The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), the consumer education and public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), released its new summer Vector Sectors list of the Top 10 U.S. cities that are at greater risk for increased pest pressure from vector pests, focusing predominantly on tick and mosquito activity.
PPMA is making the connection between pest control and public health by calling attention to vector pests and their ability to transmit pathogens such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus to humans through their bites.
“The extreme rain that soaked most of the country throughout spring and summer did more than just damper outdoor plans; it gave rise to dangerous pest populations that could impact the country well into fall,” says Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA. “Early season rain allowed pockets of moisture to accumulate, creating ideal breeding conditions for both ticks and mosquitoes alike. Coupled with late-season heat expected across most of the country for the remainder of summer, conditions are ripe for these pest populations to multiply, and quickly.”
The top 10 U.S. cities* named to the NPMA’s summer Vector Sectors list, developed by PPMA, include:
- Austin — Exceedingly wet conditions in both May and July could contribute to a spike in mosquito populations for the remainder of summer.
- Chicago — After experiencing its wettest May on record, above-average temperatures predicted for the remainder of summer could contribute to an increase in both tick and mosquito pressure.
- Detroit — With above-average temperatures and precipitation predicted for the remainder of
summer, watch out for late-season tick and mosquito activity in this area. - New Orleans — Record-setting temperatures coupled with excessive rainfall early in the summer could contribute to increased mosquito pressure as we head into fall.
- Oklahoma City — With May being its third wettest in history with over 12.5 inches of rain, conditions are ripe for both tick and mosquito populations to flourish for the remainder of summer.
- Philadelphia — With record-setting rainfall May through June, above-average temperatures and continued precipitation throughout the remainder of summer will allow mosquito and tick populations to thrive.
- Salt Lake City — Excessive rainfall in May coupled with above-average temperatures for the
remainder of summer could contribute to increased mosquito populations. - St. Louis — After having one of its wettest Mays on record, above-average temperatures and precipitation predicted for August will allow mosquito populations to flourish into fall.
- Tampa — Record-setting heat in May coupled with significantly above-average rainfall in both May and June allowed mosquito populations to get a jumpstart on activity.
- Washington, D.C. — Above-average temperatures this summer coupled with late-season precipitation could contribute to increased tick and mosquito pressure well into fall.
*Listed in alphabetical order; no numeric ranking.
PPMA is also urging people to protect against biting ticks and mosquitoes and the threats they pose by applying bug repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET, wearing appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, emptying any areas of standing water on properties and contacting a licensed pest control professional for effective treatment and control.
Image courtesy of PPMA
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