Coastal areas have a lot of standing water, which means mosquitoes can breed more. Some coastal species are also aggressive, strong-flying daytime biters, which makes the problem feel even worse.
You'd think the sea breeze would keep mosquitoes away. But the frustrating reality is that coastal living often comes with more of them, not fewer. You can blame the water for that.
Mosquitoes have more places to breed in coastal climates. The ocean or flowing rivers themselves are not problems. Mosquitoes need standing water. They find that in salt marshes, tidal pools, brackish low spots, drainage ditches, and even just wet ground behind dunes or along inlets. Any of these can produce mosquitoes in massive numbers. And all of these can be found all over Massachusetts.
Salt marshes are particularly bad when it comes to mosquito breeding. The salt marsh mosquitoes found here are aggressive and strong fliers. They can travel far from where they hatched, so even a home set back from water can feel their presence.
Humidity makes it worse, as the moist coastal air keeps mosquitoes from drying out. Combine that with the shaded, vegetated spots where they rest during the day, and the environment itself is about as favorable as can be for mosquitoes.
Some coastal and floodwater species also have the nasty habit of biting during the day. This is very different from typical mosquitoes that simply bite around dawn and dusk. So not only are there more mosquitoes, but the mosquitoes themselves are “meaner.”
The frustrating part is that you can’t treat the marsh or the tidal flats, nor would you want to. But you can control your own property. Removing standing water and keeping vegetation trimmed go a long way. And when that won’t cut it, professional mosquito control often will.
If you're tired of paying for an ocean view and surrendering it to mosquitoes, Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Massachusetts can help. Mosquito Squad treats the resting areas on your property and helps you cut your own breeding sources. This can help you protect your yard with up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a recurring 21-day cycle.
