Top 5 Western U.S. cities for mosquitoes

During the warm summer months, mosquitoes emerge and are a serious problem for nearly everyone. In fact, mosquitoes are known vectors of numerous diseases that can harm your health and even be fatal.

There is a popular belief that mosquitoes are not a big problem in western U.S. states like California. This is not true. Any place that gets warm weather and has rain or standing water can breed mosquitoes and, most importantly, breed mosquitoes that can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika Virus,  Malaria and heartworm (for pets).

However, which cities in the Western United States have the highest volume of mosquitoes and the largest number of reports of mosquito-related diseases? We take a look at the top five Western cities for mosquitoes.

Western Exterminator mosquito control specialists can help treat your property to get rid of mosquitoes and prevent them from returning and becoming a further problem.

Spokane, WA

A city located right along the Spokane River and not far from the Idaho border, Spokane is ripe for mosquito activity. As the location of a major water source along with local rainy seasons common throughout Washington make this a prime area for mosquito infestations. Local statistics show the wetter months for Washington to include March and April as well as during early fall. Those times would be the best times to take preventative measures against mosquito bites.

Boardman, OR

A small city located in northern Oregon, the city is located right on the Columbia River. The area around Boardman is semi-arid, meaning that it is usually drier than most other surrounding cities, but during some months the rains get very heavy which can create the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Incidents of West Nile Virus were heavily reported in Boardman and surrounding Morrow County in 2017, indicating high mosquito activity.

San Bernardino, CA

The county seat of the Greater San Bernardino County metro area, San Bernardino is also the 17th largest city in the state of California. During 2017, there were more than 57 reported human cases of West Nile virus, indicating a very high level of mosquito activity. The Mediterranean climate when, during spring and fall months, high rainfall totals create an environment ripe for mosquito breeding.

Phoenix, AZ

You may think that Phoenix is in a desert, which means no rain and no water, so how could there be mosquitoes? This is not entirely true. Yes, Phoenix is very hot and in a dry climate, but during prime summer months like July and August, rain totals do grow as severe thunderstorms roll through the area. A mosquito only needs a puddle in order to lay eggs, which hatch quickly and can become adults very fast.

Los Angeles, CA

The perception is that L.A. is also hot and dry all the time, with little rain. Once again, this perception is not entirely true. Yes, over the past few years, there has been in a drought, but in 2017 there were more than 200 reported incidents of West Nile Virus in humans. Rainy seasons happen in L.A. in late winter, early spring and the warmer temps make it a ripe time for mosquitoes.

Mosquito prevention

When living in an area with a high number of mosquitoes, the best way to deal with them is not to get bitten. The risks of disease are too great and even a mosquito not carrying a virus can cause a bite that can get infected if not treated properly. Here are some of the things you can do to prevent mosquito bites.

• Use sprays containing DEET. This is one of the most effective treatments for keeping mosquitoes off of your body
• Avoid going out during dusk and dawn hours. This is the prime time for mosquitoes to go out and search for a blood meal.
• Wear long pants and long sleeves. Mosquitoes will bite any exposed skin they find. If you keep yourself covered, they will move on to someone or something else.
• Empty standing water in birdbaths, fish ponds, planters, and around your property.
• Install water agitators in fish ponds or fountains. Mosquitoes cannot lay their eggs in anything but standing water. An agitator will prevent them from laying eggs.
• If you have a fish pond, put species of fish that eat mosquitoes and their larva. As your local pet store for information about these fish.
• Use fans on porches and patios. Mosquitoes are very weak flyers. Having a fan to keep the air moving around you and guests on your porch or patio can keep mosquitoes away.

Western Exterminator mosquito treatments

Of course, your local Western Exterminator office can also help. The first step will be an inspection of your property. We will find the most likely places for mosquitoes to breed and hide during the hot parts of the day. We also offer treatment plans which can get rid of mosquitoes, their eggs and their larvae from your property. Plus, we can treat your property to make sure mosquitoes do not return to lay more eggs.

Don't take a risk with West Nile Virus, Zika or any of the other mosquito diseases. Contact Western Exterminator today to enjoy your yard and property mosquito-free.

Sources:

https://westnile.ca.gov/case_counts.php?year=2017&option=print https://westnile.ca.gov/case_counts.php?year=2018&option=print https://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/DiseasesandChronicConditions/WestNileVirus/WestNileVirusActivityfor20022016#2017 https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/WESTNILEVIRUS/Documents/countymap17.pdf