How Rain Affects Mosquitoes and How to Protect Yourself

We’ve had some rain this spring here in Wisconsin, and while we patiently wait for the warm days of summer to arrive, we will probably have to deal with a few more rainy days. Most of us do not enjoy this damp weather, but this spring rainfall helps set mosquitoes up to thrive all summer long.

Wet weather conditions give mosquitoes bountiful opportunities to find standing water to lay their eggs on. When warm weather follows the rain, mosquitoes are able to proliferate even more rapidly. Although there’s nothing we can do about the rainfall, there are some preventative measures that you can take to prevent your yard from being overrun by mosquitoes this spring.

Where Do Mosquitoes Live?

One of the most important steps to avoiding a mosquito outbreak on your property is to make your hard less hospitable to them. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water and have a quick reproductive cycle, populations of mosquitoes will hang around their breeding grounds, quickly increasing their numbers. Be sure to pour out any still water that has collected in your yard. Look for it all over your yard, including:

• Gutters
• Buckets
• Playsets
• Planters
• Puddles, and anywhere else you can think of

You should also keep your landscape maintained. Mosquitoes like to find shaded areas to rest during midday and at night, so trimming your trees, shrubs, and bushes will reduce the number of hiding places that they can find in your yard.

How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes

There are bound to be mosquitoes out and about anywhere you go this summer, especially after a rainy spring. Here are a few strategies to protect yourself from mosquitoes wherever you are:

1. Use insect repellent. Look for an EPA-approved bug spray at a local store. You can apply it to your skin and clothes, but make sure you read the label on the bottle for additional instructions and safety tips.
2. Wear protective clothing. Limit the amount of skin that you expose by wearing long sleeves and pants. This can be a bother in the hot summer weather, but it is much harder for mosquitoes to bite through most fabrics.
3. Limit your exposure. Because direct sunlight and dry heat can dehydrate mosquitoes, they are usually most active around dusk and dawn. Stay away from untreated areas around nightfall and limit your time in the shade during the day to avoid mosquitoes.

Professional Mosquito Control in Wisconsin

If you need help keeping mosquitoes out of your yard this spring, it’s better to call a professional mosquito exterminator sooner than later. Our technicians at Batzner Pest Control can use a variety of strategies tailored to your yard to ensure that your spring and summer are mosquito-free. Reach out today for a free quote!