The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project reports there are 51 mosquito species found in Massachusetts. So while you may feel that all mosquitoes are an equal nuisance, each species has unique behaviors, characteristics, and breeding patterns that make mosquito control in Massachusetts a challenge.
Depending on the environment near your home, temperature and time of season, you may find species that are more common than others. Here are some common traits of mosquitoes in Massachusetts that will help you control them, regardless of species:- Mosquitoes in our area are active early spring, late spring, and throughout the summer. Depending on fall temperatures, mosquito activity can continue through October.
- Do you have mosquitoes that show up the first warm day of spring? That's because some species overwinter in the egg stage and hatch as soon as water tables rise with spring rain.
- Mosquitoes are typically active during dusk and dawn. Even so, there are species that are active all night, during the sunniest day, and during warm, cloudy days.
- While the majority of mosquitoes keep their activity outdoors, a few species go indoors for shelter when they can, and can bite you while you're sleeping.
- Aggression is another difference between species. Some are more persistent than others.
- Not all mosquito bites are created equal. Some species deliver bites that are itchier than others. Click here for five easy, natural ideas to deal with mosquitos if you can't stop the itch.
- While the chance of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease in Massachusetts is extremely rare, there are species prevalent that transmit both Eastern Equine Encephalitis (also referred to as "Triple E" or "EEE") and West Nile Virus. Our pets are also at risk of acquiring heartworm from mosquito bites. Local transmission of Zika virus is still extremely unlikely.
Start controlling mosquitoes early.
Most of the species will lay several generations of eggs per season. That means their populations increase as the summer progresses. This is why beginning spray treatments early in the season to control the populations near your home will get you better results for the remainder of the season.
Implement a consistent, routine program.
Mosquitoes can expand their populations very quickly, with some species of mosquito eggs hatching 24 hours after they are laid. A consistent program throughout the season prevents new generations of mosquitoes from hatching while also controlling the existing active population breeding near your home.
Eliminate or treat standing water near your home.
Used on stagnant water, Bti applications spread natural, beneficial bacteria that kill mosquito larvae before they can infest your property. These bacteria are highly selective, killing only mosquitoes, while not harming other fish, birds, worms, mammals or wildlife. If you have vernal pools or standing water on your property, this solution is the best way to reduce the active mosquito population near your home.
Treatments of PROGAEA™ Tick & Mosquito solution also eliminates mosquitoes in all life-stages on your property, over time creating a residual barrier protecting the property between routine treatments. Click below for more:
