Houston is one of the most likely cities to face a pest surge this fall that could impact our health by causing diseases, says the non-profit organization National Pest Management Association (NPMA). The city recently experienced storms and flooding, the most recent of which was Hurricane Beryl, which caused significant damage. The presence of stagnant water in residential and urban areas could be ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
NPMA released its Vector Sectors list of cities likely to be affected by weather patterns like extreme heat, drought, and rainfall that are conducive to the growth of population in ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches.
“As summer gives way to fall, it’s not just cooler temperatures we need to prepare for,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Weather patterns can impact pest activity, including the rise of vector pests like mosquitoes and ticks, which are known carriers of serious diseases. Taking preventive measures is key to protecting your health.”
What many people don’t realize is that certain pests can pose significant threats to our health
Dr. Jorge Parada
Fredericks suggests steps to prevent these pests at home, such as trimming tall grasses, removing standing water around one’s property, sealing windows and doors, and storing food in airtight containers. Homes that are susceptible to pests can contact pest control professionals to curb the issue, the organization suggests.
“What many people don’t realize is that certain pests can pose significant threats to our health,” said Dr. Jorge Parada, a medical advisor for NPMA. “Vector pests like mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, ticks can spread Lyme disease, and cockroaches and flies are known to spread foodborne illnesses like salmonella, among others. These pests are more than a nuisance, and cases of the diseases they spread are increasing in the U.S. Understanding those risks is the first step in protecting you and your family’s health.”
The other cities in the list include Albuquerque, NM; Greensboro, NC; Hartford, CT; Milwaukee, WI; multiple cities across Florida; New Orleans, LA; Sacramento, CA; Salt Lake City, UT, and St Louis, MO. San Diego and Phoenix also face a risk and were suggested to be vigilant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vector-borne diseases have been on the rise in the country since 2004, with more than one million cases between 2001 and 2023. For international travelers, dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, can pose a threat.
