31 Mar When is Mosquito Season?

Prepare Yourself for Mosquito Season

You may have heard someone jokingly mention mosquito season in passing, but in many areas of the U.S., this is no longer a laughing matter. With the threat of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, many people are taking mosquitoes and their presence more seriously, by taking the necessary precautions to protect their homes and families. The first step to protecting yourself from mosquitoes and their potential viruses is to know when mosquito season begins in your area.

Seasons Vary by Region

Mosquito lifecycles are closely related to temperature, and as a result, the seasons vary by region. Mosquitoes are able to hatch when the temperature remains at a steady 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which marks the beginning of mosquito season. In the U.S., that means many states can expect mosquitoes much earlier and for a longer period of time than other states, especially those in the south. The southern half of Texas and the majority of Florida and Hawaii, for example, can expect mosquito season to begin as early as February. The rest of the southern states and southern California typically see mosquito activity beginning in March. In northern California and the middle portion of the U.S., mosquito season tends to begin in April, while states in the north and northeast may not encounter mosquitoes until May.

Don’t Wait Until They Bite to Take Action

Don’t wait until mosquitoes start taking over your home to take action. There are things you can do now to safeguard your home and outdoor space from mosquitoes, before swarms of them turn your yard into their breeding ground.

Assess Window and Door Screens

Mosquitoes are able to fit through the tiniest of holes or tears in your screen. Be sure to thoroughly check all of your window and door screens to ensure they are in good condition and effective at preventing the entry of mosquitoes and other insects.

Clean Your Gutters

Throughout the winter, your gutters become a catch-all for leaves and other debris. Clogged gutters cause rain water to collect and pool with nowhere to go. Mosquitoes are attracted to areas with standing water and only require a small amount of water to deposit their eggs. Cleaning your gutters can help ensure mosquitoes don’t use the perimeter of your house as their breeding ground, thus keeping them away from entryways into your home.

Eliminate Other Mosquito-Breeding Sites

In addition to your gutters, other areas of your property can be prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Ditches or low-lying areas of your yard, for example, will likely collect water from rainfall and attract mosquitoes. Fill these areas in wherever possible and remove any objects in your yard that may collect water, such as flower pots, bird baths, bird feeders, buckets, tires and wheelbarrows.

Keep Up on Yard Maintenance

Adult mosquitoes like to hide out in shrubs, bushes or even in your grass during the day to keep out of the sun. Keeping your lawn and shrubs trimmed will not only add curb appeal to your home, but will also help to ensure mosquitoes aren’t lingering nearby.

Be prepared with NET effect

Once you’ve prepared your home for mosquito season, make sure you have a reliable insect repellent to protect you and your family while you’re out and about this spring and summer. NET effect is a roll-on insect repellent that contains 20% DEET, ensuring long-lasting protection against mosquitoes and other virus-carrying insects, such as fleas, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats and no-see-ums. Our roll-on applicator makes it easy to carry NET effect with you anywhere you go while making the application process much more enjoyable than aerosol repellents. To buy your own supply of NET effect, visit our website today!