Yes. Mosquitoes can remain active well into September and early fall in Upstate New York when temperatures remain warm and standing water is available.

If you're still getting mosquito bites in your backyard, you're not imagining it. Late summer can provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes to continue breeding and feeding around homes throughout the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and Adirondacks.

And while cooler evenings may eventually slow mosquito activity, the end of August doesn't necessarily mean the end of mosquito season.

Why Are Mosquitoes Still Around in Late Summer?

Mosquito populations can build throughout the summer.

Female mosquitoes require a blood meal to develop eggs. They then lay their eggs in or near water, and many mosquito species can develop from egg to adult in as little as several days under favorable conditions.

That means a small amount of standing water can continue producing new mosquitoes throughout the season.

Common breeding sites around your property include:

• Birdbaths
• Buckets
• Planters
• Children's toys
• Wheelbarrows
• Gutters
• Pool covers
• Low spots that collect water

Even a small amount of water can create an opportunity for mosquitoes to reproduce.

Does Rain Make Mosquitoes Worse?

It can.

Summer rainfall can fill containers, clogged gutters, and low areas around your property, creating new breeding sites.

In Upstate New York, warm temperatures combined with periods of rainfall can allow mosquito populations to remain active through late summer and into September.

That's one reason mosquito control shouldn't necessarily stop just because summer vacation is coming to an end.

Are Mosquitoes a Health Risk in New York?

Yes. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).

New York State monitors mosquito-borne disease activity throughout the season, including testing mosquito populations for disease activity.

The best way to reduce exposure is to use multiple layers of protection: avoid mosquito bites, eliminate standing water when possible, and take steps to reduce mosquito populations around your property.

For current New York mosquito-borne disease activity and health guidance, homeowners should refer to the New York State Department of Health and CDC.

Can I Get Rid of Every Mosquito in My Yard?

No, and that's important to understand.

You can't completely eliminate mosquitoes from an outdoor environment. Mosquitoes can fly in from neighboring properties, natural areas and other sources.

The goal of professional mosquito control isn't to eliminate every mosquito in the region.

It's to reduce mosquito populations and activity around the areas where you live, work and spend time outdoors.

How Can I Reduce Mosquitoes Around My Home?

Start with the basics:

1. Eliminate standing water

Walk your property regularly and empty water from containers, toys, birdbaths and other areas where it collects.

2. Keep gutters clear

Clogged gutters can hold enough water for mosquitoes to breed.

3. Maintain landscaping

Trim vegetation and reduce areas of dense, overgrown foliage where mosquitoes may rest.

4. Protect yourself

When mosquitoes are active, use EPA-registered insect repellent and wear clothing that covers exposed skin when practical.

5. Consider professional mosquito control

Professional treatments can target areas around your property where mosquitoes rest and breed, helping reduce activity where you actually spend time.

When Does Mosquito Season End in New York?

There isn't one specific date when mosquito season ends.

Mosquito activity is influenced by temperature, rainfall, mosquito species, and available breeding sites.

As temperatures consistently drop, mosquito activity will eventually decrease. But during a warm September, or even later in the season, you may still encounter mosquitoes.

In other words: don't let the calendar determine whether mosquitoes are still a problem.

If they're still biting, they're still active.

Professional Mosquito Control in the Capital Region & Hudson Valley

At Thomas Pest Services, our mosquito control program is designed to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor spaces with fewer mosquitoes.

Our technicians identify areas where mosquitoes are likely to rest and breed and apply targeted treatments to appropriate areas around your property.

We serve homeowners throughout Albany, Clifton Park, Saratoga, the Capital Region, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Hudson, the Hudson Valley, and surrounding communities.

Because you shouldn't have to spend the last weeks of summer hiding inside.