Mosquito Timing By Region
With the winter winding down and spring temperatures rising, it won’t be long until we are re-introduced to our swarming and biting enemy the mosquito. It is important for people to know what time of the year and in what conditions mosquitoes are most active in order to control them properly. Many times people are bitten by mosquitoes more in the spring and the fall of the year than the summer months. This is mainly because people are aware mosquitoes are a problem and can protect themselves accordingly.
When Does Mosquito Season Start?
Depending on the species, some mosquitos hibernate during the winter and re-emerge when the weather begins to get warmer, while others hatch from previously laid eggs in the spring. The temperature plays a key factor in determining the actual start of the mosquito season. Generally, mosquito activity will be when the temperature reaches the 50 Degree F level. Mosquitoes thrive on hot weather. Thus, as the temperature begins to rise, the mosquito volume increases accordingly. The mosquito season reaches its peak during the hot summer months
When Does Mosquito Season End?
When is mosquito season over? Again, the temperature plays an important factor. As the weather begins to cool, you’ll likely notice a decrease in the level of mosquito activity on your property. Non-hibernating mosquitoes will begin to die off as the temperature approaches the 50 degree F mark, while the hibernating species will start to seek winter refuge in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows and other convenient hiding spots. The first frost is usually a reliable sign of the end of the mosquito season. However, it’s possible that some hibernating mosquitoes will emerge during unexpected warm spells during winter, only to return to their hiding spots once the temperature drops.
Mosquito Season Varies By Region
Since mosquito activity is so closely linked to temperature, the actual mosquito season can vary greatly from one region to another — and even from one year to the next. As you might expect, the warmer the climate, the earlier the mosquito season starts and the longer it’s likely to last. While residents in some areas of the U.S. may not see the first mosquito until May or June, others will have to start dealing with the flying pests as early as February. In the extreme South and Hawaii, mosquito season has been known to last throughout the year!
As far as other warmer regions in the U.S., the mosquito season in Arizona typically begins in early March. The mosquito season in Florida will vary depending on which part of the state you’re located in. The cooler northern portion normally doesn’t begin to experience mosquito activity until early March, while South Florida may see mosquitoes in early February. The tropical South Florida climate is especially conducive to the mosquito lifestyle, since mosquitoes are attracted to moisture and humidity for breeding and laying eggs.
In contrast, the mosquito season in Alaska is notoriously brief. While the mosquito season in southern Alaska generally starts in early May, it might begin as late as mid-June in the northern regions of the state and end by late July. In the Northeast, the gradual warming trend that has occurred in recent years has also produced a longer mosquito season.
Prevention
The phrase, “An ounce of prevention is worth and pound of cure” is very true when it comes to mosquitoes, especially considering the amount of diseases they can transmit. There are an array of products out there to help combat mosquitoes both on your own property and when you are away from your house. Always use a natural, quality bug spray when away from home and especially when you are in areas prone to mosquito activity such as bodies of water and densely wooded areas. When at home, you can treat your entire property with natural repellants to enjoy a peaceful, mosquito and bug free backyard. Hopefully, by knowing when mosquitoes are prevalent in your area, you can get ahead of the swarms and be prepared for when they show up.
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