It’s Mosquito Season! How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Inside & Outdoors Your House in The Villages, FL

Floridians are no stranger to mosquito encounters. These nasty little insects pilfer the blood from any host they can perch on long enough to steal what they can and in so doing the potential of getting a disease or virus are pretty fair, not to mention the annoying itchy bite marks they leave behind. We at Pest 911 would like to shine some light on some particulars concerning mosquitoes.

When is Mosquito Season in Florida?

With the mosquito-borne diseases that can inflict people and animals, knowing when the mosquito season begins can help you better prepare your home and yourself from mosquitoes. Quite a few species of mosquitoes hibernate during the winter where others lay eggs that do not hatch and emerge when the weather consistently is warm. Generally, mosquito activity will begin when the temperature reaches around 50° F. Mosquitoes favor hot temperatures which makes summer their peak season.

When Do Mosquitoes Come Out of Hibernation?

As the weather begins to cool mosquito activity on your property decreases; the non-hibernating mosquitoes will begin to die off as the temperature drops approximately around the 50° F mark and the hibernating species will survive the winter hibernating in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows, and any other convenient hiding spots. The first frost is a reliable indication that mosquito season is over. However, hibernating mosquitoes will emerge during unexpected warm spells during winter, in some cases, but when the temperature drop again; they will return to their preferred hiding place.

Is Mosquito Season Different Across the Country?

Being that mosquito activity is linked to temperature; mosquito season can differ from year to year and vary dramatically from one region to another. The warmer the climate, the earlier the mosquito season starts and the longer it’s likely to last. Some regions can expect to see mosquito activity as early as February, where others first see mosquitoes in May or June; in some regions, like Hawaii, mosquito season can potentially last all year.

How to Avoid Mosquitoes in Your Home & Yard

Southern Florida often sees mosquitoes in early February where the climate is especially to the liking of mosquitoes; favoring the moisture and humidity for breeding and laying eggs. Fortunately, you can apply many steps to significantly minimize the mosquito population on your property. Below you will find such steps to save yourself from mosquito infestations.
1) Remove anything that collects water. Flower pots, birdfeeders, old tires, wheelbarrows, and buckets are just a few examples of potential nurseries for mosquitoes as the rain water and sprinklers pool water. Removing the clutter that could hold standing water is ideal. Mosquitoes do not require large volumes of water for depositing their eggs, with no options, the mosquitoes will look elsewhere.
2) Clean gutters to prevent pests: Gutters can be easily clogged with leaves and other debris during the course of a long winter and wind storms. Clogged drainage systems create standing water, which attracts mosquitoes. Keeping your gutters cleaned eliminates a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.
3) Fill in low lying areas of dirt: Ditches and other low-lying areas in the yard will contain water after a rainfall. Bring in some soil and ensure your grounds are fairly level. While you are doing some yard maintenance, if any hollow logs and stumps are on your property, ensure they are adequately filled or removed to avoid not only pooling water but also avoiding hibernation habitats.
4) Repair window screens: A 16-18 mesh is the recommended size for pest control. If you enjoy having the windows and doors open during ideal weather conditions or have a screened-in deck, porch or patio; check the screen condition. Ensure the screen is in prime condition and repair or replace to prevent mosquito entry.
5) Repair cracks & leaks: Seal any cracks in the structure or foundation to prevent entry and repair any leaks to avoid standing water.
6) Contact a professional pest control company: A professional from Pest 911 can install preventative mosquito products to hinder their activity and growing population. Call us today to learn more!