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As mosquito season kicks off across the U.S., Orkin‘s 2026 Mosquito Cities List reveals a shift in mosquito activity across the U.S. and where these unwelcome pests are making the biggest buzz.
Top spots
While Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City hold the top three spots, the broader top 50 list shows mosquito activity expanding beyond traditional hotspots and reaching more regions across the country.
Data over time shows a clear geographic change. For six consecutive years, from 2015 through 2020, Atlanta held the top spot. Since 2021, Los Angeles has ranked No. 1, marking a shift in the highest levels of mosquito activity. A pest issue that was once concentrated in the Southeast has evolved into a nationwide concern, with cities across every region now facing risks from this pest.
Beyond being a nuisance, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world, responsible for more than 600,000 malaria-related deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the U.S., they can spread serious diseases including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika. Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases that were once rare or uncommon in the U.S., such as dengue fever, are rising significantly, making prevention especially important as activity increases during peak season.
Orkin’s public health campaign
As part of its ongoing commitment to public health, Orkin continues its partnership with the American Red Cross through its Mosquitoes Don’t Deserve a Drop campaign, helping raise awareness of mosquito-borne risks while supporting the nation’s blood supply during peak season. From May to August 2026, for every mosquito control service purchased, Orkin will donate $25 to the American Red Cross, up to $250,000.
Full listed rankings
The rankings are based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by Orkin from March 18, 2025, to March 18, 2026.
| 1. Los Angeles | 26. Oklahoma City (-2) |
| 2. Chicago | 27. Pittsburgh (+1) |
| 3. New York | 28. Grand Rapids, Mich. (-3) |
| 4. Detroit (+1) | 29. Norfolk, Va. (-2) |
| 5. Atlanta (-1) | 30. Cincinnati (-1) |
| 6. Washington, D.C. (+2) | 31. Richmond, Va. (-1) |
| 7. Houston (-1) | 32. St. Louis (+15) |
| 8. Dallas (-1) | 33. Flint, Mich. (-2) |
| 9. Cleveland | 34. Boston (+6) |
| 10. Denver | 35. Knoxville, Tenn. (+1) |
| 11. Raleigh, N.C. (+2) | 36. West Palm Beach, Fla. (+6) |
| 12. Charlotte, N.C. (+2) | 37. Tulsa, Okla. (-5) |
| 13. Minneapolis (+6) | 38. Albuquerque, N.M. (-3) |
| 14. Philadelphia (-3) | 39. Sacramento, Calif. (new) |
| 15. Indianapolis (+1) | 40. Phoenix (new) |
| 16. Tampa, Fla. (+2) | 41. San Antonio (-4) |
| 17. Miami (-5) | 42. Cedar Rapids, Iowa (-9) |
| 18. San Francisco (-3) | 43. Traverse City, Mich. (new) |
| 19. Orlando, Fla. (-2) | 44. Hartford, Conn. (+1) |
| 20. Columbus, Ohio (+3) | 45. San Diego (-6) |
| 21. Greenville, S.C. (+1) | 46. Columbia, S.C. (-5) |
| 22. Baltimore (-2) | 47. Springfield, Ill. (new) |
| 23. Milwaukee (+15) | 48. Memphis, Tenn. (-14) |
| 24. Seattle (+2) | 49. Greenville, N.C. (new) |
| 25. Nashville, Tenn. (-4) | 50. Greensboro, N.C. (-5) |
“Over the past decade, we’ve seen mosquito activity expand beyond traditional hotspots and become a nationwide concern,” said Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist, in a news release. “While major cities continue to experience consistent pressure, emerging trends — especially in the Midwest — show how shifting climate conditions and the expanding range of the yellow fever mosquito are creating new hotspots across the country.”
Midwestern cities continue to see some of the fastest growth year-over-year, with Milwaukee jumping 15 spots to No. 23 and Minneapolis climbing six spots to No. 13. At the same time, some historically high-ranking cities saw declines, with Miami and Greensboro, N.C. each dropping five spots.
Quick guide to mosquito prevention
To help reduce mosquito activity, Orkin recommends using the acronym BITE to remember key prevention steps:
- Block access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as CDC-recommended repellents.
- Install tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
- Trim shrubs, grass and other vegetation to reduce mosquito resting areas.
- Eliminate standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
About Orkin, LLC
Founded in 1901 by Pest Management Professional (PMP) Hall of Famer Otto Orkin (Class of 1999), Atlanta, Ga.-based Orkin is a leader in pest control services and protection against termite damage, rodents and insects. Orkin has 358 owned-and-operated branch offices and 47 franchises in the U.S. The company, owned by Rollins Inc., also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and Mexico. Gary Rollins, Rollins’ Executive Chairman Emeritus of the Board, is also a member of the PMP Hall of Fame (Class of 2012).
