Chicago Ranked Among Worst Cities for Blood-Suckers

The onset of summer heralds another season as well — mosquito season. And the Chicago area ranks among the worst in the United States for mosquitoes, according to the pest control company Orkin, based on customer service calls in 2014.

Blood-sucking skeeters also transmit West Nile Virus, and last year there were 44 human cases and four deaths related to the virus, reports the Illinois Department of Public Health.

» WARNING: A New Leaf-Eating Beetle Has Been Discovered in Illinois

Our friends at Angie’s List offer these mosquito prevention tips:

• Empty any standing water from birdbaths, flower planters, toys and playground equipment outside the home to help prevent water from collecting. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water — just a few inches — to breed.
• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly or cover them with mesh to help prevent leaves and debris from collecting and holding water.
• Make sure screens around the home, both on windows and doors, fit tightly and have no holes to help keep mosquitoes from making their way into the house.
• Eliminate standing water inside the home that may attract mosquitoes to spaces like kitchen sinks and pet bowls.

Alas, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading another virus among people: chikungunya, new to the United States. » read more about that on Angie’s List