Mosquitoes estimated to be 2 to 3 times more active than normal along US East Coast

Mosquito activity estimated to be above-average along US East Coast
Spring rain helped beautiful flowers bloom and lush vegetation flourish. However, the higher precipitation rates in parts of the mid-Atlantic also helped mosquito populations thrive this season.

Pest control professionals report that there has been increased mosquito activity all along the East Coast this season, according to Dr. Jim Fredericks, the chief entomologist for the National Pest Management Association.

It is estimated that mosquitoes are two to three times their normal rates.
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Not only in the Southern states, where there are typically high levels of mosquitoes due to the hot, humid climate, but also in the New England states.

Mosquito populations depend heavily on moisture and precipitation.

Mosquitoes complete metamorphosis similar to beetles or butterflies. There is an egg stage, a larva stage, a pupa stage and an adult stage.

The adult stage is the stage in which the mosquitoes fly around. The female adult mosquitoes are the ones that bite.

However, the majority of the mosquito’s life is spent in water in those immature stages, according to Fredericks.

“The mosquito lifecycle requires water, they lay their eggs in or near water, and the larvae are actually aquatic. So, we need that habitat. when there is water around, you’re going to have mosquito populations, particularly stagnant water,” Fredericks said.

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The mid-Atlantic went through a spell of exceptionally rainy weather. Many areas experienced above-average rainfall this spring.

When there are higher levels of precipitation, there’s more standing water. This stagnant water provides a breeding location for these mosquitoes to lay their eggs and form larva to develop.

Therefore, there have been extremely high levels of mosquito activity this summer.

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