When Does Mosquito Season End in Illinois

There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide. The three main species in the Midwest include the Western encephalitis mosquito, the Asian tiger mosquito, and the Northern house mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these pests can carry diseases like the West Nile virus, dengue, and the Jamestown Canyon virus.

Thankfully, we don’t have mosquitoes all year long like other areas of the world. Mosquito season in Illinois typically begins in early April and ends in mid-October. Mosquitoes come out for the year when the average overnight temperature is at least 50°F for at least a week. Mosquitoes then start to die off when the temperature drops below 50°F for an extended period.

Continue reading to learn more FAQs about mosquito season and what you can do to protect yourself from the diseases they carry.

What Factors Make Mosquito Season Worse?

Some years are worse for mosquitoes than others, and this mainly depends on the amount of precipitation we get throughout the summer. Summers with more rainfall and higher temperatures typically mean we’ll see higher mosquito populations. Due to the rising global temperatures, mosquito season seems to get a little bit longer and more bothersome year over year.

How can you control mosquitoes?

Navigating through mosquito season in Illinois is easy if you’re vigilant. Follow these tips to keep your family safe and your property mosquito-free:

• Hire a professional: The top way to control mosquitoes is to hire a professional to spray your property at least once a month. Professionals use synthetic or all-natural sprays that kill the larvae before they hatch and deter adult mosquitoes from coming onto your property. Treatment should begin in early April and continue throughout the summer for best results.
• Use repellent: Professional treatment might not keep all mosquitoes at bay. For that reason, we advise always wearing insect repellent with DEET and keeping mosquito-repellent citronella candles lit when you’re enjoying time in your backyard.
• Remove standing water: Female mosquitoes live for about two months and can lay up to 300 eggs in their lifetime. They lay their eggs in standing water, such as in birdbaths, ponds, or even dirty pools. Make your yard less attractive to females by eliminating stagnant water and keeping your pond or pool clean.
• Mow your lawn: Yards with tall grass are more attractive to mosquitoes, as they help the insects better hide from their predators. You’re less likely to have a mosquito infestation if you keep your grass cut short throughout the spring and summer.
• Attract predators: Speaking of predators, mosquitoes’ two main predators are birds and bats. Consider installing bird or bat houses in your yard to attract predators that’ll hunt down adult mosquitoes.

Call Crist Termite and Pest Solutions, Inc. today

Mosquito season may be coming to a close, but fall is still a time to watch out for pests like mice, spiders, and roaches that are looking for shelter. Contact our team today to set up a preventative treatment plan to ensure you don’t have to worry about creepy crawlies any time soon.