Swarms of mayflies and midges can be annoying — and a cool spectacle on the weather radar. But their more irritating and dangerous cousins, mosquitoes, are also swarming Cleveland this summer, and they pose a significant health risk to Clevelanders.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, Cleveland saw one of the largest upticks in residential mosquito treatments in the country, according to pest control company Orkin, breaking into the company’s Top 10 Mosquito Cities List for the first time.
There is no safe haven in the Midwest, with other cities ranked in the Top 20 of Orkin’s list, including No. 2 Chicago, No. 5 Detroit, No. 16 Indianapolis and No. 19 Minneapolis. Los Angeles topped the list.
“Mosquito control isn’t just about avoiding itchy bites,” Orkin entomologist Frank Meek said in a press release. “It’s about safeguarding your health and your community. Proactive measures are key to controlling these seasonal surges in mosquito activity.”
Going out West or down South won't help you escape them. Even some East Coast cities, such as New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh, and Charlotte, are experiencing pesky swarms of mosquitoes.
Here in Ohio, there are 59 species of mosquitoes. Out of those 59, only five are known to transmit diseases to humans, such as malaria, encephalitis, and La Crosse virus, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Asian tiger mosquitoes are the most aggressive biters in Ohio and can transmit chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. However, the Eastern treehole mosquito transmits likely the La Crosse virus, leading to Ohio having more reported cases each year than any other state.
The other three mosquitoes to keep an eye out for are the Malaria mosquito and the Northern house mosquito, which are widespread throughout Ohio. The Yellow fever mosquito is mostly found in southern counties in Ohio. While West Nile virus can also be transmitted, the Cleveland Clinic notes that only about 1 in 150 people experience severe symptoms.
It’s still important to protect yourself from being bitten. The best way to protect yourself? Don’t let the mosquitoes bite you. Instead, follow the Cleveland Clinic's tips to Fight the Bite.
Stay clean, as your sweat can make you taste extra tasty.
Yes, you may smell good with scented products, but mosquitoes love it too, so it's best to avoid them.
And simply watch the clock, as mosquitoes are most active from dusk till dawn.
Terminix states that the mosquito season in the Midwest typically runs from April to September. Remember, Fight the Bite, don’t let mosquitoes bite you.
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.
