Illinois Ranks Among America’s Worst States for Mosquitoes

Besides construction season in Illinois, another well-known but less often complained-about season is mosquito season, and it's about to ramp up fast as summer approaches.

Illinois, and much of the Midwest, is a prime area for mosquitoes, and if you need proof, look no further than Orkin’s 2026 mosquito rankings.

READ MORE: Top Bugs to Watch Out for This Spring in Illinois

Beyond Construction: Mosquito Season is Arriving in Illinois

While Los Angeles was called the nation’s leader in mosquitoes, Chicago isn’t far behind, ranked second overall, but that’s not the only city in Illinois to be ranked in the top 50 in the US.

Springfield was also ranked for the first time, and experts say it’s not random, as mosquito activity has increased across the middle of America.

Chicago and Springfield Rank Among the Nation’s Top Pests

Orkin said the changing climate is allowing mosquitoes to travel further north than ever before, and it’s not just about pests causing itchy bites; it's about West Nile, Zika, and Dengue, which is why experts are paying close attention.

READ MORE: Illinois Residents: 3 Best Ways To Stop Mosquitoes In Your Yard

The Health Risks of a Changing Climate: West Nile and Beyond

There are plenty of things you can do to keep mosquitoes from being uninvited guests in your backyard this summer, like removing standing water, keeping vegetation trimmed, and wearing repellent.

Beware, if you hear buzzing this summer, mosquitoes are probably coming for your ankles.