Mosquitoes start showing up in spring once temperatures rise into the 50s on a regular basis. That’s usually around April or May.
Mosquitoes don’t care about the calendar, but they do care about temperatures. Unluckily, mosquitoes are active a lot sooner than most people expect.
Mosquito activity tends to seriously ramp up when daytime temperatures regularly reach the 50s. Some species get a head start because females overwinter as adults, hiding in insulated areas like leaf litter. As the temperatures rise, out come the overwintered females, looking for a blood meal. This is how you can find yourself with mosquito bites before you expect them.
Following this initial wave, the season builds rapidly. Other species overwinter as eggs that hatch once spring warmth and water arrive. As snowmelt and rain fill the low spots, ditches, and containers around your yard, entirely new generations start developing.
In Michigan, this usually means April and May are the first months where mosquitoes are a serious problem. This varies based on the exact weather conditions. Warm and early springs pull the season forward. Cold and late ones push it back.
If you want to curtail mosquitoes before they become a problem, your best bet is to dump out sources of standing water so they don’t get a chance to breed. It’s also wise to clear out winter debris. Beyond that, if you have a history of mosquito trouble, it often helps to start barrier treatment early.
If you're tired of the mosquitoes getting a head start on you every spring, Mosquito Squad of Fenton - Brighton can help. Mosquito Squad can begin the barrier early in the season to get ahead of the population, helping protect your yard with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
