Mosquito Season in Virginia Beach: Tips for Staying Bite-Free This Spring

It’s the start of mosquito season in Virginia Beach, and we all know what that means. Unless you stay indoors, you can expect itchy mosquito bites to pepper you and your loved ones all spring and summer. Of course, there is another solution that allows you to enjoy your outdoor spaces without being heckled by mosquitoes. Below is everything you need to know about mosquito season in Virginia Beach, including how to get rid of mosquitoes.

When is mosquito season in Virginia Beach?

Mosquito season in Virginia Beach can start as early as March and run as late as November. This is largely dependent on the weather. Mosquitoes are active when the temperature hits 50℉ degrees but remain lethargic until the temperature climbs to 60℉. Mosquitoes thrive in temperatures over 80℉.

If spring comes early and the temperature cooperates, mosquito activity will begin in March. However, it will ramp up as April turns to May, and the nighttime temperature stops dropping below 60℉.

Why it’s essential to avoid mosquitoes & their bites

No one willingly hangs around with mosquitoes. We all know how annoying these pests are and try to avoid them whenever possible. However, for most people, avoiding mosquitoes is simply an attempt to avoid dealing with itchy and annoying bug bites for the next few days.

Although avoiding their bites is a great reason to avoid mosquitoes, it’s not just the itchiness that’s the problem. Mosquito bites can be pretty dangerous. Some mosquitoes, not all, can carry diseases that they transfer through their bites. If an infected mosquito bites you, you may contract the illness they have.

The most common mosquito-borne illness in Virginia Beach is West Nile virus. Most people who contract West Nile virus won’t notice any symptoms. However, about 20% will develop flu-like symptoms, such as fevers, headaches, body aches, and joint pain. About 1 in 150 people who are infected can develop more serious complications.

Although very rare, it’s also possible to contract several varieties of encephalitis from a mosquito bite. Eastern equine encephalitis, La Crosse encephalitis, and Saint Louis encephalitis have all been documented in Virginia. Encephalitis is a virus that causes inflammation in the brain, which can lead to serious problems or even death.

How to stay bite-free in Virginia Beach this mosquito season

To prevent mosquito bites, you have to avoid mosquitoes. This is often easier said than done. Just going outside can be enough to encounter these biting pests. However, taking certain precautions can make it less likely that you’ll end up with mosquito bites. Try these tips to stay bite-free in Virginia Beach this season:

• Keep the grass trimmed around your yard.
• Cut back vegetation around the exterior of your house.
• Clean your gutters to remove clogs that lead to water buildup.
• Remove items around your property that can collect rainwater.
• If you leave pet water dishes outdoors, change the water every few days.
• Reduce moisture all around your property.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors.
• Wear light-colored clothing while outdoors.
• Apply DEET to your clothing if you know you’ll be in an area with mosquitoes.
• Sign up for mosquito control from Getem Services.

When the Yard Still Isn’t Yours

Dumping the water and cutting back the brush takes the pressure down. It doesn’t always take it away. Virginia Beach yards back up to marsh, drainage ditches, and neighbors who aren’t emptying anything, and mosquitoes travel in from all of it.

That’s the point where seasonal treatment does the work you can’t do with a rake. Getem Services runs mosquito control in Virginia Beach on a recurring schedule from early spring through the end of September, treating the shaded, damp, out-of-the-way spots where mosquitoes wait out the day and the standing water where the next batch is developing.

If you’d rather spend the season outside than reapplying repellent, take a look at our seasonal mosquito, flea, and tick control and tell us what your yard is doing.