Pestworld Magazine Focusing on the Business of Pest Management
Identifies top 10 U.S. cities with heightened vector pest pressure this summer
FAIRFAX, VA (August 1, 2019) — The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the consumer education and public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), released its new summer Vector Sectors™ list of the top 10 U.S. cities that are at greater risk for increased pest pressure from vector pests, focusing predominantly on tick and mosquito activity. PPMA is working to make the consumer connection between pest control and public health by calling attention to vector pests and their ability to transmit pathogens such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus to humans through their bites.
“The extreme rain that soaked most of the country throughout spring and summer did more than just damper outdoor plans, it gave rise to dangerous pest populations that could impact the country well into fall,” said Cindy Mannes, executive director of PPMA. “Early season rain allowed pockets of moisture to accumulate, creating ideal breeding conditions for both ticks and mosquitoes alike. Coupled with late-season heat expected across most of the country for the remainder of summer, conditions are ripe for these pest populations to multiply, and quickly.”
The top 10 U.S. cities* named to the National Pest Management Association’s summer Vector Sectors list, developed by PPMA, include:
Austin – Exceedingly wet conditions in both May and July could contribute to a spike in mosquito populations for the remainder of summer.
Chicago – After experiencing its wettest May on record, above-average temperatures predicted for the remainder of summer could contribute to an increase in both tick and mosquito pressure.
Detroit – With above-average temperatures and precipitation predicted for the remainder of summer, watch out for late-season tick and mosquito activity in this area.
New Orleans – Record-setting temperatures coupled with excessive rainfall early in the summer could contribute to increased mosquito pressure as we head into fall.
Oklahoma City – With May being its third wettest in history with over 12.5” of rain, conditions are ripe for both tick and mosquito populations to flourish for the remainder of summer.
Philadelphia – With record-setting rainfall May through June, above-average temperatures and continued precipitation throughout the remainder of summer will allow mosquito and tick populations to thrive.
Salt Lake City – Excessive rainfall in May coupled with above-average temperatures for the remainder of summer could contribute to increased mosquito populations.
St. Louis – After having one of its wettest Mays on record, above-average temperatures and precipitation predicted for August will allow mosquito populations to flourish into fall.
Tampa – Record-setting heat in May coupled with significantly above-average rainfall in both May and June allowed mosquito populations to get a jumpstart on activity.
Washington, D.C. – Above-average temperatures this summer coupled with late-season precipitation could contribute to increased tick and mosquito pressure well into fall.
*Listed in alphabetical order; no numeric ranking.
PPMA is also urging people to protect against biting ticks and mosquitoes and the threats they pose by applying bug repellent containing at least 20 percent DEET, wearing appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, to empty any areas of standing water on properties, and to contact a licensed pest control professional for effective treatment and control.
For more information on PPMA and its consumer programming, contact Cindy Mannes at [email protected] or visit NPMAPestWorld.org/PPMA.
About the Professional Pest Management Alliance
The PPMA was founded in 1997 to defend, protect and grow the pest management industry. As the voice of the professional pest management industry, PPMA continues to proactively provide the public with information on the value of professional pest management through its media relations, public service announcement, advertising and online communications programs it conducts on behalf of the National Pest Management Association. For more information, please visit PPMAMainframe.org or NPMAPestWorld.org/PPMA.
About the National Pest Management Association
The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,500 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry’s commitment to the protection of public health, food and property from the diseases and dangers of pests. For more information, visit PestWorld.org or follow @PestWorld on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.
