a swarm of mosquitoes outdoors at sunset

There is much to love about Florida. Sunny days, gorgeous beaches, and blue water are all conducive to outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Unfortunately, this also exposes you to one of nature’s most annoying pests, the mosquito. 

Due to the warm, wet weather, mosquitoes can be found nearly year-round in Florida. However, the “Official Mosquito Season” is also the rainy season running from June to October. They thrive during this time of year and are most active during dusk and dawn when out searching for food. 

Females need the protein from blood to produce eggs and they’re relentless in the search for a source. These bites can cause more than just itchy welts. Mosquitoes can pass on dangerous diseases to humans and pets. Such as the Zika Virus, Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, and West Nile Virus, as well as heartworms in dogs and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses. 

Mosquito Facts 

  • They have been around for over 100 million years. 
  • There are over 2700 species of which 176 species live in the US.
  • Only females bite, they need protein from blood to produce eggs.
  • Females lay 100 – 300 eggs at a time which over a lifetime equals 1,000 to 3,000.
  • Mosquitoes go from egg to biting adults in 4-7 days. 
  • They are attracted by infrared radiation (warm bodies) and by chemical signals we give off such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. 
  • Mosquitoes find you by sight and are attracted by your movements.
  • A few types of mosquitoes will only fly a few yards from where they hatched to feed. More typically adults will fly a mile or two.

Protecting Your Home and Family 

Mosquitoes are attracted to standing, stagnant water as these are prime nursery locations. Non-circulating water acts as an incubator for their eggs. It only takes a small amount of water to host their eggs. If you have ponds, aerate the water. Change the water in horse troughs often. 

Fill in any low-lying areas in your yard so water doesn’t pool. Turn buckets and other containers upside down. Change bird bath water weekly. Keep your swimming pool clean. Repair any leaking faucets. Clean debris from rain gutters. Drill holes in tire swings. Check window screens for holes and repair them if needed. 

Put a cover on your boats. Check tarps for folds or low spots where water can accumulate. Remove old tires or drill holes in them. Cover trash cans, or drill holes in bottoms for water to drain. 

Keep your yard and landscaping maintained. Mosquitoes not only love water, but they too enjoy the shade on a hot day. Keep your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed. Be sure to remove any piles of dead plant material and eliminate overgrown weedy areas. This removes any shady spots adult mosquitoes love to hide in.

Check around your property up to 100 yards out for the above issues. Remember it only takes a small amount of standing water to incubate eggs. 

Hiding away indoors is impractical, so when outdoors, you could try wearing loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and pants. Some studies have shown mosquitoes are attracted by dark colors such as black, red, aqua, and orange. 

Mosquito Control Experts

At Arrow Environmental Services, our comprehensive pest control services help keep insects away from your home in the spring and all year round. If you’re not able to enjoy your outdoor space because of mosquitoes, we can help. With over 65 years of experience, Arrow Environmental Services has the experience to provide quality pest control. Want to know more? Contact us today for a free quote!

Nature’s Buzzkill: Surviving Mosquito Season serving Central, West Central and Southwest Florida

Altamonte | Cape Coral | Lakeland | Naples | Sarasota | Tampa