DC is 4th worst city in US for mosquitoes, study says
WASHINGTON - A new study has the District buzzing as it says the nation's capital is among the worst for mosquitoes.
The study, released by pest-control company Orkin, ranks DC as the fourth worst city in the U.S. for mosquitoes.
Atlanta came in at No. 1, followed by Dallas and New York. DC edged out Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Miami, Kansas City and Charlotte who rounded out the top 10.
Other notable regional cities making the list include Norfolk at 23rd, Richmond at 30th and Baltimore at 42nd. The District slightly improved this year after coming in second the previous year.
Orkin said it compiled its ranking by the number of new mosquito customers served between April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018.
The company said mosquito season begins when spring temperatures arrive, but hits its peak when temperatures are above 80 degrees. Orkin said mosquito breeding season is typically between July and September.
To avoid mosquito bites, Orkin recommends wearing loose-fitting pants and long-sleeved shirts since mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing. The company also recommends EPA-registered repellent containing products such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
To protect against mosquitoes on your property, Orkin recommends clearing gutters and frequently cleaning any outdoor water source, such as fountains, pools or containers that hold standing water.
The company also recommends trimming shrubs as adult mosquitoes like to rest in dark areas with high humidity.