Terminix releases Top 15 Mosquito Cities list

Summer has officially arrived, including the rain and humidity which provide a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. In recognition of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, Terminix Service, Inc., (TSI), the nation’s tenth-largest pest control company, unveils the top 15 cities in the Carolinas and Central Savannah River Area where mosquitoes will be most prevalent.

The latest rankings are based on mosquito service calls received by the 56 local branches throughout the Carolinas and the Central Savannah River Area.

“Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance that can ruin outdoor summer fun, but they are known vector pests that can carry diseases such as West Nile and Zika virus,” said Kevin Hathorne, technical director of Terminix Service, Inc. “Fortunately, there is no evidence that mosquitoes can transmit COVID-19. Given the seriousness of the disease threat these pests pose, we want to remind everyone of the importance of taking steps such as minimizing standing water around your home, and having your yard professionally treated throughout the summer.”

For the second year in a row, the top three metros with the most mosquito activity this season are Columbia, S.C., Charlotte, N.C., and Mount Pleasant, S.C.

The entire top 15 list includes:

1. Columbia
2. Charlotte
3. Mount Pleasant
4. Harrisburg
5. Greenville
6. Bluffton
7. Rock Hill
8. Seneca
9. Asheville
10. Statesville
11. Georgetown
12. Florence
13. Charleston
14. Myrtle Beach
15. Sumter

Terminix encourages everyone to be proactive to reduce mosquitoes by taking the following steps:

• Disposing of old tires, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water-holding containers.
• Cleaning debris from rain gutters, ditches, culverts, and outdoor drains so water can flow properly.
• Ensuring swimming pools and ornamental ponds are properly maintained and that water in birdbaths, plant pots or drip trays is emptied and replaced after every rainfall.
• Checking around outdoor faucets, air conditioner units, and repairing leaks.
• Filling in tree holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
• Keeping grass cut and shrubs well-trimmed where adult mosquitoes may rest.
• Sealing out mosquitoes by ensuring windows and door screens are in good condition.
• Wearing light-colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, and long pants when possible.
• Using personal insect repellents that contain at least 20% DEET.

While Terminix cannot guarantee customers will not get bitten by mosquitoes or contract a mosquito-borne illness, by significantly reducing the mosquito population in a given area, everyone can reduce the chances of bites occurring. For more information on mosquito management services, visit www.TrustTerminix.com or call 1-800-TERMINIX.