Three Reasons Why Mosquitoes Are Such A Problem In Spring Around Jacksonville

You may have noticed that mosquitoes never really go away in Jacksonville. Sure, they may not be as much of an annoyance in the winter months, but you still see them here and there. Even so, it’s during the warmer months that mosquitoes thrive. The following are three reasons why mosquitoes are such a problem in spring around Jacksonville.

Warmer Temperatures

Although some mosquitoes stay active through Jacksonville’s mild winters, most die off when the temperatures get too cool. Once spring arrives and the weather starts heating up again, mosquitoes will be back in full force.

Mosquito eggs can lie dormant for months at a time if the environment isn’t right for hatching, which means any eggs laid in late fall or winter when the temperatures aren’t ideal will start hatching as soon as the temperature is right and they become covered in water.

Moisture

That leads us to the next reason mosquitoes are a problem in spring in Jacksonville. In order to hatch, mosquito eggs must have standing water. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but the eggs have to be covered in order to hatch. That means you’ll find the most mosquitoes in areas with a lot of moisture and standing water.

Since spring not only provides the right temperatures but also a decent amount of rainfall, the mosquito eggs that overwintered will all begin to hatch in spring.

You’re Attracting Them

Although you can’t control the temperature outside or how much it rains, you do have control of what else goes on in your yard that may be attracting mosquitoes.

First, you have a say in what happens to rainwater. Establishing good drainage systems on your property is a great way to reduce mosquito populations around your home. Other ways to reduce moisture and areas of standing water include regularly cleaning your gutters, filling low spots on your lawn and in your driveway, removing birdbaths and pet water dishes (or changing the water in them at least once a week), and keeping toys and tools that might collect water put away.

Removing mosquito-attracting plants and replacing them with mosquito-repelling plants is another way to reduce mosquito populations on your Jacksonville property. Mosquitoes are drawn to nectar, so flowers will attract them, as will water plants like water lilies and water hyacinths. Plants that repel mosquitoes include citronella, marigolds, lavender, and lemon balm.

While DIY prevention steps can reduce their numbers, they won’t eliminate your mosquito problem. The most effective way to treat for mosquitoes is to get professional mosquito control from Lindsey Pest Services. Lindsey pest technicians understand the habits of mosquitoes so we know where they breed and where they spend most of their time. This allows us to treat the areas where they’re most likely to lay their eggs and where they’re most likely to rest in the heat of the day. Whether you need one-time treatment for a special event or monthly service to keep your yard mosquito-free all spring and summer, Lindsey has you covered!