number of new residential mosquito treatments conducted by Orkin between March 18, 2025, and March 18, 2026. Besides the top contenders—Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York—other notable cities on the list include Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia, each facing unique challenges related to mosquito control.
Shannon Sked, an entomologist at Orkin, remarked, "In the last ten years, we've seen a clear geographic shift in mosquito activity, moving beyond traditional hotspots and becoming a nationwide issue. Emerging trends, particularly in the Midwest, highlight how climate changes and the range of aggressive mosquito species like the yellow fever mosquito have contributed to this expansion."
This year notes remarkable year-over-year growth for Midwestern cities, with positions like Milwaukee and Minneapolis climbing significantly in the ranks. Meanwhile, cities like Miami and Greensboro experienced a decline in their mosquito activity rankings, reflecting fluctuating environmental conditions affecting pest populations.
The 2026 Mosquito Cities List also impressively introduces new entries, such as Traverse City, MI, and Greenville, NC, signaling growing concerns about mosquito activity in areas not traditionally recognized as mosquito burdens. These changes reinforce the pressing need for communities to adopt preventive measures to mitigate mosquito populations effectively.
Orkin recommends following a straightforward acronym—BITE—to aid in prevention efforts. These steps include:
1. Block access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants and applying CDC-recommended insect repellent.
2. Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of living spaces.
3. Trim surrounding vegetation to minimize mosquito resting spots.
4. Eliminate standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
For those seeking further information on mosquito prevention and strategies, Orkin's website offers a plethora of resources tailored to educate the public.
Orkin, with a legacy spanning 125 years, has remained at the forefront of the pest control industry by delivering expert pest management solutions while prioritizing public health. The company's ongoing partnership with the American Red Cross emphasizes its dedication to combating mosquito-related health risks and helping to safeguard communities across the nation.
Learn more about Orkin's contributions, offerings, and commitment to community health by visiting Orkin.com.
Topics General Business）
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