Abnormal Weather This Year Has Caused Abnormal Mosquito Breeding Activity

You may have noticed that this year has been a much wetter, more humid year than most. In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Pennsylvania had its wettest July on record with 7.37 inches of precipitation, which is 3.18 inches above average!

Unfortunately, more rain and rising water levels of lakes, streams, creeks, and other bodies of water means more mosquitoes. Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes don’t necessarily need standing water in order to lay their eggs, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology. It was found that mosquitoes are just as content with laying their eggs in areas near water. Many of these eggs laid in water-adjacent areas can lay dormant for two years or more without ever hatching, just waiting for conditions to be right.

This abnormally wet year, however, has allowed those conditions to be exactly what they need to be for those dormant eggs to hatch — hot and moist. Combine the rain, humidity, and rising water levels with these mosquitoes-in-waiting and we’ve got a mosquito explosion of nearly unseen proportions.

Because of this, mosquitoes are just plain sticking around longer, and “mosquito season” looks to be extended later than usual. (Thanks, Mother Nature!) Therefore, if you’ve signed on for one of our summer mosquito barrier treatment plans than ends Labor Day, you may want to consider extending your treatment for one or two more applications. If you’re not a seasonal package customer, you’ve probably noticed that the mosquitoes have been especially bad this year! Either way, they’re going to be here much longer than expected, so call Mosquito Squad of Chester and Delaware Counties today at (610) 463-0507 for a barrier treatment that will eliminate nearly 90% of mosquitoes on your property and keep them away for up to 21 days — guaranteed or your money back. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you fight the bite!