Oklahoma City Ranked In Top 25 Of Cities With The Worst Mosquito Problems

In recognition of World Mosquito Day, August 20, Terminix announced the 25 cities with the worst mosquito problems. Oklahoma City came in at #21.

Dallas topped the list for the second consecutive year, followed by New York City, Washington, D.C. and Houston. The list was generated based on the number of mosquito services rendered by Terminix between July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018.

1) Dallas-Fort Worth

2) New York City

3) Washington, D.C.

4) Houston

5) Los Angeles

6) Atlanta

7) Philadelphia

8) Memphis, Tenn.

9) Chicago

10) Baltimore

11) Miami

12) San Antonio

13) Orlando, Fla.

14) Nashville, Tenn.

15) Tampa, Fla.

16) San Francisco

17) Boston

18) Little Rock, Ark.

19) Mobile, Ala.

20) Austin, Texas

21) Oklahoma City 

22) Detroit

23) Jacksonville, Fla.

24) Indianapolis

25) Phoenix

While mosquitoes may seem like little more than a nuisance, they can transmit serious diseases, including West Nile and malaria, prompting the World Health Organization to name the mosquito the world’s deadliest animal.

Homeowners can take steps to limit the number of mosquitoes in their backyards. Decrease the availability of potential breeding sites through the following means, and consult a professional for mosquito control for additional help:

1. Remove sources of standing water. Some mosquitoes need standing water in order to lay their eggs. Removing open containers, buckets, plastic sheeting or covers, and tires filled with water can help reduce the breeding sites in your yard.

2. Clean the gutters. It’s also important to maintain your gutter system. Leaves and other debris can build up in your gutters and downspouts, leading to water retention.

3. Change water sources weekly. Emptying or replacing the water in outdoor pet bowls, fountains, birdbaths, rain barrels and plant containers often will help break the mosquito breeding cycle.

4. Replace outdoor lighting. Mosquitoes, like many insects, can be attracted to light. Special bulbs called “bug lights” emit a different type of light than typical light bulbs. Replacing outdoor lighting with these “bug lights” can help attract fewer mosquitoes.