When Does Mosquito Season Start in Southeast Michigan?
Mosquito season typically starts in late April or early May in Grand Rapids and the SE Michigan areas and can last through October. However, the exact timing of when mosquitoes start to appear varies depending.
In order to prepare for the season, it is important to reduce standing water around your home, as this is where mosquitoes often lay their eggs. Consider draining any bird baths, filling in low spots in your yard, and emptying any buckets or other containers that could collect rainwater. Additionally, it is important to place screens over windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering the home. Mosquito repellents, such as those containing DEET, can also be used to help keep mosquitoes away.
Do U.S. Mosquitoes Carry Diseases?
Mosquito season in Grand Rapids and Southeast Michigan typically begins in May and can last through October. The most common mosquito-borne diseases in Southeast Michigan are West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. To prepare for mosquito season, homeowners should consider eliminating breeding grounds, such as standing water, which can attract mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents and protective clothing are also recommended. Yes, mosquitoes in the United States can carry diseases. The most common mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S. include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. Other mosquito-borne diseases that have been reported in the U.S. include Zika virus, chikungunya virus, and malaria.
How Can You Prepare For Mosquito Season?
1. Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed and lay eggs in standing water, so reducing sources of standing water around your home is a great way to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area. Make sure to empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that collect water, such as buckets, flowerpots, old tires, bird baths, and wading pools.
2. Install or repair window and door screens: Make sure all your windows and doors have intact screens that fit properly. Screens will help keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
3. Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants when outside. Light colors are best, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. You can also use insect repellent to help keep mosquitoes away.
4. Consider using a professional pest control service: If you’re having a particularly bad mosquito problem, it may be worth it to hire a professional pest control service to come in and treat your home and yard.
What Else Can You Do To Protect Yourself and Your Home From Infestations?
1. Keep your lawn and outdoor areas free of standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so eliminating any standing water around your Grand Rapids, MI, home can help prevent infestations.
2. Install window screens. Make sure that all windows and doors are properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
3. Use insect repellents. Repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
4. Wear protective clothing. Long sleeves and pants can help protect your skin from mosquito bites.
5. Make sure your gutters are clean. Clogged gutters can create pools of standing water, which can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
6. Use mosquito traps. Traps that use UV light, water, and carbon dioxide can attract and trap mosquitoes.
7. Turn on your outdoor fans. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so having a fan or two in your outdoor areas can help keep them away.
8. Clean your bird baths and pet bowls. Make sure to empty and refill your bird baths and pet bowls regularly to prevent mosquito larvae from forming.
Effective Mosquito Removal Services in SE Michigan:
Knowing when mosquitos become active in Grand Rapids is extremely important for anyone looking to avoid bites throughout their summertime activities! At Wolverine Pest Control, our skilled professionals offer safe and effective mosquito control in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Marshall, Howell, Charlotte, MI, and surrounding communities. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you!