When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?
In some regions, mosquitos are only active through the summer months because, for the most part, mosquitoes can only live in weather where the temperature is above 50 degrees. If you live in an area with mosquitoes year-round, or if your region is approaching the warmer summer months, you’ll want to know when mosquitoes are most active so you can be prepared for them and avoid those irritating mosquito bites.
What Time of Day Are Mosquitoes Most Active?
The time of day mosquitoes are active depends mainly on the species that live in your area. Depending on the region, mosquito bites can be more than an irritant; they can be deadly.
For example, the species in the genus Aedes are more active during the day and are more likely to bite humans in the mornings and the late afternoon. These mosquitoes cause diseases such as Zika virus, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
Mosquitoes in the genus Culex are more active during the night and spread the West Nile virus, as are the Anopheles mosquitoes, who also tend to bite during dawn and dusk.
Regardless of the mosquitoes that live in your region, you’ll see the most mosquito activity at dawn and dusk because it is between both day and night.
For most mosquito species in the United States, direct daylight can be deadly and dehydrating to mosquitoes. Because of this, they prefer cooler, shaded areas such as in the woods and wetlands.
How Can You Protect Yourself Against Harmful Mosquitoes?
Female mosquitoes are responsible for all the bites we experience. That’s because they need the blood to lay their eggs. Mosquitos also need water to breed and lay eggs. That is why there tend to be more mosquitoes near ponds, planters, birdbaths, and rain gutters than in dryer areas.
Because the baby mosquitoes in the water then grow into adult mosquitoes that will bite humans and repeat the process, it’s important to keep areas clear of standing water and dry. Mosquitoes only travel a few hundred feet from their breeding sites, so less water means fewer bites.
Other ways you can prevent mosquito bites include:
- Using mosquito repellent. You can buy DEET-based repellents or make your own from essential oils.
- Drain standing water around the house. Rain and sprinkler water can collect in toys, tires, planters, animal water bowls, barrels, and more.
- Screen conditions. Keep door and window screens in good repair—patch holes and tears as needed.
- Clothing. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts to discourage mosquitos from biting.
- Natural repellants. Add plants to your garden and flower bed that naturally repel mosquitos, such as basil, lavender, sage, and lemongrass.
- Candles. Use citronella candles and incense to repel mosquitos from your outdoor sitting area.
- Build a campfire to enjoy those evening meals outside. The mosquitoes hate the smoke.
Keep the Mosquito Population Under Control
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