In recognition of World Mosquito Day, an international effort to raise awareness of the insect’s status as the world’s deadliest animal, we have provided the 2019 ranking of the country’s top 50 cities most infested with mosquitoes.
Los Angeles took the top spot, jumping from its No. 5 ranking in 2018. Dallas-Fort Worth fell to No. 2 after two years at the top of the list, followed by Houston, New York and Washington, D.C., in the top five spots. Texas and Florida dominated the list, with six and five cities in the top 50, respectively.
Mosquito-borne diseases kill millions each year across the globe. In the U.S., mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile virus and encephalitis, and globally, mosquitoes are vectors for other deadly illnesses, including malaria and Zika.
Homeowners should be particularly cautious as the U.S. experienced the highest level of precipitation in recorded history over a 12-month period this summer. Heavy rains may lead to increased standing water for mosquitoes to breed, unleashing higher than normal mosquito populations.
The full list of the top 50 cities is:
Los Angeles
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Houston
New York
Washington, D.C.
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Memphis, Tennessee
Baltimore
Chicago
Miami
San Francisco
Boston
Orlando, Florida
Nashville, Tennessee
Tampa, Florida
San Antonio
Phoenix
Austin, Texas
Oklahoma City
Little Rock, Arkansas
Mobile, Alabama
Indianapolis
Detroit
Cincinnati
Fresno, California
St. Louis
West Palm Beach, Florida
San Diego
Sacramento, California
Louisville, Kentucky
Jacksonville, Florida
Columbus, Ohio
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Shreveport, Louisiana
Kansas City, Missouri
Jackson, Mississippi
Cleveland
Tyler-Longview, Texas
Birmingham, Alabama
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Montgomery, Alabama
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Honolulu
Richmond, Virginia
Corpus Christi, Texas
Paducah, Kentucky
Milwaukee
Denver