Mosquito Prevention Tips for Wichita Homeowners 

The cold weather has gone for the year, and you’re finally enjoying the perfect weather on your patio, when suddenly you’re swatting and itching because of mosquitoes instead of relaxing! Mosquitoes seem to appear out of nowhere every spring, and the Kansas climate creates the perfect storm for them.

As the spring season blooms, the Wichita area typically experiences increased rainfall and fluctuating warm spells. This really sets the stage for prime mosquito season. In this article, we’ll cover mosquito prevention tips and how to best protect yourself, your pets, and your home.  

When Mosquitoes Become Active in Wichita 

With peak activity happening in the summer, mosquito season in Wichita generally begins in late April and lasts through October. Eggs that have been dormant throughout the winter begin to hatch, and their activity becomes quite noticeable as temperatures consistently stay above 50°F. 

Types of Mosquitoes Common in Kansas 

Although there are several different mosquito species in the state, these species are the most prominent and worth being aware of in the Wichita area.  

Culex Mosquitoes

Also referred to as the Northern House and Southern House Mosquito, these are your classic Kansas pests. They can most frequently be found around homes, especially in the evenings. They are annoying in numbers and are known for their role in transmitting West Nile Virus.  

Aedes Mosquitoes

Though not as prevalent as the Culex species, the Aedes species of mosquitoes – including the Asian Tiger Mosquito and Yellow Fever Mosquito – are also common in Kansas. They lay their eggs in stagnant water, resulting in many being found around homes and businesses in urban and suburban areas of the state, as well as floodplain areas after rainfall. These mosquitoes are known for biting during the day, and for transmitting the Zika virus and Dengue fever.  

You can read more about mosquito species and their appearance, diet, and other facts on our Identify A Pest page. 

Environmental Factors that Help Mosquitoes Thrive in Wichita 

The warm summers and rain in the spring create an ideal breeding ground for mosquito species, making it especially important to keep your home and yard well-maintained.  

• Frequent Rainfall: Since many mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, frequent rainfall, especially in the spring season, provides tons of opportunities for massive increases in hatched mosquitoes.

• Humidity: Especially in the spring and summer, the humidity in Kansas can cause longer mosquito lifespans and increased breeding opportunities.  

• Water and Shade: Any water that sits for roughly a week can become a breeding zone for mosquitoes. That means tree-lined neighborhoods, older homes with big yards, decorative water features, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, clogged gutters, wood piles, decks and porches, and even tall grass and overgrown hedges can all create an ideal space for mosquitoes to thrive.  

Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Kansas 

Mosquitoes annoy us with their swarms and itchy bites, but they also rank among the deadliest animals on Earth due to the diseases they spread. Even though Kansas isn’t a hotspot for tropical mosquito diseases, there are still a few concerns to be aware of in our area:

• West Nile Virus is a real concern that shows up in Kansas every year.  
• The Zika virus has also spread throughout the country, including Kansas, due to the Asian Tiger Mosquitoes.  
• Heartworm in dogs and cats is spread through infected mosquitoes as well. Though it’s preventable through proper treatments, it can be very serious if it is untreated. 

Why Professional Mosquito Prevention Matters 

From your family to your pets and house, mosquitoes can cause quite a bit of destruction. Sure, no one likes itchy bites, but there’s a lot more at stake

• Health risks, such as West Nile, Zika, and heartworm  
• Quality of life and enjoying time outdoors suffer while mosquitoes swarm. 
• Without prevention, increased breeding becomes an increasingly serious problem 

Mosquito Prevention Tips at Home 

Making just a few adjustments that cost practically nothing can help reduce the population of swarming mosquitoes around your home:

1. Drain standing water, including clogged gutters, unused containers, and saucers placed under plants. 
2. Mosquito dunks that contain Bacillus thruingiensis israelensis (Bti), bacteria that kills larvae but is safe for birds and pets, can be placed in ponds, birdbaths, and other areas with standing water. 
3. Trim tall grass and regularly maintain your lawn and bushes to prevent the moist, cool, shaded areas where mosquitos like to hide during the day. 
4. Install screens on windows and doors to keep out bugs while still allowing the breeze in. 
5. Use repellents while outside: DEET-based repellants are effective for longer exposure and time outdoors, while natural options like citronella, lavender, and oil of lemon eucalyptus can provide shorter-term protection. 

Why Call Professionals for Mosquito Control  

DIY prevention practices can do a lot to help, or at least allow you to withstand, dense mosquito populations; however, they aren’t always the most effective at stopping infestations at the source, especially during heavy rain or peak season.  

Professional pest control technicians can safely and effectively target breeding sites, larvae, and adult mosquitoes in shady and grassy areas, and provide regular treatments for continued protection from mosquitoes.   

Here’s how the technicians at Betts Pest Control can help: 

• Our team understands the behavior and sources of local, Kansas-based mosquitoes and can effectively target them at the source.  
• We use safe, targeted treatments that treat mosquito infestations while keeping your home, family, and pets safe.
• Betts provides ongoing treatment through seasonal plans to keep you protected throughout the year and avoid costly damages or risks. 

 Want help protecting your home before mosquito season hits? Schedule your treatment with Betts Pest Control to enjoy a mosquito-free backyard all spring and summer!