Latest news with #FrankMeek
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Columbus among U.S. cities that are ‘hot spots' for mosquitos, pest company says
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Mosquito season has arrived, with a pest control company naming Columbus as a hot spot for the insect this year. Orkin releases an annual list of the cities seeing the most residential mosquito treatments, revealing 'hot spots' for the bugs. For this year's ranking, treatments performed by Orkin from April 2024 through March 2025 were considered. Columbus announces $2B bond issue for November ballot On Orkin's 2025 list of the top 50 mosquito hot spots, Columbus came in at No. 23, jumping nine spots from last year. Los Angeles was the city that saw the most treatments, taking the No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row. Chicago came in at No. 2, and was followed by New York, Atlanta and Detroit. Cleveland (No. 9) and Denver (No. 10) broke into the top 10 for the first time. California remained a popular area for mosquito activity overall, having five cities in the top 50, the report said. The list by Orkin is based solely on the number of treatments in each city and does not factor in population sizes, which likely impacted the rankings. The cities sitting at the top of the list are some of the most populated in the country. Beyond being a nuisance, mosquitoes pose a threat to people's health, Orkin stated. The insect causes over 600,000 malaria-related deaths globally each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They can also transmit other diseases such as the West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika virus. Poisonous plant rapidly spreading across Ohio: what to do if you see it 'Mosquito control isn't just about avoiding itchy bites,' Orkin entomologist Frank Meek said. 'It's about safeguarding your health and your community. Proactive measures are key to controlling these seasonal surges in mosquito activity.' Orkin recommends taking preventative action to reduce mosquito activity, including wearing CDC-recommended repellants, installing tight-fitting screens on windows and doors, trimming shrubs and grass, as well as eliminating standing water. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Denver cracks top 10 for first time in annual list of mosquito hotspots
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver cracked the top 10 for the first time in Orkin's latest 'Top 50 Mosquito Cities List.' The annual ranking is based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by the pest control company from April 2024 through March 2025. Denver, which climbed six spots from 2024's list, was joined by Cleveland as another first-timer in the top 10, a move Orkin said signals a larger mosquito pressure in northern cities, amid climbing temperatures. Viral kangaroo escapes (again) in Durango 'Mosquito control isn't just about avoiding itchy bites,' said Frank Meek, Orkin entomologist, in a statement. 'It's about safeguarding your health and your community. Proactive measures are key to controlling these seasonal surges in mosquito activity.' Los Angeles took the top spot on the 2025 list for the fourth year in a row, with Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Detroit rounding out the top five. Mosquitoes are the world's 'deadliest animal,' according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said the flying insect spreads diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and lymphatic filariasis. The CDC said mosquitoes are ultimately responsible for more deaths each year than any other creature in the world, with malaria alone resulting in nearly 249 million cases and more than 600,000 deaths across 85 countries in 2022. Scooter riders will have new rules in Denver Statistically speaking, Coloradans probably shouldn't worry too much about malaria, however, cases of locally acquired mosquito-transmitted malaria were spotted in the U.S. for the first time in 20 years in 2023, with 10 cases reported across Florida, Texas, Maryland and Arkansas, the CDC said. According to Orkin, there are a few simple preventive measures people can take to help reduce mosquito activity, including: Blocking access to the skin by wearing long sleeves, pants and CDC-recommended repellants Installing tight-fitting screens on windows and doors Trimming shrubs, grass and other vegetation to reduce mosquito resting areas Eliminating standing water — a known breeding ground for mosquitoes Denver itself has a 'Mosquito Management Program' that the city says is designed to reduce mosquito breeding sites and larval mosquito survival. The program also strives to provide information and education to residents and businesses to help them keep mosquito populations 'at a safe level,' according to the city. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mosquito Season is Here -- and These Cities Are Seeing the Biggest Swarms
As outdoor summer activities kick off, Orkin unveils the nation's top mosquito hotspots, with Detroit, Cleveland and Denver climbing the ranks ATLANTA, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosquito season is officially here — and some U.S. cities are feeling it more than others. According to Orkin's 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, Los Angeles claims the No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row, with fast-climbing cities like Detroit, Cleveland and Denver making major moves into the top 10. The annual list is based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by Orkin from April 2024 through March 2025. As summer outdoor activities ramp up, so does the need for proactive mosquito control to help protect health and comfort. Chicago, New York, Atlanta and Detroit round out this year's top five, with Detroit making its first-ever appearance in the top rankings. Cleveland and Denver also broke into the top 10 for the first time, signaling larger mosquito pressure in northern cities as temperatures climb. California remains a stronghold for mosquito activity overall, with five cities in the Top 50: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and Fresno. With high temperatures and proximity to standing water, it's no wonder mosquitoes are frequent residents of the West Coast state. The rankings are based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by Orkin from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Los Angeles Chicago (+1) New York (-1) Atlanta (+1) Detroit (+5) Houston Dallas (-3) Washington, D.C. (-1) Cleveland (+10) Denver (+6) Philadelphia (-3) Miami (+3) Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (+7) Charlotte, N.C. (+4) San Francisco (-6) Indianapolis (+12) Orlando, Fla. (-4) Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (-6) Minneapolis (-2) Baltimore (+3) Nashville, Tenn. (+4) Greenville, S.C. (+7) Columbus, Ohio (+9) Oklahoma City (+12) Grand Rapids, Mich. (+8) Seattle (-15) Norfolk, Va. (+12) Pittsburgh (+16) Cincinnati (+9) Richmond, Va. (+17) Flint, Mich. (new to list) Tulsa, Okla. (+17) Cedar Rapids, Iowa (new to list) Memphis, Tenn. (+11) Albuquerque, N.M. (+8) Knoxville, Tenn. (+10) San Antonio (-11) Milwaukee (+3) San Diego (-12) Boston (-19) Columbia, S.C. (new to list) West Palm Beach, Fla. (-11) Kansas City, Kan. (-8) Hartford, Conn. (-7) Greensboro, N.C. (-3) Augusta, Ga. (new to list) St. Louis (-23) Myrtle Beach, S.C. (new to list) Davenport, Ill. (new to list) New Orleans (-10) Beyond being a nuisance, mosquitoes are a major health threat. They're responsible for more deaths annually than any other creature, causing over 600,000 malaria-related deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also transmit other dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika virus, making prevention critical this time of year. "Mosquito control isn't just about avoiding itchy bites," said Frank Meek, Orkin entomologist. "It's about safeguarding your health and your community. Proactive measures are key to controlling these seasonal surges in mosquito activity." This summer, Orkin is renewing its commitment to public health through the Mosquitoes Don't Deserve a Drop campaign in partnership with the American Red Cross. From May 20 to June 30, 2025, for every mosquito control service purchased, Orkin will donate $25 to the American Red Cross, up to $250,000. The donations will help maintain a healthy blood supply across the U.S., while encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps against mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquito control can seem extremely daunting, especially living in areas with such dense mosquito populations. However, there are a few simple preventive measures homeowners can take to help reduce mosquito activity. Consumers can use the acronym BITE to remember the steps. Block access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as CDC-recommended repellants. 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. For more mosquito facts and prevention tips, visit About Orkin, LLC Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin is an industry leader in essential 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 also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Mexico. Orkin is committed to protecting public health by helping prevent and control pests as well as educating consumers on the potential health risks posed by these pests. As such, since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to inform the public about the health threats of mosquitoes while boosting our country's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations. Orkin is committed to hiring the world's best to help protect the places where we live, work and play. Learn more about careers at Orkin here. Visit for additional information. Orkin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc. (NYSE: ROL). Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orkin, LLC Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
