Mosquitoes are most active during the hours around dawn and dusk, when temperatures are moderate and humidity is high. But activity levels also depend on the species, the weather, and how much shade your property provides during the day.
If your plan for avoiding mosquito bites is to stay inside at sunset, you're going to have an incomplete solution. Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for many species, but they are not the only times you'll encounter mosquitoes in Southwest Michigan.
The common Culex mosquitoes are the classic ones that feed around dusk and dawn. If you hear mosquitoes whining in your ears after the sun goes down, they’re probably the ones doing it. If they were the only species in your yard, being a little careful around evening time would probably be enough.
But there are also the Aedes species, which include the Asian tiger mosquito that has been expanding its range across Michigan. They feed during the day too. They’re also aggressive and persistent. If you’re being bitten at 10 in the morning, blame the Aedes species. To make matters worse, they breed in small containers rather than large water sources and thrive in suburban yards with plenty of flower pots, gutters, and other small water-holding objects.
Weather also plays a role in daily activity patterns. Mosquitoes are less active in strong wind, direct sun, and temperatures above the mid-90s. On overcast, humid, still days—which are common on the Southwest Michigan lakeshore—you can expect mosquito activity to extend well beyond the usual peaks around dusk and dawn.
Seasonally, mosquito activity around here tends to take off in May as temperatures climb into the 60s, peaking in July and August when heat and humidity are at their highest. It then begins to taper off in October as nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. The worst of mosquito season is usually late June to early September.
If you're dealing with mosquitoes at all hours on your Southwest Michigan property, Mosquito Squad of Southwest Michigan can help. Mosquito Squad treats the resting and breeding areas where both daytime and nighttime species spend their time, reducing the overall population by up to 90% for 21 days at a time.
