Mosquito activity is expanding beyond its traditional stronghold in the Southern United States, according to new data from Terminix®, a Rentokil Terminix company. Based on 2025 service data from more than 300 Rentokil-owned Terminix branches nationwide,* the company’s annual list of the Top 50 Most Mosquito-Infested Cities reveals shifting patterns driven by prolonged heat, higher humidity, and increased rainfall in regions outside historically high-risk markets.
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Top 50 Most Mosquito-Infested Cities
This year, New York City takes the No. 1 spot for the first time, rising from No. 3 in 2025 and overtaking Los Angeles, which fell to No. 3 in this year’s rankings. The change reflects a broader geographic shift in mosquito activity, with several Northeastern and Midwestern cities with dense urban areas recording some of the largest year-over-year increases.
“What this year’s rankings show is that mosquito activity is becoming more dynamic and less predictable across the country,” said Dr. Sydney Crawley, Principal Vector Scientist at Terminix. “We’re seeing longer mosquito seasons and expanding geographic reach, which means communities that haven’t historically faced high mosquito pressure are now experiencing sustained exposure. That has implications not just for comfort, but for public health preparedness.”
Top 10 Most Mosquito-Infested Cities:
- New York (+2 positions from 2025 ranking)
- Dallas-Ft. Worth (no change)
- Los Angeles (-2)
- Philadelphia (+2)
- Atlanta (-1)
- Louisville (+26)
- Washington, D.C. (no change)
- Boston (Manchester) (+7)
- Detroit (+12)
- Houston (+12)
Mosquito Prevention Tips
To help reduce mosquito activity and the risk of mosquito-borne illness, Terminix recommends:
- Add mosquito traps. Well-designed traps can reduce the number of host-seeking mosquitoes in outdoor areas and should be used as part of a comprehensive integrated mosquito management plan.
- Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes breed in and around standing water; regularly empty and refresh bird baths, pet bowls, plant saucers, and other containers, and ensure gutters and drains are clear to prevent water from accumulating.
- Maintain yards and pools. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris that can trap water. If you have a pond, consider adding a feature to keep water moving and reduce breeding conditions.
- Use EPA-registered repellent, especially when outdoors, and apply insecticidal barrier treatment if pressure is exceptionally heavy.
- Avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, though specific hours vary by species. Minimize your risk of being bitten by staying indoors or wearing long sleeves and pants if you’re outside during these times.
To learn more about mosquito prevention or to schedule a service, visit www.terminix.com/mosquitoes.
*Rentokil does not operate Terminix branches in every state
About Rentokil Terminix
Rentokil Terminix is the leading provider of residential and commercial services in North America. The company provides health, hygiene, and environment services, and pest management services, including protection against termites, mosquitoes, rodents and other pests. The company is part of Rentokil Initial plc (NYSE: RTO), one of the largest business services companies in the world. To learn more, visit EnhancedPestControl.com, or linkedin.com/company/rentokilterminix.
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