2021 Mosquito Forecast
2021 Mosquito Forecast
Will Mosquitoes Be Bad This Year?
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet climates where the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. They become inactive in cold, dry environments when the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Mosquitoes search for standing or stagnant water to lay their eggs, which can hatch and produce new mosquitoes in a matter of days.
The weather is by and large the biggest factor in how mosquito season will be each year. The colder it is and the longer the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, the better the chance for fewer mosquitoes. Rainfall also contributes greatly to the mosquito population. Mosquitoes thrive in wet environments, so long periods of rain in late winter and early spring can create more areas for standing or stagnant water, resulting in the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
In some parts of the country, mosquitoes appear as early as February. But if the prediction for a longer winter period for this year holds out, it could help the mosquito forecast be milder than it was for 2020.
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Mosquitoes In the Northeast
The Northeast stretches from Maine south to Maryland and as far west as Pennsylvania. It has frigid winters, humid summers and generally sees significant snow and rainfall each year. This area of the United States has its fair share of wetlands, grasslands, beaches, coastal zones, and fisheries – perfect environments for mosquitoes to grow and reproduce. Mosquitoes can appear as early as April and remain through the end of October in the Northeast.
As we know, mosquitoes can carry dangerous and deadly diseases. That’s why it’s important to protect you and your family in seasons when mosquitoes are most prevalent. West Nile has been found in mosquitoes in New York and Massachusetts. Jamestown Canyon Virus has been detected in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, with human cases of the disease in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire. Saint Louis Encephalitis has been found in Massachusetts, with one human case in New Hampshire. Rhode Island has had one human case of La Crosse Encephalitis.
Northeast U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Forecasters, including the Old Farmer’s Almanac, have predicted the Northeast will have above average snow and rainfall and a cooler summer for 2021. The region is expected to have an early hot spell in April but the area will be hottest from late-June to mid-August. This region of the country may also see a hurricane during this time.
Mosquito season in the Northeast runs from mid-April through late October. Warm, damp weather is a driving factor for mosquitoes, which means, based on the forecasting, the Northeast will likely see more activity from these pests in 2021.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
Mid-April to Early May
End:
Mid- to Late-October
Mosquito Forecast
Average mosquito activity
Weather Outlook
Warmer, wetter spring; wetter summer and fall
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 United States extends from Florida in the south to West Virginia and Virginia in the north, and as far west as Arkansas and Louisiana. Although the weather in this region is typically mild, most states in the Southeast have sweltering summers and cold winters. Because this part of the country is close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it is humid, and thunderstorms are common. As a result, this region is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, especially in Florida, because it is typically warm and wet for most of the year.
Infected mosquito vectors in Alabama and Florida have been found to carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Saint Louis Encephalitis. La Crosse Encephalitis has been found in Alabama. In most of the Southeast, West Nile has been detected and transmitted to humans. Jamestown Canyon Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Georgia.
Southeast US. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
In 2021, government forecasters predict the northern region of the Southeast will be wetter, while below average temperatures in the southern parts of the region are to be expected. Spring is expected to be colder than usual with above average rainfall, and the summer will be cooler and drier. The middle of July will likely be the hottest month of the summer, while August will bring both hurricane and tropical storm threats. Fall will be colder than usual with average precipitation levels.
Although much of the year will be cooler and drier, temperatures will rise during the summer, and rainfall could bring an above average infestation of mosquitoes to this part of the country.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
February-April
End:
Mid-October/Early November
Mosquito Forecast
Average mosquito activity
Weather Outlook
Cooler and drier summer
Types of Mosquitos
Southern mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Yellow fever mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Midwest
The Midwest runs along the U.S./Canadian border as far west as North Dakota and extends as far east as Ohio and as far south as Kansas. Winters in the Midwest are frigid and the summers are scorching hot and wet. The large, open plains that make much of this section of the country are ideal for tornadoes and wind storms.
Despite the cold winters which tend to kill off mosquitoes, the hot, wet summers provide a viable breeding ground for the pest. Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases, some of which have been found routinely in the Midwest. West Nile cases are commonly reported in Minnesota, Jamestown Canyon Virus has been found in Wisconsin and Minnesota and Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in humans in Indiana and Michigan.
Midwest U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Mosquito season in the Midwest starts as early as April and will end around mid-October. According to forecasters, this region of the country will be warmer and drier in April and May, while the summer will be hotter and drier than usual. The temperatures will reach the high range in early June and run through late August, while the early fall months will have below average temperatures and precipitation. Mosquito activity should be in an average range compared to other years.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
Early April to Late May
End:
Mid-October
Mosquito Forecast
Above average mosquito activity
Weather Outlook
Warmer and drier for much of the year
Types of Mosquitos
Western encephalitis mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Southwest
The Southwest begins in Texas and Oklahoma, extends west to Arizona and Utah, north to Montana with its eastern border running along Wyoming and Colorado. This region typically has warm temperatures year-round and low amounts of precipitation. Out of all the areas in the country, the Southwest is the hottest and driest. West Nile is the most common disease found in mosquitoes in the Southwest and has been transmitted to several people who live in this part of the country over the past few years.
Southwest U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
In the Southwest, mosquito season typically starts in February and can last until November. Residents can expect a cooler spring with average rainfall, according to weather experts. The region will be hottest from the middle of June through the end of August, and fall will be cooler than usual with above average precipitation.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
February/April
End:
Mid-October/Early November
Mosquito Forecast
Mosquito activity should be in line with recent trends
Weather Outlook
Wet and hot summer
Types of Mosquitos
Southern mosquito
Northern house mosquito
Yellow fever mosquito
Asian tiger mosquito
Mosquitoes In the Northwest
Like the rest of the country, the Northwest is no stranger to mosquitoes. This region includes the three states in the far northwest corner of the U.S. like. Because of its close proximity to the Pacific coastline and consistent rainy weather, mosquitoes can be active year-round in the region.
Mosquito vectors in the Northwest have been found to carry West Nile, Western Equine Encephalitis and St. Louis Encephalitis.
Northwest U.S. Mosquito Forecast for 2021
Mosquito season in the Northwest starts in early April and doesn’t end until October. According to forecasters, the region will have a drier and cooler spring and above average temperatures and precipitation in the summer. Experts add that mid-June to the middle of August will be the hottest periods in the region, while September and October will be drier and warmer than usual.
Mosquito Season
Begins:
Mid-April
End:
Early October
Mosquito Forecast
Average mosquito activity
Weather Outlook
Moderate seasons
Types of Mosquitos
Northern mosquito
Eastern tree hole mosquito
Western encephalitis mosquito
Snow pool mosquito
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How Does Weather Affect Mosquitoes?
The warmer and wetter it is, the more likely it will be for you to have mosquitoes. They thrive in moist, tropical climates, but can live and breed anywhere it’s warm and wet. That’s why you will find them in all 50 states.
Mosquitoes can successfully lay and breed their eggs in just a few inches of water. They will use something as big as a pond or something as small as a puddle. Female mosquitoes can lay between 50 to 200 eggs, and the four stages of the mosquito life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) takes only eight to 10 days to complete.
Even though mosquitoes prefer warm temperatures, they are less likely to bite you the hotter it gets. But when they do decide to bite in extreme heat, it can make the diseases they carry more transmissible. Weather below 50 degrees Fahrenheit causes mosquitoes to become inactive. And while rainfall can increase mosquito infestations, precipitation can also disturb eggs that have already been laid and keep them from growing into adults.
Which Seasons are the Worst for Mosquitoes?
But it’s important to know that mosquitoes can emerge at any time of year. can come out of hibernation and become active when temperatures consistently reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that mosquito eggs can hatch during the winter. So, no matter the season, it’s best to protect yourself year-round.
How to Prevent Against Mosquitoes
No one enjoys mosquitoes buzzing in their ears or having itchy, red bumps they can’t help but scratch. Being bitten by a mosquito is uncomfortable, but some carry dangerous diseases, such as the West Nile Virus, Dengue, and Malaria. That’s why it’s crucial to protect you and your loved ones from mosquitoes, especially from July to September during their peak feeding season.
Prevention is key, so follow these important steps to cut down on the likelihood of mosquitoes in and around your property.
Lawn Care
- Remove standing or stagnant water around your home
- Do not overwater your lawn – mosquitoes breed in areas with standing water
- Keep grass cut low – mosquitoes can’t hide in short grass
- Use citronella candles or tiki torches around areas where you spend time outside
- Change birdbath water regularly
- Keep gutters clean
- Buy mosquito-repellent plants, including geraniums,marigolds and lemon grass
Personal Care
- Wear pants, socks and long-sleeved shirts outside at dusk
- Use EPA-certified insect repellents
- Stay inside during peak times – mosquitoes are more prevalent during dusk and dawn
Pet Care
- Use dog-friendly insect repellent
- Keep water bowls inside at times when mosquitoes are most prevalent
- Avoid having your pets outside during peak mosquito hours
One of the best and most consistent ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquitoes is by using a professional pest control service. Technicians are trained to find infestations and have powerful methods to eliminate them. Most of them use eco-friendly sprays and chemicals and effective mosquito traps. They can cover large areas of your yard with year-round treatments, get rid of mosquito larvae before it hatches and eliminate breeding grounds on your property.
Diseases that Mosquitoes Carry
Zika Virus
A urine or blood test is needed to determine if you have the Zika virus. While many people with this virus won’t have symptoms, others will experience a fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, rash, and red eyes. These symptoms can last from a few days up to a week. This virus is typically transmitted through an infected Aedes species mosquito. According to Statista,California, Georgia, Idaho, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Virginia reported cases of this virus in 2019.This is a much lower number in comparison to the more than 400 cases of the Zika virus reported in 2016.
West Nile Virus
According to the CDC, the West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States. During the summer and through the fall, this virus is transferred to mosquitoes feeding on infected birds, then the mosquitoes infect humans. Most people don’t experience any symptoms of West Nile, but those who do can suffer numbness, fever, headache, stiffness of the neck and vision loss. In extreme but rare cases, people can become disoriented, experience convulsions or enter into a coma. According to Vector Disease Control International, 49 out of 50 states reported cases of this virus in 2018, and 34 states reported cases of West Nile in 2019.
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 deadly diseases that can be passed on by female Anopheles mosquitoes.. In 2018, malaria was responsible for more than 400,000 deaths globally, per Statista. The industry resource also notes there were nearly 3,000 cases of malaria in the U.S. in 2016. Symptoms appear within eight to 25 days and can include fatigue, fever, headache, and vomiting. According to the CDC, malaria is likely to be found in tropical and subtropical areas where the Anopheles mosquito can live and breed. All the cases of malaria in the U.S. were brought into the country by international travelers.
Dengue
Dengue can spread through the bites of the infected Aedes Albopictus and Aedes Aegypti mosquito. A mosquito carrying the virus typically lays its eggs near standing water in containers, including flower pots, pet food bowls and vases. These mosquitoes can bite during both day and night. According to the CDC, this virus is common in more than 100 countries globally, but not in the U.S. Americans who contract dengue bring it into the country after international travel.. Symptoms of dengue include joint, muscle, eye and bone pain, rash, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Chikungunya Virus
Mosquitoes can become infected with the Chikungunya virus after biting someone who already has it. The Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus species spread the virus. These mosquitoes bite day and night and lay their eggs in water containers, such as flowerpots and tires. According to the Pan American Health Organization, the most common symptoms of the virus include joint pain and an abrupt fever. The Chikungunya virus can be contracted worldwide, and according to Statista, 171 cases were reported in the U.S. in 2019, but they were all travelers who had returned from infected areas.
Yellow Fever
While this disease is found in both tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa, yellow fever is rare in Americans , according to the CDC. Symptoms include aches and pain, fever, liver disease, yellowing skin (jaundice), and bleeding. The CDC says Americans who have become infected with yellow fever are typically living, visiting, or working in jungle border areas of South American or Africa .
Treating Mosquito Bites
- Wash and clean the bitten area with soap and water
- Use an antihistamine or anti-itch cream to help with the itching
- Apply ice to help with inflammation
- Use aloe vera to soothe the itching and redness from the bite
- Use hydrocortisone cream to help the itching and inflammation
If none of these methods work, the bite isn’t going away or your symptoms worsen, it is best to see a doctor. Be aware of the chance of being infected with a mosquito-borne disease. If you’re experiencing joint and muscle pain, vomiting, rash, fever, or a headache, see a doctor immediately.
THE BOTTOM LINE
No matter where you live in the United States, mosquitoes are a threat. It’s best to take as many precautions as possible to keep the area around your home mosquito free so they do not have the opportunity to breed and multiply. Pay attention to the weather and the mosquito forecast for your part of the country to keep you and your family safe.