Prepare for mosquito season early and learn about when they’re most active.

Content Updated: July 14th, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Mosquitoes are more prevalent in warm, moist regions.
  • Mosquito season varies in timing and length depending on your home state.
  • The hotter and more humid the state, the more intense the mosquito season.
  • Cooler and drier states experience milder mosquito seasons.
  • Getting rid of standing water, maintaining your yard and pool, and keeping in mind peak mosquito hours are all ways to help prepare yourself for mosquito season.

Depending on where you live, it might seem like mosquito season lasts all year long. In some states, that may be true. No matter where you live, though, mosquitoes are irritating. The best way to avoid these pests and their itchy bites is to know when they’re most active so you can help defend yourself.

Find out when mosquito season occurs in your region and learn how to prepare.

mosquitoes on a screen

When are mosquitoes most active?

Mosquitoes thrive under certain conditions, and these help dictate when mosquitoes are active or non-active:

  • Higher temperatures - Mosquitoes typically become active around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrive at temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Humidity - Moist, humid environments are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
  • Warm areas with heavy rainfall - A perfect storm of temperature and humidity can result in increased mosquito populations and activity.

When is mosquito season?

Mosquito season in the U.S. is generally dictated by climate in various regions, and can vary from state to state.

Gulf Coast, Florida and Hawaii

Mosquito season: February - November

Unsurprisingly, this region’s warm, humid, and wet climate means a lengthy mosquito season. This region, with the longest mosquito seasons in the country, includes:

  • Florida
  • Hawaii
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Alabama

South and Southwest

Mosquito season: March – September

This region’s warmer temperatures mean mosquito season gets off to an early start. For residents of these southern states, mosquito season lasts most of the year:

  • Southern California
  • Arizona
  • New Mexico
  • Northern Texas
  • Louisiana
  • Mississippi
  • Alabama
  • Georgia
  • Tennessee
  • South Carolina
  • Parts of coastal North Carolina

Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and West

Mosquito season: April – September

Comprising most of the United States, these regions typically experience milder weather, which limits mosquito activity. States in these areas include:

  • California
  • Nevada
  • Utah
  • Colorado
  • Nebraska
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • Kentucky
  • Illinois
  • Ohio
  • West Virginia
  • Virginia
  • Maryland
  • Pennsylvania

New England, Northern Midwest and Pacific Northwest

Mosquito season: May – September

The cooler temperatures in these regions mean they experience the shortest mosquito seasons in the country. States in these regions include:

  • Washington
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • Michigan
  • New York
  • Massachusetts
  • Vermont
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine

According to the American Mosquito Control Association, West Virginia has the fewest number of mosquito species (26), while Texas has the most (85).

How do you prepare for mosquito season?

If you live in one of the areas with a lengthy mosquito season, there are a few steps you can take to help prepare before it hits:

  • Eliminate standing water – Mosquitoes breed in and around standing water, so be sure that you’re not letting it build up in bird baths, pet bowls or other containers.
  • Keep drains and gutters clear – Gutters filled with leaves and debris are also potential mosquito breeding grounds. Even a small amount of water can be sufficient for laying eggs.
  • Maintain your yard and pool – Collect leaves, twigs, and other debris in your yard to prevent unwanted puddles and mosquitoes. If you have a pond, consider adding a feature that keeps the water moving to help prevent eggs from successfully hatching. Additionally, if you have a pool, keep it properly maintained.
  • Avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours – Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, though specific hours vary by species. Minimize your risk of being bitten by staying indoors or wearing long sleeves and pants if you’re outside during these times.

Of course, sometimes your best efforts are not enough. If you’re still having problems with mosquitoes on your property, you can always seek professional help. The mosquito control professionals at Terminix® can help reduce populations in your yard.