Mosquito season can be a dreaded time of year for many homeowners, as these pesky insects are not just annoying but have the potential to spread diseases like the West Nile and Zika viruses. Knowing when mosquito season is likely to start up in your area can help you take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe from bites and exposure.
What is mosquito season
Typically, mosquito season can begin any time from late spring to early summer depending on where you live and the climate in your area. In humid climates, like those found near coastlines, mosquitos become more active in late spring and continue taking over BBQs through the summer months.
As the weather warms up and spring flowers start to bloom, you’ll probably start to notice an increased number of mosquitoes. Though these pesky critters remain dormant in colder months, as soon as temperatures reach around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plentiful rain creates wet, marshy areas, they come out in full force. Therefore, it is essential to anticipate the beginning of mosquito season and react accordingly.
Warm temperatures and high humidity levels tend to spark an early onset of the season; however, factors such as location and temperature fluctuations can significantly change when mosquitos become active. In fact, the timing of mosquito season is so unpredictable that it is hard to specifically predict when it will start each year. For example, in some regions with cold winters, areas may have a couple of weeks or months where temperatures are high enough for mosquitos to hatch before retreating back into hibernation as soon as conditions begin to cool down again. To further complicate things, mosquitoes may even begin emerging earlier than expected due to surges in temperature due to climate change.
Mosquito season intensifies with heavy rain
Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so it’s important to monitor local forecasts in order to anticipate their arrival and take precautions. After a heavy rain, examine your yard and look for areas of standing water. Even a small amount of water pooled in the seat of a lawn chair can be a cozy home for mosquitoes to breed. Common culprits include overflowing catch basins, areas with poor drainage, curbs with overgrown greenery or mold, clogged storm drains, gutters, pet dishes, kid’s toys, wheel barrows, old tires, potted plant saucers, etc.
Stay ahead of mosquito season with proper precautions
It’s always easier to avoid a mosquito infestation by planning ahead than it is to get rid of one. The CDC recommends using an integrated approach to mosquito control that includes using several methods to combat these annoying insects.
For the most effective residential mosquito control, we recommend:
- Eliminate breeding grounds. Routinely dump any areas with standing water, especially after a heavy rain
- Treat the problem at the source. Apply larvacide to wet areas that cannot be dumped (catch basins, curbs, puddles)
- Create an unattractive environment. Protect your yard with either a fog treatment or permanent mosquito misting system.
We’re happy to come take a look at your yard and provide you with a free environment analysis. During our visit, we will examine your property, analyze potential breeding grounds, answer any questions you may have and provide you with several options to control your mosquito population. We have solutions for all environments and all budgets.
Let us take care of the mosquitoes – you take care of the BBQ.