The Mosquito Forecast for the 2021 Mosquito Season
2021 Mosquito Forecast
Mosquitoes are a year-round nuisance for many Americans. There are over 200 types in the United States that thrive in warmer weather. While most mosquitoes are only a nuisance, several types can spread germs that cause fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. In the United States, numerous mosquitoes can spread harmful viruses to humans. Each year, thousands of Americans become infected with mosquito-borne diseases. Although the West Nile virus is the most common, outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases, including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika, have occurred in the United States. It’s essential to stay up to date and informed each season.
Weather forecasters and other specialists can provide insight into mosquito activity for the upcoming year. It’s also relieving to know that experienced mosquito control professionals can assess and implement effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Is This Year’s Mosquito Season Going to Be Bad?
The weather is by far the most crucial element in determining how mosquito season will unfold each year. Most species of mosquitoes flourish in warm, humid regions with temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, they become inactive in cold, dry surroundings. Mosquitoes look for standing or stagnant water to lay their eggs, which hatch in a few days and create new mosquitoes
In the winter, the colder it gets and the longer it stays below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the fewer mosquitoes there are. Rainfall also has a significant impact on the mosquito population. Mosquitoes thrive in humid situations. Heavy rains in late winter and early spring can result in more standing or stagnant water, providing the ideal breeding habitat for mosquitos. Mosquitoes can be found as early as February in the southern part of the country and other regions. If the prediction for a more extended winter this year is accurate, the mosquito forecast for 2021 could be milder than 2020.
With rising global temperatures and increased human activity, mosquitoes have a better habitat to reproduce and spread over the planet. More mosquitoes will be present when the weather becomes warmer and wetter. In late 2018, a prolonged period of rain in Michigan (3 to 12 inches over two weeks) caused mosquito populations to be triple or quadruple. More rain equals more standing water, and more standing water equals more mosquitoes. In 2021, similar rainstorms are forecast, resulting in similar rises in mosquito populations.
Mosquito-borne diseases spread more quickly and easily in these warmer and wetter settings. According to a Boston Children’s Hospital study, epidemics of Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Zika, and chikungunya are currently occurring in many places of the world. Many United States areas still lack significant populations of the disease-carrying mosquitoes that exacerbate outbreaks and epidemics. According to studies, practically every part of the United States will have mosquito colonies at some point in the year by 2050.
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Mosquitoes In the Northeast
The Northeast is known for bitterly cold winters, hot summers, and a lot of snow and rain each year. Wetlands, grasslands, beaches, coastal zones, and fisheries abound in this part of the United States, providing ideal conditions for mosquitos to thrive and multiply. Mosquitoes can be seen in the Northeast as early as April and can last until late October.
Because mosquitoes can transmit hazardous diseases, it’s critical to protect yourself and your family and stay informed on any current news related to mosquito conditions in your area. In the United States, the West Nile virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in humans. As of May 25, 2021, there have been 664 cases of West Nile virus in people reported to the CDC by state and local health departments.
Northeast U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Forecasters, notably the Old Farmer’s Almanac, predict above-average snowfall and rainfall in the Northeast in 2021, as well as a milder summer. The region will experience an early heat wave in April, but the hottest months will be late June to mid-August. During this time, a storm could hit this part of the country.
Mosquito season lasts from mid-April until late October in the Northeast. The Northeast will likely experience more activity from these pests in 2021, according to predictions, due to warmer and wetter conditions.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
Mid-April to Early May
End:
Mid- to Late-October
Mosquito Forecast
Expect Mosquito numbers and activity to be above average in the Northeast U.S. region.
Weather Outlook
Summer and fall will be wetter than usual.
Types of Mosquitos
Northern house mosquito
Yellow fever mosquito
Eastern tree hole mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Southeast
The Southeast region of the U.S. is generally mild for most of the year, but summers tend to be extremely hot and muggy. Because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the region is humid, and thunderstorms are regular. As a result, this region, particularly Florida, is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes because it is often warm and moist most of the year.
West Nile has been detected and transmitted to people in most of the Southeast. In Georgia, mosquitoes carrying the Jamestown Canyon virus have been reported. Both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Saint Louis Encephalitis have been identified in infected mosquito vectors in Alabama and Florida. Alabama has also reported La Crosse Encephalitis.
Southeast US. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Government analysts estimate that the northern section of the Southeast will be wetter in 2021, while the southern portion of the region will have below-average temperatures. Summer temperatures will be less hot and more dry than usual. The hottest month of the summer will most likely be the middle of July, with hurricane and tropical storm concerns in August. Fall is predicted to have ordinary precipitation levels but might be cooler than usual.
Although the weather will be milder and drier for most of the year, temperatures will climb in the summer. Rain may also bring an above-average mosquito infestation to this portion of the country.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
February-April
End:
Mid-October to early November
Mosquito Forecast
Average activity is expected.
Weather Outlook
Summer will be cool and dry.
Types of Mosquitos
Southern mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Yellow fever mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Midwest
The Midwest stretches as far west as North Dakota and as far east as Ohio, and as far south as Kansas near the U.S./Canadian border. The Midwest’s winters are bitterly cold, and the summers are blisteringly hot and humid. Tornadoes and windstorms thrive on the broad, open plains that make up much of this part of the country.
While winter typically wipes out mosquitoes, the humid, moist summers provide a suitable breeding habitat in the Midwest. Mosquito-borne diseases are common in the Midwest. In Minnesota, West Nile Virus instances are widespread. Jamestown Canyon virus has been identified in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been diagnosed in humans in Indiana and Michigan.
Midwest U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Mosquito season in the Midwest begins in April and lasts until mid-October. According to experts, this part of the country will be warmer and drier in April and May, while the summer will be hotter and drier than typical. Early June will have high temperatures, which will last through late August, while the early fall months will have below-average temperatures and precipitation. In comparison to previous years, mosquito activity should be in the average range.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
Early April to late May
End:
Mid to late October
Mosquito Forecast
Mosquito activity expected to be above average.
Weather Outlook
Most of the year will be warmer and drier than usual.
Types of Mosquitos
Western encephalitis mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Southwest
The Southwest begins in Texas and Oklahoma, stretches west to Arizona and Utah, then north to Montana, with Wyoming and Colorado serving as its eastern border. Warm temperatures and little precipitation are typical for this region all year. The Southwest is the hottest and driest region in the United States. The most prevalent disease carried by mosquitoes in the Southwest is West Nile Virus, and the first cases of 2021 are have been reported in many states in the region.
Southwest U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Generally, mosquito season lasts from February until November in the Southwest. Although the region can expect a colder spring, hotter peak summer temperatures, and a cooler fall with above-average precipitation this year, mosquito activity is expected to be fairly average.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
February to April
End:
Mid-October to Early November
Mosquito Forecast
Mosquito activity should be in line with recent trends.
Weather Outlook
Summer will be wet and hot.
Types of Mosquitos
Southern mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Yellow fever mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Northwest
Mosquitoes are common in the Northwest and can be active year-round due to the region’s proximity to the Pacific coast and persistent rainy weather. Mosquito vectors have identified the spread West Nile, Western Equine Encephalitis, and St. Louis Encephalitis in the Pacific Northwest.
Northwest U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Mosquito season in the Pacific Northwest begins in early April and lasts until the end of October. Forecasters predict a drier and cooler spring, as well as above-average temperatures and precipitation in the summer. According to experts, the hottest months in the region will be from mid-June through the middle of August, with September and October being drier and warmer than average.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
Mid-April
End:
October
Mosquito Forecast
Northwest region should expect an average mosquito population.
Weather Outlook
Hotter than usual temperatures expected during summer months.
Types of Mosquitos
Northern mosquito
Eastern tree hole mosquito
Western encephalitis mosquito
Snow pool mosquito
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What Effect Does the Weather Have on Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes can survive and reproduce in warm and wet conditions and are found in all 50 states.
Mosquitoes can deposit their eggs and reproduce in as little as a few inches of water. They’ll use a pond or a puddle, depending on how big or little it is. Female mosquitos can lay between 50 and 200 eggs, and the entire mosquito life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) takes only eight to ten days.
Mosquitoes enjoy warm temperatures, but the hotter it gets, the less likely they are to bite you. When they bite in great temperatures, however, the diseases they carry become more transmissible. Mosquitoes become inactive when the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While rain can exacerbate mosquito infestations, it can also disrupt eggs that already nested, preventing mosquitoes from maturing into adults.
Knowing When It’s Mosquito Season
Mosquitoes can appear anywhere from February to November. These pests can increase and become a problem in any season, including spring, summer, and fall. In areas where it frequently rains, such as the Northwest and Midwest, mosquito invasions can become a problem in the spring, but generally, mosquitoes season peaks in the summer months throughout most of the United States.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that mosquitoes might appear at any time of year. When temperatures continuously approach 50 degrees Fahrenheit, mosquitos come out of hibernation and become active, meaning mosquito eggs can hatch over the winter. As a result, it’s vital to protect oneself all year round, regardless of the season.
How to Prevent Mosquitoes
Although being bitten by a mosquito is unpleasant, some mosquitos contain severe diseases like West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, and Malaria. That’s why it’s critical to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from mosquitos, especially from July to September, when the mosquito forecast predicts that they’ll be at their most active.
Continuous monitoring and proactive prevention strategies are the best way to reduce the risk of mosquitoes in and around your property, take these precautions:
Yard and Lawn Care
- Remove any water that gathers in low areas around your home or in open containers in your yard.
- Avoid over watering your lawn to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Mow your lawn regularly as mosquitoes thrive in overgrown grass.
- In areas where you spend time outside, use citronella candles or tiki torches.
- Regularly remove debris from gutters and alcoves.
- Grow plants that repel mosquitos, such as geraniums, marigolds, and lemongrass.
Personal Care
- Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, and socks
- Use EPA-certified insect repellents.
- Keep a rechargeable mosquito repellent device nearby.
Pet Care
- Use a pet friendly mosquito spray.
- Keep your pet’s water bowl inside during mosquito season.
- Try a mosquito repellent pet collar.
- Ask you veterinarian for advice about prevention strategies for your pet.
Professional Pest Control
No matter what the mosquito forecast is in your area, using a professional pest control service is the most reliable way to ensure you stay protected from mosquitoes. Western Exterminator’s highly trained local technicians can detect the source of infestations and provide effective treatments for preventing and eradicating mosquitoes so you can enjoy your yard without the nuisance or concerns of having mosquitoes around.
Mosquito-Transmitted Diseases
Mosquitoes are a pain because of the itching, red welts they leave on your skin. However, the diseases they carry and potentially pass on to you or your family make them dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people infected with a mosquito-borne illness may not develop symptoms or become ill. Those who do become sick may have a “mild, short-term disease.”
More severe illnesses are possible, though they are uncommon. The following are some of the most frequent diseases that mosquitos carry and can transmit:
Zika Virus
To find out if you have the Zika virus, you’ll need a urine or blood test. Many persons with this virus may have no symptoms, while others will have a fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, rash, and red eyes. Symptoms can persist anywhere from a few days to a week. This virus is usually spread by an infected mosquito of the Aedes species. According to Statista, cases of this virus were reported in California, Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Virginia in 2019. Compared to the more than 400 cases of Zika virus recorded in 2016, this is a far smaller amount.
West Nile Virus
According to the CDC, the West Nile Virus is the most significant cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. This virus is transmitted to mosquitoes that feed on infected birds during the summer and fall, and the mosquitoes ultimately infect humans. Most people do not show any signs or symptoms of West Nile, but those who do may have numbness, fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, and vision loss. People can get disoriented, have convulsions, or go into a coma in extreme but rare circumstances. According to Vector Disease Control International, this virus was detected in 49 of 50 states in 2018, and 34 states reported cases in 2019.
Chikungunya Virus
Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-transmitted disease found primarily in Africa and Asia, but since 2006 it has spread to the western hemisphere. Chikungunya virus cases are on record for U.S. tourists returning from impacted countries in the Americas since 2014, with local transmission identified in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. The most common symptoms of infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious condition that causes brain inflammation. It can affect anyone but people older than 50 and younger than 15 are at the greatest risk. People who are infected with EEE often have no symptoms, but the disease can cause a sudden onset of a headache, chills, high fever and vomiting. Severe symptoms include seizures, brain inflammation, disorientation and coma. Cases of EEE are typically found in eastern parts of the U.S. and along the coast in the South.
Malaria
Malaria is one of the most lethal diseases that female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit. According to Statista, malaria caused over 400,000 deaths worldwide in 2018. In 2016, over 3,000 instances of malaria were reported in the United States, according to the industry website. Fatigue, fever, headache, and vomiting are some of the symptoms that can emerge between eight and twenty-five days. According to the CDC, malaria is more likely to be found in tropical and subtropical places where the Anopheles mosquito may thrive and breed. International travelers brought in all cases of malaria in the United States.
Dengue
Dengue fever is spread by mosquito bites from infected Aedes Albopictus and Aedes Aegypti. A mosquito carrying the virus will lay its eggs in containers such as flower pots, pet food bowls, and vases near standing water. These mosquitos can bite at any time of day or night. According to the CDC, this virus is found in more than 100 nations globally, but not in the United States. Dengue fever is brought into the country by Americans who have traveled elsewhere. Dengue fever causes joint, muscle, eye, and bone discomfort and a rash, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is common in tropical and subtropical areas of South America and Africa, but it is uncommon in the United States, according to the CDC. Aches and pains, fever, liver illness, jaundice, and bleeding are some of the symptoms. According to the CDC, yellow fever infections strike Americans who live, visit, or work in the rainforest border areas of South America or Africa.
How to Treat Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites are uncomfortable and unsightly. Red welts can itch for several hours or several days. To relieve the itch at home and reduce the risk of an infection from scratching, :
- Wash and clean your skin with soap and water
- Use hydrocortisone cream to help the itching and reduce redness
- Use an antihistamine
- Apply aloe or calamine lotion to soothe irritated skin
- Try rubbing apple cider vinegar on the affected area
Visit a doctor if none of these measures work, the bite doesn’t go away, or your symptoms increase. Be mindful of the possibility of contracting a mosquito-borne disease. If you have joint or muscle discomfort, vomiting, a rash, a fever, or a headache, you should visit a doctor right away.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Mosquitoes are a nuisance – and potentially harmful – no matter where you reside in the United States, but you can fight the bite! It’s best to take as many steps as possible to keep mosquitos out of the region around your house, so they don’t have a chance to reproduce and grow. To keep you and your family safe, pay attention to the weather and mosquito forecast for your area of the country. Utilize diverse prevention strategies, monitor mosquito activity during peak months, and always contact your local pest control provider for the most effective solutions and best defense.
Stay protected with Western Exterminator.