When To Expect Mosquitoes In The Greater-Houston Area

During the winter months, we get a little bit of a reprieve from mosquitoes here in Houston. If we're lucky, mosquito activity can even stop altogether in December, January, or February. It depends on the temperature. Mosquitoes grow dormant in temperatures below 50 °F. But it doesn't have to be 50 °F for mosquitoes to stop being active. The ideal temperature for those biting pests is in the 80s. As temperatures drop down below 70 °F, some mosquitoes will wait out the cold, safely tucked away inside their eggs. So, when do we expect mosquitoes to appear again? We typically see activity pick back up around the end of March and in early April. When, exactly, is dependant on how warm it is. Before they do, there are a few things you can do to reduce how many will appear in your yard this spring.

One of the keys to guarding against mosquito-borne diseases is the elimination of mosquito breeding sites. If you work to eliminate breeding sites right now, it will have two effects. First, you'll be eliminating mosquitoes that are waiting in their eggs to hatch and bite you when the warm weather of spring arrives. Second, you'll be reducing locations on your property where mosquitoes from neighboring yards can breed. The fewer mosquitoes you have reproducing in your yard, the better off you're going to be. Most mosquitoes don't travel more than 1000 feet from their place of birth. Your efforts will not be in vain.

Where Do Mosquitoes Lay Their Eggs?

Many species of mosquito lay their eggs in still water. If you have containers in your yard that hold water, there may be mosquito eggs in them. Dumping those containers will stop those eggs from developing into adults. As you look for containers, be aware that it only takes an inch of water for mosquitoes to develop from egg to adult. Here are some examples of containers:

• An obstructed gutter system can create a dam that holds water in your gutters. This is plenty of water for mosquitoes to use for breeding.
• A potted plant that gets too much water can have mosquitoes developing in pockets of surface water.
• A toy dump truck sitting in the yard can collect rainwater and become the perfect location for mosquitoes to breed.
• A tire sitting on the ground or hanging from a tree for a swing can collect water inside.
• A birdbath might be fun for luring birds into your yard but they're also great breeding sites. If you replace the water in your birdbath or have circulating water, it can prevent mosquito reproduction.

The Next Step

Addressing breeding sites can have a big impact in most cases but every home is a little different and mosquito pressures can vary. If you want to achieve the best results right out of the gate, we highly recommend investing in seasonal mosquito treatments right now, before spring mosquitoes hatch. We don't just say this because we offer this service. This is the treatment option that the national government and the CDC recommend and implement to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne viruses. There are no other proven solutions for mosquito deterrence.

How Does It Work?

At Modern Pest Control, we use the most advanced products, technologies, and methods to effectively reduce mosquitoes. We apply these in two ways:

Routine visits from a pest professional from April to October for the application of a residual mosquito control product. This product takes down mosquitoes that come to hide in key areas of your yard and works to control mosquitoes between visits.

For increased and persistent protection, we provide the installation of a mosquito misting system. This system gives you powerful year-round mosquito management that can be controlled from your smartphone. When you're planning an outdoor gathering you can easily apply more protection before you get together with friends or family. There is no better way to protect your property from the harmful impact mosquitoes can have.

If you're interested in taking the next step, consider scheduling a free, no-obligation inspection. We'll help you figure out what pest pressures you're dealing with on your property and guide you through the options that are available to prevent those pests from becoming a threat to your health and property. No Texas home should be without a residential pest control plan. Get your plan in place today!