Once Michigan’s temps hit 50°F in the spring, mosquitoes aren’t far behind. These pests start showing up as early as April, and by the time July and August roll around, the heat and humidity kick their activity into high gear.
If you’ve got standing water nearby, you’re giving mosquito larvae exactly what they need to grow—and that means more mosquito bites for you.
In this article, we’ll cover when mosquito season kicks off in Michigan, what causes mosquito populations to spike, and what you can do now to keep them from taking over your yard.
Key Takeaways
- Mosquitoes start appearing in Michigan around April and become most active during the hot and humid summer months
- Warm temperatures and standing water help mosquito larvae grow quickly and lead to more mosquitoes in your yard
- High humidity helps mosquitoes live longer and increases the risk of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses
- Long sleeves and insect repellent help but professional pest control keeps mosquito populations low all season long
When Does Mosquito Season Start in Michigan?
You can expect different species of mosquitoes to start showing up around April—sometimes even earlier if the weather warms up fast. Once the temps stick above 50°F, it’s game on for mosquito larvae, especially if there’s standing water nearby.
Things really pick up in the summer months, especially July and August, when it’s hot and humid. That’s when you’ll notice the most biting mosquitoes.
By September, cooler nights start to slow them down, and by late fall, most mosquitoes either die off or enter hibernation until spring rolls around again.
What Factors Affect Mosquito Activity in Michigan?
Some years feel worse than others when it comes to mosquitoes—and that’s no coincidence. A few key things affect when mosquito activity starts and how bad it gets.
Temperature
Once spring temps start rising, mosquitoes come out of hiding.
Around April, hibernating adults wake up, and any eggs left over from last year start to lay eggs. Warmer weather helps larvae grow faster in standing water, and if the warm-up comes early, you’ll start noticing them sooner—and in bigger numbers.
A cooler spring? That might give Michigan residents a little more time before things get annoying.
Standing Water
Mosquitoes need water to grow, and it doesn’t take much. Ponds, bird baths, gutters—even a forgotten bucket can do the trick.
After heavy rain or flooding, their numbers can spike fast.
Just one inch of water can lead to hundreds of them in a week, so keeping your yard free of standing water can make a big difference.
Humidity Levels
Michigan summers are no stranger to humidity, and mosquitoes love it.
Humid air keeps them from drying out and helps them live longer—and bite more. It also helps them find people and animals to feed on. Plus, when it’s muggy, water sticks around longer, giving them more places to lay eggs.
That’s why mosquito season peaks in July and August, when it’s hot and sticky outside.
These conditions also raise the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Jamestown Canyon virus—all of which have been reported in Lansing, Detroit, and Saginaw.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes in Michigan
So, how can you actually keep mosquitoes under control? Here are a few practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your yard in Michigan:
Remove Standing Water Around Your Home
Mosquitoes need water to breed, and even a small amount can lead to hundreds of new pests. Walk around your yard and dump out any standing water in things like bird baths, gutters, buckets, or even old tires.
If you’ve got a pond or water feature, make sure it’s treated or has a pump to keep the water moving—mosquitoes prefer still water for laying eggs.
Use Personal Protection Outdoors
When you’re outside during mosquito season—especially in the evenings—protect yourself from bites by:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants.
- Using EPA-approved insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Setting up mosquito traps and plants in your outdoor spaces.
Get Professional Help for Long-Term Control
If mosquitoes are making it tough to enjoy your yard, we’re here to help. At Pest Pros of Michigan, we offer seasonal mosquito control treatments that target the areas around your home where mosquitoes live and breed.
Our team can also provide prevention services that focus on stopping mosquito breeding before it starts, helping to keep mosquito populations low all season long. Whether you’re dealing with a few pesky bites or full-blown swarms, we’ve got pest solutions to fit your needs.
Ready to make mosquito season a little more manageable?
Get in touch with us today to schedule a treatment or learn more about how we can help you enjoy your outdoor space again.
