Los Angeles Holds Top Spot as Worst City for Mosquitoes as Activity Climbs Nationwide

Rhea-AI Summary

Orkin (Rollins NYSE: ROL) published its 2026 Mosquito Cities List on May 5, 2026, naming Los Angeles the top U.S. city for mosquito activity. The rankings use Orkin residential mosquito treatments from March 18, 2025 to March 18, 2026 and show wider geographic spread and new entrants.

News Market Reaction – ROL

-0.07%

-0.07% Session close to close

In the May 5 session, ROL declined 0.07%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Orkin’s nationwide mosquito control activity, public-health positioning...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Orkin’s nationwide mosquito control activity, public-health positioning, and its 2026 Mosquito Cities List based on treatments from Mar 18, 2025 to Mar 18, 2026. It reinforces the brand’s scale, with more than 400 branches and nearly 50 franchises, and its American Red Cross campaign pledging up to $250,000. In context of recent strong Q1 revenue of $906.4M and prior marketing-driven releases, investors may monitor how such seasonal demand indicators connect to future financial results.

Key Figures

Malaria-related deaths: more than 600,000 per year Donation per service: $25 Donation cap: $250,000 +5 more

8 metrics

Malaria-related deaths more than 600,000 per year Global deaths attributed to mosquitoes via malaria

Donation per service $25 Amount Orkin donates to American Red Cross per mosquito control service May–Aug 2026

Donation cap $250,000 Maximum Orkin donation to American Red Cross during May–Aug 2026 campaign

Campaign window May to August 2026 Duration of Orkin’s Mosquitoes Don't Deserve a Drop campaign

Operational history 125 years Orkin shaping the pest control industry since 1901

Branch offices more than 400 Owned and operated Orkin branch offices in the U.S.

Franchises nearly 50 Orkin franchises in the U.S.

Mosquito list window Mar 18, 2025 to Mar 18, 2026 Period used for Orkin’s residential mosquito treatment rankings

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 22 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Apr 22	Q1 2026 earnings	Positive	+3.0%	Strong revenue growth and organic expansion with positive share reaction.
Apr 22	Dividend declaration	Neutral	+0.1%	Regular quarterly cash dividend announcement with slight positive move.
Apr 07	Earnings date set	Neutral	+1.9%	Scheduling Q1 results release and conference call details.
Mar 09	Investor conferences	Neutral	-2.2%	Participation in March investor conferences alongside a negative price move.
Feb 17	Marketing list release	Positive	+3.5%	Orkin termite‑cities ranking highlighting elevated termite pressure.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent company news, including Orkin brand updates and financial disclosures, has generally seen share price moves align with the tone of the announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the past several months, Rollins has reported solid operating progress and active investor communication. Q1 2026 results on Apr 22 showed revenue of $906.4M, up 10.2%, with a 3.02% positive price reaction. A regular dividend announcement the same day had a modest positive impact. Earlier, scheduling the Q1 release and investor conference presentations produced smaller moves. An Orkin termite‑cities list on Feb 17 coincided with a 3.48% gain, suggesting prior marketing lists have been viewed constructively.

Key Terms

west nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis, zika, dengue fever, +4 more

8 terms

west nile virus medical

"they can spread serious diseases including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine..."

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause mild flu-like illness in most people but serious neurological disease in a small number of cases; it also infects birds and horses and spreads seasonally in many regions. Investors watch it because outbreaks can change healthcare usage, spur demand for diagnostics, treatments or vaccines, and prompt public spending or regulatory action—similar to how a bad seasonal disease can shift consumer behavior and business costs across affected sectors.

eastern equine encephalitis medical

"serious diseases including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika."

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and horses and can result in severe illness, long-term disability, or death. Outbreaks matter to investors because they can trigger urgent public-health measures and spikes in demand for diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and related services, and cause localized economic and insurance impacts—similar to how a sudden storm can create immediate, concentrated costs and supply needs.

zika medical

"serious diseases including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika."

Zika is a mosquito-spread virus that can cause fever, rash and, in some cases, serious birth defects when pregnant people are infected; it spreads quietly and can touch communities beyond obvious hotspots. For investors, Zika is important because outbreaks can change demand for medical tests, vaccines, mosquito-control products and travel services, and can prompt regulatory action and government spending—similar to how a sudden storm shifts priorities and spending across many industries.

dengue fever medical

"mosquito-borne diseases that were once rare or uncommon in the U.S., such as dengue fever, are rising"

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by Aedes mosquitoes that causes high fever, intense joint and muscle pain, rash, and in severe cases bleeding or organ failure. It matters to investors because outbreaks can disrupt local economies and travel, increase healthcare spending, and shift demand across industries such as hospitals, insurers, pharmaceutical firms, and tourism—similar to how a sudden local disaster can ripple through supply chains and consumer activity.

yellow fever mosquito medical

"expanding range of the yellow fever mosquito are creating new hotspots across the country."

Aedes aegypti, commonly called the yellow fever mosquito, is a small dark mosquito species that spreads viruses such as yellow fever, dengue, Zika and chikungunya; think of it as a tiny delivery vehicle for infectious diseases. It matters to investors because outbreaks influence public-health spending, demand for vaccines, diagnostics, and pest-control products, and can disrupt travel, tourism and local economies—factors that affect revenue, regulation and risk for companies in those sectors.

aedes aegypti medical

"spread of species like the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), are reshaping mosquito pressures"

Aedes aegypti is a small, tropical mosquito species that lives near people and transmits viruses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever. It matters to investors because outbreaks can quickly affect public health, travel, insurance and demand for vaccines, diagnostics and pest-control products; think of this mosquito as a tiny trigger that can cause sudden shifts in revenue and costs across several industries when disease spreads.

centers for disease control and prevention medical

"each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

A national public health agency that tracks, investigates and issues guidance on infectious diseases, health threats and safety practices; it acts like a country's health early-warning and control center, coordinating labs, data and recommendations. Investors pay attention because its alerts, safety rules or study results can change consumer behavior, regulatory requirements or demand for medical products and services, affecting company sales, supply chains and stock prices.

entomologist medical

"said Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist."

An entomologist is a scientist who studies insects—their behavior, life cycles, and how they interact with people, crops and buildings. Investors should care because entomologists’ findings can affect crop yields, pest-control costs, public-health risks, product development and regulatory approvals; think of them as insect detectives whose work can change a company’s expenses, market size or legal exposure.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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A decade ago, Atlanta led the nation in mosquito activity—in its 6^th year running, Los Angeles has firmly taken that title

ATLANTA, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As mosquito season kicks off across the U.S., Orkin's 2026 Mosquito Cities List reveals a significant shift in mosquito activity across the U.S. and where these unwelcome pests are making the biggest buzz. While Los Angeles, Chicago and New York hold the top three spots, the broader top 50 list shows mosquito activity expanding beyond traditional hotspots and reaching more regions across the country.

Data over time shows a clear geographic change. For six consecutive years, from 2015 through 2020, Atlanta held the top spot. Since 2021, Los Angeles has consistently ranked No. 1, marking a shift in the highest levels of mosquito activity. A pest issue that was once concentrated in the Southeast has evolved into a nationwide concern, with cities across every region now facing risks from this pest.

Beyond being a nuisance, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world, responsible for more than 600,000 malaria-related deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the U.S., they can spread serious diseases including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Zika. Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases that were once rare or uncommon in the U.S., such as dengue fever, are rising significantly, making prevention especially important as activity increases during peak season.

As part of its ongoing commitment to public health, Orkin continues its partnership with the American Red Cross through its Mosquitoes Don't Deserve a Drop campaign, helping raise awareness of mosquito-borne risks while supporting the nation's blood supply during peak season. From May to August 2026, for every mosquito control service purchased, Orkin will donate $25 to the American Red Cross, up to $250,000.

The rankings are based on the number of new residential mosquito treatments performed by Orkin from March 18, 2025, to March 18, 2026.

1. Los Angeles	26. Oklahoma City (-2)
2. Chicago	27. Pittsburgh (+1)
3. New York	28. Grand Rapids, Mich. (-3)
4. Detroit (+1)	29. Norfolk, Va. (-2)
5. Atlanta (-1)	30. Cincinnati (-1)
6. Washington, D.C. (+2)	31. Richmond, Va. (-1)
7. Houston (-1)	32. St. Louis (+15)
8. Dallas (-1)	33. Flint, Mich. (-2)
9. Cleveland	34. Boston (+6)
10. Denver	35. Knoxville, Tenn. (+1)
11. Raleigh, N.C. (+2)	36. West Palm Beach, Fla. (+6)
12. Charlotte, N.C. (+2)	37. Tulsa, Okla. (-5)
13. Minneapolis (+6)	38. Albuquerque, N.M. (-3)
14. Philadelphia (-3)	39. Sacramento, Calif. (new)
15. Indianapolis (+1)	40. Phoenix (new)
16. Tampa, Fla. (+2)	41. San Antonio (-4)
17. Miami (-5)	42. Cedar Rapids, Iowa (-9)
18. San Francisco (-3)	43. Traverse City, Mich. (new)
19. Orlando, Fla. (-2)	44. Hartford, Conn. (+1)
20. Columbus, Ohio (+3)	45. San Diego (-6)
21. Greenville, S.C. (+1)	46. Columbia, S.C. (-5)
22. Baltimore (-2)	47. Springfield, Ill. (new)
23. Milwaukee (+15)	48. Memphis, Tenn. (-14)
24. Seattle (+2)	49. Greenville, N.C. (new)
25. Nashville, Tenn. (-4)	50. Greensboro, N.C. (-5)

"Over the past decade, we've seen mosquito activity expand beyond traditional hotspots and become a nationwide concern," said Shannon Sked, Orkin entomologist. "While major cities continue to experience consistent pressure, emerging trends—especially in the Midwest—show how shifting climate conditions and the expanding range of the yellow fever mosquito are creating new hotspots across the country."

Midwestern cities continue to see some of the fastest growth year-over-year, with Milwaukee jumping 15 spots to No. 23 and Minneapolis climbing six spots to No. 13. At the same time, some historically high-ranking cities saw declines, with Miami and Greensboro, N.C. each dropping five spots. Changes like these underscore how environmental factors, including the spread of species like the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), are reshaping mosquito pressures across the country.

Several new cities appeared on this year's list, including first-time entries Traverse City, Mich., Greenville, N.C. and Springfield, Ill., alongside returning cities like Sacramento, Calif. and Phoenix. Together, they highlight how mosquito activity is expanding into regions not traditionally associated with high levels of mosquito pressure. 

To help reduce mosquito activity, Orkin recommends using the acronym BITE to remember key prevention steps:

• Block access to skin by wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as CDC-recommended repellents.
• 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 Orkin.com.

About Orkin, LLC  
Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin has been shaping the pest control industry for 125 years, providing protection against termite damage, rodents and insects through its commitment to scientific knowledge and unmatched training. From its earliest days to today, Orkin's innovative spirit continues to define the future of pest management. 

Orkin is dedicated to protecting the places where we live, work and play by helping prevent and control pests and educating consumers about the potential health risks they pose. Guided by a service-first mission to deliver peace of mind, Orkin Pros are trusted professionals who embody the company's values of safety, integrity, professionalism, empathy and innovation. Since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to raise awareness about mosquito-borne health threats while supporting the nation's blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations.

Orkin has more than 400 owned and operated branch offices and nearly 50 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. Learn more about careers at Orkin here.

Visit Orkin.com 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:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-angeles-holds-top-spot-as-worst-city-for-mosquitoes-as-activity-climbs-nationwide-302762616.html

SOURCE Orkin, LLC

FAQ

Why did Orkin (ROL) rank Los Angeles No. 1 on the 2026 Mosquito Cities List?

Los Angeles ranked No. 1 based on the number of Orkin residential mosquito treatments from March 18, 2025 to March 18, 2026. According to Orkin, the list reflects treatment volume and shifting mosquito pressures across U.S. regions over that 12-month period.

What timeframe did Orkin use for the 2026 Mosquito Cities List published May 5, 2026 (ROL)?

Orkin used residential mosquito treatments performed between March 18, 2025 and March 18, 2026 to compile the list. According to Orkin, that 12-month window determines city rankings by treatment frequency and geographic trends.

How does the 2026 list affect Rollins (ROL) business outlook for mosquito season?

The list highlights cities with increased treatment demand but does not provide financial guidance or revenue figures. According to Orkin, rising activity and new hotspots may influence seasonal service demand in affected markets.

Which Midwestern cities showed the largest year-over-year jumps on Orkin's 2026 list (ROL)?

Milwaukee jumped 15 spots to No. 23 and Minneapolis climbed six spots to No. 13 on the 2026 list. According to Orkin, these moves reflect faster year-over-year growth in mosquito activity in parts of the Midwest.

What public-health actions did Orkin announce alongside the 2026 Mosquito Cities List (ROL)?

Orkin renewed its Mosquitoes Don't Deserve a Drop campaign, donating $25 per mosquito control service to the American Red Cross from May to August 2026, up to $250,000. According to Orkin, the effort supports blood supply awareness during peak season.

Which new cities appeared on Orkin's 2026 Mosquito Cities List and what does that mean for ROL?

New entries include Sacramento, Phoenix, Traverse City, Greenville NC, and Springfield IL among others, indicating expanding mosquito activity geography. According to Orkin, these additions show the pest range widening beyond traditional hotspots, potentially affecting local service demand.