February 16, 2021
The United States is the home to over 175 mosquito species - a mere fraction of the over 3,000 mosquito species on the planet. That's a lot of hungry bugs to feed and only so many hours in the day to do it.
Instead of allowing you and your family or friends to be an easy food source for mosquitoes, you can avoid their main feeding times. Here is everything you need to know about when mosquitoes are most active, when they go away and why they come out at night.
Why Are Mosquitoes Active at Night?
Most mosquito species in the U.S. increase activity from dusk to dawn, which means you're more likely to get bit if you step outside at that time. People who spend time or live near wooded areas, wetlands or shaded places with standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes, are at increased risk of bug bites. Also, a full moon can increase mosquito activity, possibly up to 500 percent, according to some studies.
The truth is, mosquitoes are not active at night so much as avoiding the sun during the day. Direct sunlight can dehydrate these flying pests, and you can only imagine what dehydration can do to an insect with only a week or two to live.
Do Mosquitoes Come out During the Day?
For the most part, mosquitoes are not active during peak daylight hours. Much like mythical vampires, mosquitoes avoid sunlight hours and seek life-sustaining blood when the daytime ends.
The best way for mosquitoes to stay out of direct sunlight is to stick to shady, humid spots. Damp wetlands, patches of forest and even your lush landscaping all provide a safe haven for mosquitoes to rest or sleep during the hottest and brightest times of the day.
Why Should You Care About Mosquito Activity?
With the recent increases in West Nile virus and Zika virus reports, knowing when mosquitoes are active can help keep you and your family safe. For thousands of years, mosquitoes have spread malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and more. Some estimates suggest that mosquitoes have contributed to half of all human deaths throughout recorded history, thanks to the efficient way they infect people with malaria while they feed.
Do Mosquitoes Have a Season?
Rather than a specific season, mosquitoes pay attention to temperatures. Their breeding and feeding activities depend more on when the weather thaws or freezes than on what the calendar says.
When colder months arrive, some mosquito breeds die off while others hibernate, especially when temperatures are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Once temperatures consistently stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, hibernating adult mosquitoes begin to emerge and their winter eggs hatch.
The U.S. experiences mosquito "booms" at different times in varying regions due to local temperatures and climate conditions. Some southern states get no break from mosquito activity, while New England and the Pacific Northwest may only see a shorter season from late spring to early autumn.
How Can You Avoid Mosquitoes at Night or During Skeeter Season?
Most people don't do anything about mosquitoes until itchy bug bites appear. If you wait until mosquitoes hatch or emerge from hibernation, you're fighting a losing battle rather than solving the issue before it starts.
Work with an experienced pest control company like MosquitoNix® to begin your prevention plan early. We can set up strategic misting systems around your property or schedule fogging services before events. Our experts can help eradicate mosquitoes from their hibernation and breeding grounds before they become a problem.
Contact your local MosquitoNix service team online or call us at (855) 808-2847 today to schedule a free consultation and stop mosquitoes before they become a nuisance.
Mosquito Activity FAQ
◾️ Do mosquitoes come out in the day?
Most mosquito species avoid direct daylight, so typically, they do not come out during the day.
◾️ Why do mosquitoes come out at dusk and night?
From sundown to sunrise, mosquitoes can venture out to feed and breed without exposure to sunlight, which can dehydrate or kill them.
◾️ What temperature do mosquitoes prefer?
In the United States, most mosquito species become active when temperatures hit 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
◾️ Are mosquitoes ever active during the day?
Some mosquito species are active during the day, but most rest or sleep in damp areas with shelter from direct sunlight, like shaded wetlands, forests or other humid environments.
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