There are probably weather conditions that make you happier than others. The same is true for mosquitoes. Changes in the weather can greatly affect mosquito activity. Knowing when these pests are likely to be active can help you avoid their itchy bites. Check out how different weather conditions affect mosquito activity.
Warm Temperatures
If it’s a warm day, mosquitoes will be happy campers. Mosquitoes become active when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Warm temperatures are also needed for their eggs to hatch. When temperatures reach 80 degrees, these pests thrive. However, if things get too hot, you may notice a decline in their activity. Mosquitoes can’t handle extreme heat, especially if it’s really dry. Mosquitoes can dry out if moisture isn’t present, which can cause them to die. A humid environment will make it easier for mosquitoes to survive in high temperatures.
Rainfall
Moisture plays an important role in mosquito activity. Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, which means rainfall is crucial to their survival. An increase in rainfall can lead to an increase in breeding. After a rainy day, you’ll want to make sure moisture hasn’t built up in your yard. While mosquitoes need water, heavy rainfall can make it difficult for them to fly.
Humidity
Hot temperatures need to be balanced with humidity. Hot and dry conditions can cause mosquitoes to be less active. While this sounds like a good thing, it could lead to hungrier mosquitoes when weather conditions become balanced.
Wind
Sometimes a nice breeze is just what you need on a warm summer day, unless you’re a mosquito. These pests prefer days with little to no wind. This is because windy conditions can make it difficult for them to fly.
Cold Temperatures
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded, which means they can’t regulate their own body temperature. This is why warm weather is important to their survival. When temperatures drop below 50 degrees, some mosquitoes enter diapause, which is a bug’s form of hibernation. Eggs laid in the fall remain dormant until temperatures begin to rise.
How to Prepare for Mosquito Activity
Whether you want them to or not, mosquitoes will return every year. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help keep them from bothering you.
- Eliminate Standing Water: You can’t stop rain from coming, but you can limit the amount of moisture build-up in your yard. Remove objects that could collect water and ensure your gutters are working properly.
- Remove Yard Debris: Keep your yard free of things, like leaf piles, that could become a breeding spot.
- Maintain Your Yard: Taking care of your yard can help to limit mosquito activity. Mow your lawn regularly and keep shrubs trimmed.
- Seal Entry Points: Mosquitoes can squeeze through small tears in window and door screens, so be sure to repair or replace damaged ones.
- Use an Outdoor Fan: Remember, mosquitoes don’t like to navigate windy situations. Using a fan can make it harder for them to reach you.
- Create a Protective Barrier: Spray your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray, like our Mosquito & Tick Killer, to help kill and repel pesky mosquitoes.
- Use a Natural Bug Spray: Our Natural Insect Repellent will help keep mosquitoes from biting you and your family.