This SC city is among the most mosquito infested in the US for 2024, Orkin says
If you’ve stepped outside in South Carolina this summer, you’ve likely already encountered a mosquito or two.
The dreaded insect is one of the scourges of the South — it causes irritating, itchy bites and can carry dangerous diseases. The annoying critters thrive in warm, damp environments, which is why they’re so prevalent across the South each summer.
Every year, pest control company Orkin compiles a list of the top 50 most mosquito infested U.S. cities as a way to encourage homeowners to take preventative measures. The data for this year’s list was collected by tracking new residential mosquito treatments from April 23, 2023 to March 31, 2024.
This year, one South Carolina city made the list. Given how mosquitoes love wet and warm environments to reproduce, one might believe that Charleston or Myrtle Beach would make it onto the list.
But no.
This year, the ignominious honor goes to Greenville. The city, which has made many best of lists in recent years, was ranked 29th most mosquito infested for 2024 by Orkin.
Below are the top 10 most mosquito infested cities for 2024. For the complete list, click here.
Top 10 mosquito infested U.S. cities
Los Angeles
New York
Chicago
Dallas
Atlanta
Houston
Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia
San Francisco
Detroit
How to control mosquitoes in your yard
Ridding your property of mosquitoes starts with eliminating places where they lay their eggs.
Remove any containers or pools of stagnant water from your property, as they are ideal breeding spots for mosquitoes.
Tightly cover water storage containers so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
Fill tree holes to prevent them from filling with water.
If you have a septic tank, repair any cracks or gaps.
You can also use larvicides to treat large bodies of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped.
Use outdoor adulticide to kill adult mosquitoes where they rest, which include dark and humid areas like under patio furniture or under the garage.
How to control mosquitoes in your home
Use an indoor insect fogger or indoor insect spray to kill mosquitoes. Only using insecticide will not keep your home free of mosquitoes.
Use window and door screens and make sure they’re in good condition.
Kill mosquitoes where they rest, which includes dark and humid places like under sinks, in closets, under furniture and laundry rooms.
