Houston Mosquito Season: When Is It & How Long Does It Last? Answered!
Mosquito season in Houston runs from March to October, with peak activity between April and September. Here's what to do during the season — plus expert tips to keep mosquitoes off your property.
Mosquitoes thrive all over the U.S., and Texas isn't an exemption. They flourish in warm environments, functioning best at 80°F. Mosquito season in Houston lasts from March to October, and peak activity is between April and September. Houston is a fantastic place to live — but the downside is there's a higher risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. To help you avoid them, here are some tips from our experts.
Why mosquitoes are worth taking seriously
Mosquitoes are one of the world's most dangerous insects. While adult males usually feed on flower nectar and don't bite humans, female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs. Their activity level depends heavily on the species — several species in the Aedes genus, for example, are active during the day, biting aggressively in the morning and late afternoon when temperatures are at their coolest.
Many people only have a mild reaction to mosquito bites. However, having these parasitic pests around is still a huge health risk. Mosquitoes are known as carriers of Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria, which is why it's important to reduce their numbers on your property. Not to mention that they're a huge pain — there's nothing worse than being in your backyard and getting eaten alive by swarms of mosquitoes.
To learn more about how to lessen mosquito breeding, read on.
Four ways to make your yard less inviting
Prevent stagnant water
Many mosquito species can reproduce in stagnant water that's only ½ inch deep. Remove containers that fill with rainwater and keep basins closed. Adding fish to lakes or ponds helps prevent an infestation. During the rainy season, have pooled water removed or the hole filled in. If you can't get rid of the water, sprinkling coffee grounds in it keeps mosquito larvae from maturing — scientists aren't sure why it works, but it does.
Prevent damp areas
Some mosquitoes don't require stagnant water and can reproduce on damp ground, so damp areas around your yard will definitely attract them. A non-functional gutter system is one of the most common causes of dampness, so don't forget to book an annual gutter inspection to make sure water moves outside the property.
Prune & maintain your plants
Male mosquitoes feed on your plants' sap and nectar, so a yard full of plants has a higher potential for them to take up residence. You don't have to get rid of your plants — just prevent them from overgrowing and keep them trimmed.
Take an integrated approach
Many plants emit soothing scents for us but off-putting smells that repel mosquitoes. Rosemary, catnip, or citronella grass are natural repellents for an integrated approach, and scented geraniums or lavender around the garden help too. They won't act as shields, but brushing the leaves activates the plant's aromatics and makes your outdoor area less welcoming.
Personal protection during mosquito season
When you're spending time outdoors during Houston's mosquito season, a few simple habits go a long way toward keeping the bites at bay.
- Have a screen placed on possible mosquito entryways — the small holes stop them from entering.
- Use DEET insect spray or natural repellents.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use mosquito nets.
- Wear light-colored clothing — mosquitoes are often attracted to black and other dark colors.
- Don't wear perfume as much; the sweet scents can attract mosquitoes.
- Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages outside — a 2002 study found that drinking just 355 ml of beer can make a person more attractive to mosquitoes.
Protect your Houston home this mosquito season
Get your Houston home protected this mosquito season with the help of our licensed professionals. Let us help you by providing effective mosquito treatments. Mosquito treatments are crucial to protect you and your family from catching mosquito-borne viruses.
Give us a call today for a free quote on Houston pest control.
Looking for ongoing protection? Learn about our Houston mosquito control service
Frequently asked questions
Mosquito season in Houston lasts from March to October, with peak activity between April and September. Mosquitoes flourish in warm environments and function best at around 80°F, which Houston provides for much of the year.
Mosquitoes are one of the world's most dangerous insects. Female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs, and they're known as carriers of Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria — which is why it's important to reduce their numbers on your property.
Eliminate stagnant water and damp areas, keep your plants trimmed, add mosquito-repelling plants like rosemary, citronella grass, or lavender, and take protective measures such as screens, repellents, and long sleeves. For the strongest results, pair these steps with a professional mosquito treatment.
Yes. Get your Houston home protected this mosquito season with the help of our licensed professionals. Mosquito treatments are crucial to protect you and your family from catching mosquito-borne viruses. Give us a call today for a free quote on Houston pest control.
Ready to take back your yard?
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