Mosquitoes: The bane of outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who ventures outside in warm weather! These tiny bloodsuckers can turn a pleasant summer evening into an itchy, scratchy nightmare.
Mosquitoes are both an annoyance and a threat. Apart from ruining picnics, these pests can harm the health of humans and animals. They carry various diseases, like West Nile virus and Zika, which they transmit through bites.
Depending on where you live, mosquitoes might seem present 24/7. However, mosquito season is the time of year when mosquito populations and their biting activity increase. But when exactly does mosquito season start, and when can we finally say goodbyeto these annoying creatures? Read on to find out more.
Mosquito seasons can vary depending on the specific mosquito species found in a particular location. This is because different species have varying temperature and moisture requirements. While some species can survive and breed in cooler climates, others need more tropical conditions. For instance, the Asian tiger mosquito, the most common species found in Virginia, has been reported to survive and even become active at 10.4°C.
When Is Mosquito Season in Your Area?
Temperature and precipitation are two significant factors that contribute to mosquito season. For this reason, warmer and more humid climates see longer mosquito seasons.
However, as mentioned previously, specific mosquito species have varying temperature tolerances. Some can survive in cooler climates.
Read below to learn when mosquitoes are most active in regions across the United States.
When Is Mosquito Season in Maryland?
Maryland and the rest of the Mid-Atlantic region experience mosquito season from April to September.
When Is Mosquito Season in Northern Virginia?
Like Maryland, Northern Virginia is part of the Mid-Atlantic region, which means the start and end of mosquito season is the same: from April to September.
When Is Mosquito Season in Other Regions?
- Warmest Regions (Gulf Coast, Florida, Hawaii): February to November
- South and Southwest: March to September
- Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and West: April to September
- New England, Northern Midwest and Pacific Northwest: May to September
It’s essential first to have some information on the factors that affect mosquito activity and how they influence seasonality. Here’s a breakdown:
What Mosquitoes Need to Survive and Thrive
Temperature
Like all insects, mosquitos are “cold-blooded.” This means their temperature is the same as their surroundings. Since their temperature influences their activity, you encounter more mosquitoes during the summer but rarely see any when the weather turns cold. Cold weather slows down mosquito larvae development, resulting in reduced mosquito populations.
Depending on the species, mosquitoes can start becoming active at temperatures above 50°F. However, they truly thrive in warm weather, when the temperature reaches 70°F. This is why some areas that experience warmed weather all year can run into mosquito activity year-round.
Precipitation
Mosquitoes need water to breed and multiply. When it rains, water can collect in puddles, empty pots and other receptacles, creating stagnant water that serves as the perfect breeding ground for these pests. That’s why places with regular rainfall often have longer mosquito seasons.
Mosquito Species
Mosquito seasons can vary depending on the specific mosquito species found in a particular location. This is because different species have varying temperature and moisture requirements. While some species can survive and breed in cooler climates, others need more tropical conditions. For instance, the Asian tiger mosquito, the most common species found in Virginia, has been reported to survive and even become active at 10.4°C.
Why Is Knowing Your Area’s Mosquito Season Essential?
Understanding when mosquito season starts and ends in your area is crucial for knowing when to start mosquito control. The period when mosquitoes are most active also overlaps with their breeding season.
Warmer months with increased rainfall create more stagnant water bodies, leading to a surge in mosquito breeding activity. This, in turn, results in a larger adult mosquito population later in the season.
It’s best to start pest control for mosquitoes shortly before the season starts. Blades of Green helps by proactively targeting the mosquito population during their most vulnerable egg and larvae stages. This preemptive strike can significantly reduce their numbers before they mature into a swarm of biting, buzzing adults.
You can also do many things on your own to limit mosquito numbers (and keep them from covering your skin in bug bites). Here are some examples:
- Be diligent about removing standing water around your home, such as puddles, water in planters and poorly draining gutters.
- Ensure your screens and doors are in good condition to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Consider using mosquito repellent when going outside.
- Look into natural mosquito repellents, such as lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella candles, for an eco-friendly alternative to use inside the home.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when venturing outdoors in high mosquito areas or during peak mosquito activity times, which are typically dawn and dusk.
Get Rid of Mosquitoes With the Help of Pest Control Experts
Now that you know when mosquito season begins and ends, you can make sure you’re prepared for the arrival of these pesky insects. For expert help with mosquito control, turn to Blades of Green.
Our mosquito control program starts with an initial consultation so we can learn more about your home or business’s pest problems. With this information, we can create a plan to prevent and control mosquito infestations. Additionally, this program also addresses fleas and ticks, delivering protection against three types of pests at the price of one.
Blades of Green proudly serves Maryland and Northern Virginia. Contact us today to learn more!