When Is The Best Time of Year to Spray for Mosquitoes?

Get a Head Start on Mosquito Control

Mosquito season is fast on its way. Most people associate mosquito bites with the summer months, but those pesky insects become active in early March here in South Carolina. Prepare your property and your family for a fun summer by doing what you can to reduce mosquito activity.

Do You Need to Spray? Yes - Especially in the South

South Carolina is home to the perfect storm of mosquito conditions. We have a long warm season, a ton of rain, and plenty of humidity. Local mosquito populations can range in size from region to region and even from neighborhood to neighborhood. The main factors leading to larger than average mosquito populations are standing or slow-moving water, tall grasses, shrubbery, or low branches. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in the calmest water they can find, and they’re not selective! Tall grasses and abundant shrubbery block airflow in your yard, creating a protected haven for light-bodied mosquitoes.

Why is Mosquito Season So Early?

The temperature only has to reach 50°F for mosquito eggs to hatch. Regardless of where you live, you’ll begin to see mosquitoes once you have a few balmy spring days around this temperature.

Prepare for Mosquito Season Ahead of Time

It’s always best to prevent a problem from happening rather than take remedial action. Mosquitoes have a pretty short lifespan, so the best way to keep them off your property is to reduce breeding opportunities. As the rainy season starts and the days get longer, water will collect in the most unexpected places on your property. Ensure that you have a mosquito control plan ready to kick into action as soon as that first 50°F day hits.
 

What You Can Do on Your Own to Prevent Mosquitoes

• Keep your yard clear of toys, tools, and gardening equipment. 
• Clean out your gutters to ensure that water flows rather than sits. 
• Find any depressions or holes in the grounds that may collect water, and fill them! 
• If your property has intentional standing water sources, such as pools, ponds, or birdbaths, make sure they’re cleaned every few days.

• Seal any cracks in your house and patch tears in window screening. 
• If any of your windows don’t have screens in them, either install screens or leave them closed. 
• For added protection, many choose to use bug lights and mosquito repellant.
  

Safe, Effective Mosquito Control Treatment

Here in South Carolina, the mosquito season is usually long-lasting and severe. It’s imperative to have a professional assess and protect your property if you want to spend any time outside. Here at Home Pest Control, we use safe mosquito control methods that won’t affect your pets or your garden. Repeat treatments are the most effective way to keep mosquitoes away for the whole season.