Pest Season Is Getting Longer: What Homeowners Need to Know

Why are Mosquito Season and Tick Season Getting Longer?

Don’t these stupid bugs realize that it’s autumn? Shouldn’t they have already packed it in for the season? Why are mosquito season and tick season getting longer?

Mosquitoes and ticks don’t go by calendars. They go by conditions. As more parts of North America see weather trends toward staying warmer deeper into the fall, that extends mosquito season.

Here’s why they won’t buzz off.

Earlier Warm Weather and Longer Falls Can Extend Pest Activity

Last year, we saw several areas in the US and Canada experiencing warmer fall weather. At the same time, an exceptional El Niño this year is poised to give us a warm fall and potentially mild winter.

This will most likely extend mosquito and tick season further into the fall in many communities.

Rainfall and Standing Water Affect Mosquito Breeding

If your yard still has standing water, you still have a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.

That means you can probably expect to have mosquitoes in the air until temperatures drop to the point where you get that first frost.

When Does Mosquito Season End Where You Live?

Local Conditions Determine How Long Bugs Stay Active

You can’t really put mosquito and tick season on a calendar, particularly with these changing conditions.

It’s all about the weather and temperatures. Your specific area is seeing. If your neighbourhood is seeing unseasonably warm conditions, you’re going to deal with mosquitoes later into the season.

Does the First Frost End Mosquito Season?

Yes, the fall’s first frost most often signals the end of mosquito season. The freezing temperatures will kill most active adult mosquitoes, but you may still see a few if things warm up again.

A sharp temperature increase after that first frost can trick surviving mosquitoes into reemerging temporarily until temperatures drop again.

Are Ticks Still Active in Fall and Winter?

There’s a bit of a misconception that snow and ice will kill off the ticks in your yard. This isn’t true. Ticks can survive under snow, frost, and ice.

They will typically remain active and looking for hosts as long as the weather remains about 40°F (4°C).

If you experience a freeze, and then temperatures rise sharply afterwards, ticks will wake up and start actively searching for hosts again.

Mosquito Season and Tick Season Follow Different Patterns

While it is incredibly easy to lump mosquitoes and ticks together in the all-encompassing term bug season, these two pests have very different life cycles.

Common yard ticks have a complex life cycle that plays out over 2 to 3 years. On the other hand, mosquitoes have an explosive life cycle that plays out from egg to adult in one to two weeks.

Mosquito season typically has a hard stop when things freeze, but ticks do not die off over the winter months. Instead, they go dormant in the leaf litter under the snow and ice.

What Does a Longer Bug Season Mean for Homeowners?

If mosquitoes and ticks are hanging around longer than normal, what does that mean for you, your family, and your pets?

More Time Dealing With Bites Outdoors

The good news is that you get to spend more time outside and enjoy it with your family. The bad news is mosquitoes and ticks don’t disappear during that time. Bite prevention may be needed beyond summer.

Even in October and November, you should still stay diligent about searching for tick bites after spending time in wooded areas. And you can still expect the odd mosquito bite or two, so long sleeves and pants are probably your best bet.

Your Fall Mosquito and Tick Prevention Checklist

Here is how to keep your family safe and bite-free during the fall.

• For both ticks and mosquitoes, you will want to clean your gutters and get rid of the dead leaves inside.

• Stay on top of your yard maintenance. Overgrown vegetation or accumulated wet leaves can attract both mosquitoes and ticks.

• Keep the mosquito population down by keeping them from breeding in anything with standing water. This includes buckets, bird baths, planters, or outdoor equipment.

• Locate and repair gaps in your windows and door screens to keep mosquitoes from sneaking inside

You may also want to speak to your tick and mosquito control experts about additional treatments if you plan to spend a lot of time outside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Longer Bug Seasons

Why are mosquitoes still out in October?

If you’re still swatting at mosquitoes in October, that’s because the weather hasn’t been cold enough to kill them yet.

Most mosquitoes will die off during the first frost.

Does cold weather kill mosquitoes?

Yes, it does. The first frost will typically kill most of the active adult mosquitoes in your area, and the eggs will die off when things fully freeze.

Are ticks active in fall? Can ticks be active during winter?

In most cases, ticks will remain active in the fall and will keep looking for hosts as long as the weather remains about 40°F (4°C).

When temperatures consistently drop below that in the winter, they will go dormant (without dying) under the snow and ice.

Should You Continue Mosquito Control Into Fall?

At Mosquito Hero, we want to ensure you're able to safely enjoy your outdoor space. If you're going through a warm fall, it might be a good idea to have your yard treated one more time for ticks and mosquitoes.

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… Kid and pet friendly, and unbelievable results! My entire family, including my wife, have been able to sit outside every beautiful evening enjoying a beverage. No gimmicks, no swatting, just relaxation.” - A 5-Star Google review.

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