Although the summer heat hasn’t left Southern Indiana, many of us are already looking forward to fall. Fall may mean the end of pool outings, but it also brings the relief from the sticky, hot weather. For many, the end of summer also signals the end of mosquito season. However, that’s not always the case. Even though the weather will be cooling off soon, we might still have to battle mosquitoes for a while longer.

So, when do mosquitoes finally leave for the year? Although the itchy welts of mosquitoes are most often associated with summer, these pests still flourish well into the fall months. Many homeowners don’t realize that mosquitoes will remain active until temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees. Here in Indiana, our weather doesn’t typically reach that consistent 50-degree mark until later in the fall.

In the early fall months, mosquitoes are quite comfortable in the cool, but not cold, weather. The brisk temperatures also mean that they are more active during the day instead of dawn and dusk hours, like in the summer. As the weather continues to cool, most mosquitoes either enter into hibernation or die off.

Some species may be able to survive the winter, but once temps drop significantly, they won’t be out biting. Typically, the first frost is when you can finally say goodbye to mosquitoes for the year. Until then, we can help make sure you’re still able to enjoy being outdoors without having to battle the bugs.  

Just like so many other critters, mosquitoes spend the fall preparing for winter. Some mosquitoes over-winter, while others completely die off. Before that happens, they lay the groundwork for the following spring.

Some mosquito species lay winter-hardy eggs that can survive the winter, then hatch when temperatures and rainfall levels rise in the spring. In other species, the females go into hibernation in protected places, such as under tree bark. Come spring, the female emerges and lays eggs.

Although we may have a few months left to battle mosquitoes, there are a few things you can do to prevent a mosquito infestation in the coming months.

Inspect your property for items that may be holding water and dormant mosquito eggs. These items may include empty flower pots, bird baths, tire swings, wheel barrows, grill covers, and any other items that may allow water to collect. You may choose to empty these items, cover them, or place them upside-down so they will no longer allow water to collect. Unclog gutters and drains to allow water to flow freely. Drilling holes in other items where water may be collecting, such as tire swings or wheel barrows, may be a good step as well.

If you’re concerned about a mosquito problem , or have been battling an infestation, schedule an appointment with YES Pest Pros. We use a three-pronged Integrated Pest Management program to stop mosquitoes dead in their tracks. This system includes:

• A thorough inspection of the surrounding property.
• Source Elimination Recommendations to reduce habitats, and therefore populations.
• Treatment 0ptions, including the use of larvicides, and the use of barrier treatments.

YES Pest Pros’ licensed and trained pest control technicians will carefully and thoroughly treat your property with an application of materials that will put up an invisible curtain of protection that most mosquitoes will not be able to penetrate.

No matter the time of year, we can help protect your family and your property. Give us a call today!

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