Everything You Need to Know About Mosquito Season in the U.S.
July 04, 2022
By Daniel Baldwin, BCE, CCFS, CP-FS
Mosquitoes are a natural part of living in humid areas. Luckily, for most regions in the U.S., mosquito season is relatively short-lived. Dedicated research over past decades has given us insights into how to deter mosquitoes during their prime season and reduce the nuisance and they bring to otherwise enjoyable outdoor activities.
When is mosquito season?
Mosquitoes are the most active in the U.S. in late spring and early summer. Warmer areas like Florida, Puerto Rico, and some places in Texas have climates that make perfect year-round mosquito habitats.
Below, we’ll get into details about what you can expect for mosquito season in each U.S. region.
Mosquito season in the northeast
April to October is the most common time that you’ll find mosquitoes in the northeast United States. Depending on the year, you’ll likely see the most mosquitoes between mid-May to the end of June. Wet, cloudy conditions later in the summer or a warm spring can increase this season in states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New England.
Where are mosquitoes found most in the northeast?
With lots of flatland in the northeast, mosquitoes can be found in plentiful numbers in cities and rural areas alike across the region.
Mosquito species in this area include:
- Yellow fever mosquito
- Asian tiger mosquito
- Northern house mosquito
- Eastern tree hole mosquito
Mosquito season in the northwest
Get prepped for skeeter season in the northwest from April to October. If there is a particularly warm spring, you might start to see them earlier in the year in states like Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, as well as northern California. Alaska has a bit of a shorter season that lasts from June to August.
Depending on the year, late April to mid-May is the high season. Due to the large amount of precipitation levels in the northwest, you’ll continue to see them in shady forested areas with standing water throughout the summer.
Where are mosquitoes found most in the northwest?
The beautiful northwest is full of towering forests and wetlands that retain water through the summer months. Mosquitoes are most likely to be found around ditches with water, swampy areas, and other spots with standing water.
Mosquito species in this area include:
- Northern mosquito
- Western encephalitis mosquito
- Eastern tree hole mosquito
Mosquito season in the southeast
The southeast U.S. is wet and warm, in states like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Due to the warm climate and humid environment of this region, you can find mosquitoes in much of the southeast from February to November. (Hawaii’s mosquito season tends to align with mosquito season in the southeast, as well.)
Mosquitoes prefer slightly cooler and shadier weather, so spring and early fall will be the most active for mosquito breeding in this region. That being said, with the amount of swampland here, mosquitoes aren’t hard to find during the hotter months either.
Where are mosquitoes found most in the southeast?
The southeast is home to plentiful swampland, which is a hot spot for mosquitoes to breed and live. Any area that has lots of swamps or standing water is where you’ll find swarms of mosquitoes.
Mosquito species that live in this region include:
- Yellow fever mosquito
- Asian tiger mosquito
- Southern mosquito
- Northern house mosquito
Mosquito season in the southwest
The sunny southwest includes states like California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This area sees mosquitoes from February until November. Drier areas with less standing water will have fewer, but if you venture into locales with more precipitation, you’ll find mosquitoes aplenty.
Due to the hot and dry summers in the southwest, the high summer months see a drop in the number of mosquitoes.
Where are mosquitoes found most in the southwest?
The southwest has a variety of landscapes, but it’s safe to say that anywhere with swampy flatlands, lakes, and slow-running streams are beds for mosquito activity.
Mosquito species in this area include:
- Yellow fever mosquito
- Asian tiger mosquito
- Northern house mosquito
- Southern mosquito
- Western encephalitis
Mosquito season in the midwest
Primetime for mosquitoes in the midwest states, like Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, and Nebraska, is April to November. Depending on the year and how cold of a winter the region experiences, you might notice that the start of mosquito season is closer to May or June. Mosquitoes are also likely to drop in numbers over the summer when it gets hot and dry.
Where are mosquitoes found most in the midwest?
The midwest is full of lakes, lakes, and more lakes. Anywhere that water isn’t moving with a current is likely to house mosquitoes in large numbers.
Mosquito species found in this area include:
- Asian tiger mosquito
- Northern house mosquito
- Western encephalitis mosquito
How to prepare for mosquito season
Mosquito season isn’t avoidable entirely (unless you decide to summer in the Arctic), but there are lots of steps you can take to repel mosquitoes.
- Have a bug repellent on hand in places like entryways to your home for handy application on your way out.
- Keep bug spray in your car in case you find yourself picnicking or hiking in peak mosquito season.
- Buy bug spray and citronella candles during the off-season to avoid paying hefty summer markups.
- If bug spray isn’t for you, consider a small fan or essential oils that are specially made for keeping mosquitoes away.
- If you can’t get rid of standing water in or close to your yard, get in touch with a local pest control company for a service that’s tailored to your location.
Mosquitoes might be inevitable, but they don’t need to ruin your summer! With some easy prep and professional pest services, you’ll be set to beat the bugs this year.
