Mosquito season in Montgomery County typically runs from April to September, with peak activity during the summer months. Mosquitoes become active when temperatures consistently reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Seasonal Mosquito Pattern
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Spring (April): Mosquitoes start emerging and becoming more active as temperatures warm.
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Summer (May-August): This is the peak of mosquito season, with the highest number of mosquitoes and activity.
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Fall (September): Mosquito populations begin to decline as temperatures drop.
Although most types of mosquitoes are just nuisance mosquitoes, some types of mosquitoes spread germs (viruses and parasites) that can cause disease.
Mosquitoes bite during the day and night, live indoors and outdoors, and search for warm places as temperatures begin to drop. Some mosquitoes hibernate in enclosed spaces, like garages, sheds, and under (or inside) homes, to survive cold temperatures. Except for the southernmost U.S. states, mosquito season starts in the summer and continues into fall.
The best way to prevent illnesses from mosquito bites is to protect yourself and your family from bites.
Public Health’s Mosquito Control program monitors and traps mosquitoes and sends collected specimens to the Ohio Department of Health for identification, provides education about how to protect yourself from mosquitoes, and spray selected locations to reduce the mosquito population.
Here are effective tips to protect yourself from mosquitoes, whether you're at home, hiking, or traveling:
- 🧴 Use Mosquito Repellent
- DEET (20–30%): Highly effective and long-lasting.
- Picaridin: A good alternative to DEET; less oily and odorless.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE): Natural option with decent protection (not for children under 3).
- IR3535: Found in some skin-safe repellents; effective against various insects.
✅ Apply to exposed skin and clothing as directed.
- 👚 Wear Protective Clothing
- Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes.
- Light-colored clothes (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors).
- Consider permethrin-treated clothing for extra protection (effective for camping/travel).
- 🏡 Mosquito-Proof Your Living Space
- Use screens on windows and doors.
- Repair any tears or holes in screens.
- Use mosquito nets over beds if sleeping in open or unscreened areas.
- Consider indoor mosquito traps or bug zappers.
- 💧 Eliminate Standing Water
- Empty water from buckets, flower pots, birdbaths, and old tires weekly.
- Clean gutters and make sure they drain properly.
- Keep pool water clean and chlorinated.
Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, so reducing breeding grounds is key.
- 🕯 Use Mosquito Deterrents
- Citronella candles, coils, or torches (limited effectiveness, but help).
- Thermacell devices (portable, scent-free protection with allethrin).
- Essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint) may offer mild repellency.
- 🌄 Avoid Peak Mosquito Hours
- Dawn and dusk are prime biting times, especially for species like Aedes and Anopheles.
- If outside during these times, be extra cautious with repellents and clothing.
- ✈️ Protect While Traveling
- Research if your destination has mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue, Zika).
- Take antimalarial medication if needed.
- Sleep under insecticide-treated nets in high-risk regions.
- Vaccinate where applicable (e.g., yellow fever).
