U.S. Destinations Where You’re Likely to Encounter Mosquito/Tick Illnesses This Fall

You know you need to take measures to avoid mosquito and tick bites when traveling to remote locales or engaging in activities like hiking or camping, but could you be at risk when visiting your favorite U.S. cities this fall, too? A recent study from the National Pest Management Association warned climate change has made it possible for pests such as mosquitos and ticks — typically only associated with summer weather — to remain active for longer, and it’s not just in the woods you need to worry.

Dr. Jorge Parada, medical advisor, NPMA, said, “Emergency departments are reporting significant increases in tick bite-related visits, while rates of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses like West Nile virus and Lyme disease are on the rise… Beyond these, cockroaches can trigger severe asthma symptoms in children, rodents can spread over 35 diseases and flies can transmit more than 100 pathogens.”

So, where are you most at risk?

The 10 top U.S. cities most at risk for pest surges this fall, according to NPMA’s bi-annual Public Health Index include (in alphabetical order, not risk ranking): Baltimore, Maryland; Charlotte, North Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Francisco, California; Washington, D.C.; and West Palm Beach, Florida.