July is Peak Mosquito Season — Here’s What Homeowners Should Know
On average, July is the hottest month Tennessee experiences, with temperature highs around 88 degrees. Mosquitoes are cold-blooded insects and their life cycles speed up with warmer temperatures, making midsummer the peak of their activity. Eggs hatch quicker, and in some cases, larvae can mature into biting adults in under a week. With females laying up to 300 eggs at a time, populations grow exponentially during the warmer months.
Throughout the summer, human-pest overlap is also greater, with longer daylight hours and summer activities keeping people outdoors more frequently. Summer storms also create the perfect environment for mosquito populations, leaving behind standing water that is ideal for breeding. With all the rain Tennessee has seen this summer, mosquito activity has been higher than average.
In Middle Tennessee, There Are Three Types of Mosquitoes You Will Likely See
The Northern House Mosquito
This type of mosquito is commonly found in residential neighborhoods and is most active from dusk until dawn. They prefer to breed in stagnant water like clogged gutters or bird baths, and they are known for their ability to transmit diseases like West Nile Virus.
Asian Tiger Mosquito
These mosquitoes are recognized by the bright white stripes on their legs and a single white stripe running down their back. They are more aggressive daytime biters and like to breed in small containers that collect water such as flower pots, buckets, or toys lying around your yard.
Eastern Tree Hole Mosquito
Another aggressive daytime biter, these mosquitoes are known for their persistent, painful bites. They are commonly found in wooded neighborhoods and properties with mature trees. They naturally breed in tree holes filled with water, but have also adapted to using artificial containers around homes.
With all these different mosquitoes active, it feels near impossible to go outside in the evenings without obtaining countless itchy bites. But don’t lose hope for your summer activities! There are ways to combat the aggressiveness of those pesky mosquitoes, even during peak season.
Dealing With Mosquitoes
Clear Standing Water
Any water leftover from storms, yard work, or trash is a mosquito’s dream. They will breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water, so being diligent in emptying out buckets, bottles, bird baths, plant pots, clogged rain gutters, and anything else in your yard that may collect water is a good way to keep populations at bay.
Maintain Lawn and Landscaping
Mosquitoes spend the hottest parts of the day hiding from the sun in cool, shaded areas. Make sure you regularly mow your lawn, trim overgrown shrubs, and remove excess vegetation or leaf piles to eliminate the damp, protected places they love.
Protect Outdoor Living Spaces
Turning on fans when you are hanging out on a patio or deck is a great way to fend off mosquitoes, as they are weak flyers. You can also install and/or strengthen window and door screens to ensure mosquitoes aren’t entering your home through those spots.
Add Professional Mosquito Protection
Even with good prevention habits, mosquitoes can still travel to your yard from nearby wooded areas or neighboring properties. U.S. Pest’s professional mosquito control program targets mosquitoes where they rest and breed, helping reduce populations around your home so you can enjoy your time outdoors even during peak activity seasons.
Everyone deserves to spend time outdoors and relax this summer without the hassle of dealing with pesky mosquito bites. Let us help keep your family protected by calling U.S. Pest today at 615.590.1260!
