Mosquitoes need standing water to breed and shaded, humid spots to rest. They can find that easily by lakes where standing water tends to pool and vegetation gives them cover during the hot, dry parts of the day.
The whole point of lake country is in the name: the lake. The mosquitoes can take the fun out of that, though. So it’s worth knowing why mosquitoes tend to be a problem here so you can decide what to do about it.
Open water is not the problem when it comes to mosquitoes. Deep, moving water in a lake breeds few mosquitoes. If the water is too active, it supports fish and other predators that eat mosquito larvae. But around the edges of the lake, it’s a different story. Mosquitoes need still, sheltered water to lay eggs, and a lake’s shoreline has plenty of it. The shallow, weedy margins and quiet coves and backwaters where the flow stalls give mosquitoes what they need to breed.
Humidity doesn’t help. Air near the lake stays moist. Mosquitoes can then much more easily find places to go to avoid drying out. That lets them stay active for longer and go farther. Lush, shaded vegetation along the shore also gives adult mosquitoes cover during the day.
You can’t treat the lake, but you can treat your property. That’s enough to make a difference in what you feel. The first thing to do is clear standing water you control. It tends to collect in boat covers, kayaks, birdbaths, and gutters. Keep shoreline vegetation trimmed where you can. And when that’s not enough, you can always call a professional to treat your property so incoming mosquitoes have nowhere comfortable to settle.
If you're tired of trading your lake views for mosquito bites, Mosquito Squad of Lake Country can help. Mosquito Squad treats the resting areas around your yard and waterfront and helps you cut your own breeding sources, helping protect your yard with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
