Mosquito season has arrived in New York, and residents are urged to take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and the health issues they could bring.
According to the New York City Department of Health, Mosquito season in NYC and the state typically runs from April through October. However, New York ranked No. 3 on Orkin’s 2026 Mosquito Cities List, which is based on the number of residential mosquito treatments performed between March 2025 and March 2026- indicating that mosquito season may have arrived a little early here.
Data from the World Population Review shows that there are 70 mosquito species in New York, which could cause reason for concern this spring and summer season.
Here is what to know about mosquito season in NY and how you can protect your family from bites this summer.
Why are mosquitoes a cause for concern in NY?
While mosquitoes and their bites are usually seen as annoying, they can also be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes are considered the deadliest insect in the world, as they can spread diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika and dengue fever.
Mosquitoes, according to the CDC, are responsible for more than 600,000 malaria-related deaths globally each year. However, cases in the United States are far lower — about 2,000 annually — due to prevention and treatment.
In 2025, there were 56 reported cases of the West Nile virus in New York, according to the World Population Review.
Preventing mosquito bites
The best way to reduce your risk of getting a disease from mosquitoes is by preventing the bites from happening in the first place. The New York State Department of Health outlined the following tips to protect yourself from bites this year:
Reducing mosquitoes around home and property
The state department of health suggests ensuring that you have intact screens in all of your home’s windows and doors to keep them out of your living space. Mosquitoes can reproduce in standing water, so here are the tips the state suggests to take to eliminate any chance of standing water around your house or property:
Here is what the CDC suggests:
“Use an outdoor insect spray in dark humid areas where mosquitoes rest, like under patio furniture or in the carpet or garage. Always follow label instructions,” the CDC advised on its website. “If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps.
“Cover vent or plumbing pipe openings using mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.”
Contributing: Delaware Online
— Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York state. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Mosquito season has arrived in NY. Here’s how to protect yourself
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
