Mosquitoes in Chicago: How to Protect Your Pet

As summer peaks in Chicago, our city finds itself in an odd place: Chicago has once again landed among the top five on Orkin’s 2025 list of the nation’s most mosquito-infested cities. Taking a top spot on this list is a clear sign that the Windy City’s battle against these biting pests is more intense than ever. With other midwestern cities also joining the ranks, experts are sounding alarms not only about itchy evenings outdoors, but about the health dangers mosquitoes bring. Let’s discuss Mosquitoes in Chicago: How to Protect your Pet.

Why Are Mosquitoes So Bad This Year?

Unusually mild winters appear to be a major culprit. While harsh cold typically acts as a natural control, killing large numbers of mosquito eggs and larvae, warmer winters mean more survivors and longer breeding seasons. Mosquitoes become active earlier, reproduce more quickly, and populations explode as spring and summer roll in.

Recent years have seen Chicago winters growing less severe, which seems to be part of a regional trend. With these milder temperatures, mosquito swarms are emerging earlier and in greater numbers, increasing the risk of bites and related diseases.

The Dangers: Beyond the Bite

Many Chicagoans think of mosquito bites as a mere annoyance, but these insects pose real risks. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on earth, responsible for more than 600,000 deaths annually worldwide from malaria alone. In the United States, local transmission of diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue, and even malaria has been documented. Eek!

Heartworm Disease

For cats and dogs, mosquitoes are the sole vectors (aka sources) for heartworm disease, a life-threatening condition. Here’s why heartworm is so serious:

• One bite from an infected mosquito can begin a deadly chain reaction in pets
• Mosquitoes inject microscopic heartworm larvae, which migrate through the bloodstream and mature in the heart or lungs, reaching up to 12 inches long and causing irreversible organ damage and often death if left untreated
• Indoor pets are not immune; even a single mosquito getting inside can transmit the disease

Common symptoms in pets can range from coughing and fatigue to severe heart failure in advanced cases. Year-round preventative medication is strongly recommended throughout the US, in addition to reducing exposure to mosquitoes when possible.

How to Reduce Mosquito Activity: Yard & Home Tips

Chicago homeowners can fight back with consistent mosquito control strategies:

Eliminate Standing Water

Mosquitoes need only a half-inch of water to breed. Dump or drain water from flowerpots, birdbaths, kiddie pools, unused tires, and other containers.

Keep Your Yard Tidy

Regularly mow lawns, trim shrubs, rake leaves, and clear debris. Dense vegetation and messy yards are mosquito havens.

Remove Water Features

Decorative ponds and fountains can be breeding grounds. Consider installing pumps to keep water moving or treating stagnant areas with mosquito dunks. Dunks contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a natural bacterium that specifically targets mosquito, black fly, and fungus gnat larvae, but is harmless to birds, pets, and humans.

Hire a Pest Control Company

Mosquito Squad of Chicago, along with other pest control companies in the area, offers barrier protection sprays and a natural solution (for those concerned about chemical use in their yard) that helps keep mosquito populations from growing in your outdoor space.

Keep Mosquitoes from Coming Indoors

• Use Screens: Repair holes in window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out
• Install Fans: Mosquitoes struggle to fly against moving air; consider using outdoor fans on patios and indoor fans in living spaces
• Plant Natural Repellents: Basil, rosemary, and lemongrass in gardens or pots may help deter mosquitoes
• Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid spending time outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. If necessary, wear long sleeves and pants, and use EPA-approved repellents
• Consider Mosquito Control Gear: These devices go on your patio table and repel mosquitoes so you don’t have to slather yourself with stinky, sticky skin repellents

Mosquitoes in Chicago: How to Protect Your Pet

With changing climate patterns fueling longer, more intense mosquito seasons in Chicago, protecting yourself, your family, and your pets has never been more important. Consistent yard maintenance and home defenses, along with awareness of the health risks, are vital. Finding a year-round solution to keep mosquitoes at bay is also a worthwhile investment!

The Best Care for Chicago Pets

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. Please give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com.

Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here. If you are an existing client, please schedule services here. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Floofins & Co. proudly serves the following areas of Chicagoland:

Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westchester, Western Springs, Westmont, Willowbrook, Wheaton, and Woodridge, IL.