Rain knocks mosquitoes out of the air temporarily, but within days it makes the problem worse by creating new standing water where mosquitoes breed.
If you’ve noticed that mosquitoes seem to disappear during a rainstorm, you’re right. They do. But only in the short term.
Mosquitoes weigh about two milligrams. Raindrops are a serious hazard to them. When it’s actively raining, most mosquitoes take shelter in dense vegetation, under leaves, and in any protected spot they can find. So during a storm, you’ll find that the air is clear, but only temporarily. You are very unlikely to be bitten during a downpour.
The problem appears about a week later. Every puddle, clogged gutter, low spot in the yard, and container that caught water is now a potential breeding site. Female mosquitoes can lay eggs within days of a rain event, and those eggs can develop into flying adults in as little as seven to ten days in warm weather. Some species lay eggs in dry depressions that only hatch when flooding occurs. That means rain literally activates dormant populations.
Back-to-back rain events across Northeast Wisconsin summers create overlapping breeding cycles. So mosquito issues tend to compound during these times. The mosquitoes you deal with in July are not just coming from one rainstorm. They’re coming from every rainstorm in April, May, and June too.
The higher humidity that follows rainstorms is also an issue in its own right. Mosquitoes dehydrate easily when it’s dry outside. That’s why hot, sunny, windy days keep them down. Wet weather keeps the air saturated and vegetation damp, letting mosquitoes stay active longer into the evening and start earlier in the morning.
Dumping standing water within a day or two of a rain is the single most useful thing you can do on your own property. And if you’re looking for more practical DIY tips, check out this video on the 7 T's of mosquito control.
If you’re a Northeast Wisconsin homeowner who is dealing with surging mosquito populations after every rainy stretch, Mosquito Squad of NE Wisconsin can help. Barrier treatments can be done on a recurring schedule so you can expect protection from mosquitoes through wet and dry periods alike. A technician will walk your yard to find out where mosquitoes are breeding and hiding. Then they’ll treat based on what they find.
