As I sit here typing in my chair, it’s a pretty nice day outside for once in Florida. The weather is cool, the wind is brisk, and there are not too many bugs on the hunt. But a slight dread is creeping up my spine because I know, as well as you do if you’re here, that this isn’t going to last for too much longer. In between the few cold snaps we’ve had, I’m sure you’ve already seen what I’m about to discuss. The simple fact is, Florida mosquito season is around the corner. And, well, let’s just talk about that.
Florida Mosquito Season: Overview
There’s no doubt in my mind that mosquitoes are some of the biggest annoyances in the natural world. A swarm of them on your porch or in your front yard can chase you inside and keep you there for a while. Not only that, but they can be dangerous too. There are over one hundred species of known mosquito that pose a serious health hazard to you and your pets. Examples of potentially serious mosquito-borne diseases include eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile Virus. In extreme cases, some of these can lead to anything from brain damage to death. In 2014, the first cases of chikungunya were reported as well. This can cause fever, rash, severe joint pain and other health issues.
Depending on the species, some mosquitoes hibernate during the wintertime and re-emerge when the weather starts to heat up, while others die out during that season and their offspring hatch in the spring. Generally, mosquito activity will begin when the temperature reaches the 50° F level. Mosquitoes thrive on hot weather. Thus, as the temperature begins to rise, the mosquito volume increases accordingly. The mosquito season reaches its peak during the hot summer months.
The end of Florida Mosquito Season?
When is mosquito season over? Again, temperature plays an important factor. As the weather begins to cool, you’ll likely notice a decrease in the level of mosquito activity on your property. Non-hibernating mosquitoes will begin to die off as the temperature approaches the 50° F mark, while the hibernating species will start to seek winter refuge in hollow logs, abandoned animal burrows and other convenient hiding spots. The first frost is usually a reliable sign of the end of mosquito season. However, it’s possible that some hibernating mosquitoes will emerge during unexpected warm spells during winter, giving us a temporary Florida Mosquito Season, only to return to their hiding places when the temperature drops.
Region Affects Mosquito Season
Since mosquito activity is so closely linked to temperature, the actual mosquito season can vary greatly from one region to another. The warmer the climate, the earlier the mosquito season starts and the longer it’s likely to last. Residents in some areas of the U.S. may not see the first mosquito until June, others will have to start dealing with the pests as early as February. In the extreme South and Hawaii, mosquito season has been known to last throughout the year!
Florida Mosquito Season Preparation
As the warmer weather starts to last longer and longer each year thanks to climate change, there are a few things that you can do. For one, make sure to clean your clogged gutters. Gutters tend to get clogged with leaves over the wintertime. Flooded gutters and clogged drains create standing water that allows mosquitoes to breed on your property. It’s honestly very worth your time to get the ladder out when you can and give the gutters a good cleaning.
Also, fill in any low lying areas or ditches around your home. These spots collect standing water after the rain. When the snow melts, look around your property for these spots and fill them in when you can. On that note, fill hollow longs in on your property. They’re another source of standing water and also an easy hibernation habitat for mosquitoes.
Maybe the most important thing to do is to repair damaged or ineffective window screens. Repairing any screens around your house before the warm weather. Mosquitoes are small enough to wiggle their way in through even the tiniest tear in your screens. Replace old and worn down screens with ones that have openings too small for even mosquitoes to squeeze through. This goes double for any porch or patio screens if you plan on spending time outside.
Also, repair any cracks or leaks in your home. Just like screen tears, mosquitoes can make their win in through these.
In-season control
There’s not much difference between what you can do before and what you can do during mosquito season. There may be some objects that you want or need to keep outdoors during the warmer months, such as boats and wading pools. Keep these items covered when you’re not using them, or overturn them to prevent mosquito access. Also, make sure to be vigilant after rainstorms. Dry up any pools or puddles on your property. Keeping your pool clean also denies them any debris to lay their eggs in. And make sure to protect yourself with appropriate long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellents when you go outside during the summer. DEET based repellent spray has the best history of keeping the biting pests off of you.
What it’s going to take more than anything is a constant effort from the part of the homeowner. It really is, unfortunately, a never-ending battle, as one day relaxing can allow a multitude of eggs to be laid in something like a flooded tire and then you have a whole new swarm on your hands.
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