How To Know When Mosquito Season Will End

The most active season for mosquitoes in the Hartford area usually lasts from late March through late September, with some variability into October, especially during the warm years. Mosquito season begins as soon as the temperature rises about 50° F and begins to taper off as temperatures dip below the same. The warmer and moister the outdoor climate, the easier it is for mosquitoes to survive. Mosquito season’s end, as a result, follows a drop in warmth and a decrease in moisture.

What Happens to Mosquitoes When Summer Ends?

Mosquitoes are not equipped to regulate their own body heat, so their internal temperatures will essentially stay consistent with that of their surroundings. Mosquitoes function best at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and begin to slow down at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They essentially cease all life-giving functions as soon as temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Some mosquito species engage in “diapause,” which means blood-feeding female mosquitoes will slow their metabolisms and remain essentially in a pause state, not growing or changing in the life cycle, until the weather warms. This can be understood as something similar to hibernation. Diapausing mosquitoes will seek shelter in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows, storage containers, or even basements of homes until spring’s onset. “Quiescence” is another method by which mosquitoes survive the winter, wherein adult populations will die, but their eggs will remain dormant until warmer temperatures approach.

Are They Really Gone for Good?

While there is obviously no set date on which mosquitoes agree to leave us all alone and stop biting, we can pretty much rely on the first frost to bring an end to mosquito season and wipe out what’s left of the season’s surviving non-hibernating mosquitoes. The bad news, however, is that when we inevitably receive a warm snap mid-winter wherein temperatures once again rise above 50, mosquitoes in diapause, or “hibernation,” will awaken and resume business as usual. This is why it’s not uncommon to see a rogue mosquito on a warm day in January or February.

How to Stay Protected

It’s important to stay vigilant against mosquitoes year-round, especially living in a climate where it is not unreasonable to expect a couple of random warm days in the middle of winter. Mosquito Squad of Springfield offers barrier spray treatments from late April until late September, with some variation depending on location and regional needs, but we also offer special event services. With the help of Mosquito Squad, you can rest assured that mosquito activity will not take you or your family by surprise, no matter what time of year it is.

Yard Maintenance

Mosquito Squad’s professionals also recommend keeping up with your due diligence throughout the year, making sure all standing water is properly drained from your yard and surrounding areas, that any wood or brush piles are cleared, gutters are cleaned, and downspouts are properly attached for optimal drainage. Turn over bird baths that might collect rainwater and any hollowed-out playground equipment or yard ornaments that may offer the same opportunity for mosquito breeding. It’s easy to remember to do this during the height of mosquito season when you can see them swarming, but don’t forget to keep up with your routine even after mosquito season ends.

Personal Care

Citronella candles, box or porch ceiling fans, and skin-safe essential oils are great defenses when it comes to protecting yourself from mosquito bites. Citronella’s smell and smoke, when strategically burned around a gathering place, act as a deterrent, keeping mosquitoes from entering your outdoor recreation area. Aromatic essential oils such as lemon eucalyptus, lavender, cinnamon, thyme, and tea tree (melaleuca) are all effective repellents that can be applied directly to your skin along with carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba, or argan oils. Finally, wearing long sleeves and pants is another great way to keep mosquitoes from swarming, as they are drawn to the sweet smell of human skin and sweat. If they can’t get to your skin, they can’t bite your skin!

Mosquito Squad of Springfield, MA

To learn more about mosquito control from Mosquito Squad, contact our team in Springfield, MA today!