The full-blown mosquito season in Michigan starts in June. When it gets warmer and we’re all spending more time outdoors, these little nuisances start to crowd our yards and parks and outdoor spaces. But why is June peak mosquito season, and more importantly, what can you do to stay ahead of the bite?
The Science Behind the Surge
Mosquitoes like the heat and humidity and Michigan offers that in spades in June. There are pools of standing water in gutters, buckets, flower pots, and low-lying areas following a rainy spring. These serve directly as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. You only need 1 inch of standing water to create hundreds of larvae.
Also, as we increase daylight hours and the temperature will consistently remain above 50°F, mosquitos eggs start to rapidly hatch that were laid in prior months. Add to that increased human outdoor activity (bonfires, barbecues and lawn care, anyone?) and you have a perfect storm for bites.
What Makes Michigan Unique
With its hundreds of lakes, rivers, wetlands and forested lands, Michigan is home to more than 50 species of mosquitoes. Some parts of Genesee, Lapeer and Oakland counties also are susceptible because of above-average rain and thick vegetation. Some are merely nuisances, while others can carry diseases like West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. This makes prevention not only a matter of comfort, but of health and safety.
How to Prepare Your Property
There are simple, yet powerful measures you can follow to decrease the number of mosquitoes before they dominate:
Remove Standing Water: Empty anything holding water — children’s toys, bird baths, flower pot saucers, clogged gutters.
Mow and Trim Weekly: Mosquitoes take cover in tall grass and weeds during the day.
Tidy Debris: Take away leaves and wood piles and anything else that holds moisture.
Mosquito-Repelling Plants: Utilize plants like basil, marigold, citronella and lavender to repel mosquitoes naturally.
Pros & Cons of Professional Help
There’s only so much that even the most careful homeowners can handle themselves — and that’s where we come in.
At Ditch the Itch MI, Our commercial-grade mosquito control applications address both the larvae and adult mosquitoes; and won’t harm your yard or pets. Our treatments are safe around children and pets when dried after treatment, And with follow-ups we guarantee control until season’s last.
Outsmart the Bites Before They Hatch
With the first week of June as your go-to time to act, you can diminish the possibility of having to deal with extremely bad mosquito population in the middle of summer. Schedule your inspection and treatment now to protect your loved ones and maximize your outdoor time without worry.