During winter’s gray days, we long for clear skies and sunny weather. So do mosquitoes. Like most humans they feast on, mosquitoes prefer temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As different regions experience very different weather patterns, the question, “When is mosquito season?” has different answers in different states. Let’s dive in to see when mosquito season, or the time of peak mosquito activity, starts in your state and learn the worst states for mosquitoes — and why.
Mosquito Population by State
Mosquito populations vary by weather conditions. Alongside professional mosquito control, cold weather imposes the most significant constraint on mosquito activity. In weather colder than 50F, most mosquitoes slip into a dormant-like state known as diapause. When warmer weather returns, they wake up, eager to feast on our blood (blech!). So, states with a long, cold winter get a welcome respite from mosquito activity. States with regions that revel in mild to warm weather year-round (Parts of California, Texas, and Florida, we’re looking at you) are the worst states for mosquitoes.
Of the more than 200 types of mosquitoes in the U.S., just 12 infect humans with viruses or parasites. Let’s see where the most problematic are found and where you will likely encounter them.
Southwest & West
Mosquito Season in This Region
Mosquito season in the Southwest and West of the U.S. typically extends from mid-February to early November, peaking in the summer months. In warmer areas, such as low-elevation regions of Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California, mosquitoes remain active nearly year-round. However, mosquito populations may be less dense in dry areas with low humidity, minimal rainfall, and little development or agriculture as water sources are crucial for mosquito breeding.
Mosquito Species Found in This Region
In the Southwest, the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is aggressive and active during the day. It carries West Nile Virus, Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Yellow Fever. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is another daytime feeder that carries Chikungunya and Dengue and is found throughout the Southwest and West.
North & Northeast
Mosquito Season in This Region
Mosquito season in the North and Northeast typically starts in late April. It runs through October or into November, peaking in July and August. Abnormal weather patterns, such as the unusually warm winter of 2023-2024, affect mosquito activity. Mosquitoes wake up hungry when the weather warms and disappear when temps drop below 50F, regardless of what the calendar says.
Mosquito Species Found in This Region
The Northern house mosquito (scientific name Culex pipiens) is typically found in stagnant water loaded with organic content throughout the North. It carries St. Louis encephalitis and canine heartworm. The Asian tiger mosquito is also found in Northeastern states.
Midwest
Mosquito Season in This Region
Mosquito season generally begins in early April, even early March in most Southern regions of the Midwest, and continues until early October. The wet springs and humid summers provide prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
Mosquito Species Found in This Region
Western encephalitis mosquitoes (Culex tarsalis) have a particularly painful bite and are active throughout the Midwest. They can carry St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Western equine encephalitis. The common malaria mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus) carries both malaria and canine heartworms. Though malaria transmission is rare in the U.S., a few cases occur each year. It is most active during early morning and dusk, ceding daytime feeding to the Asian tiger mosquito, also found in the Midwest.
South & Southeast
Mosquito Season in This Region
Early March to October is when mosquito season runs in the South and Southeast. However, the warmth and higher humidity along the Gulf Coast can cause mosquitoes to become active from February through November or nearly year-round in some areas.
Mosquito Species Found in This Region
The southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) is found throughout the South, often making its home indoors with us. It rests in a quiet spot during the day and bites at night. In the Southeast, yellow fever, Asian tigers, and common malaria mosquitoes are active.
Proven Strategies to Combat Mosquitoes in Every State
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from mosquito-borne diseases are relatively rare in the U.S. Still, many people and pets can experience sickness, allergic reactions, and itchy bumps from mosquito bite contact. Entomologists from the CDC, academic institutions, and pest control companies like Mosquito Joe recommend the following strategies to combat mosquitoes and protect yourself and your family.
- Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes need standing water for breeding and drinking. Eliminate all sources of still water on your property, including plant catch trays, blocked gutters, and anything that holds rainwater. A female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs in just a bottle cap of water! Inspect your property after every rain.
- Keep the yard trimmed and tidy: Mosquitoes hide in long grasses and garden debris. Keep the grass cut short, weed, and clean up leaf litter regularly.
- Use essential oils: Make your own mosquito repellent from essential oils like eucalyptus, cinnamon, and peppermint.
- Hire professional mosquito control: Peak mosquito season is when the nasty biters are most active in your area. If they get ahead of you, call in professional pest control from Mosquito Joe so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces in peace.
Be Mosquito-Savvy — Know When and How to Fight Back!
Now that you know when mosquito season is due to start in your area, it’s time to gear up for the battle ahead. In addition to your efforts to combat mosquitoes, learn what Mosquito Joe can bring to the fight.
- Barrier Sprays: Our service professional treats your property with a water-based insecticide, seeking all the places mosquitoes hide to eliminate them. Then, we establish a barrier around your property, preventing outside biters from entering your property for up to 21 days. Your follow-up treatments are automatically scheduled, and you don’t have to be home when we visit.
- Eco-Friendly Pest Control: We also offer natural, plant-based treatments to rid your property of mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These treatments use pest-repelling essential oils like rosemary, lemongrass, and peppermint and are effective for 14 to 21 days.
- Mosquito Misting Systems: If you need extra protection because you live near a source of standing water or have a family member allergic to mosquitoes, a misting system is an excellent choice. It is a self-contained pesticide dispenser we install on your property. The device emits a fine mist throughout your property at pre-programmed times.
- Mosquito Traps: When spraying is not an option, our specialized mosquito traps protect your family and property from the biters. These traps attract female mosquitoes preparing to lay their eggs. Each insect that visits the trap gets coated with toxins, which the female mosquitoes spread to other mosquitoes and their eggs.
Mosquito Joe is your trusted partner in effective mosquito control. Everything we do is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe® Satisfaction Guarantee. We know that no job is done until it’s done right. Request a free quote today.
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