When I first moved to Washington, DC I wasn’t as affected by mosquitoes as I am now that I have a family and we spend so much time outdoors. In a recent report DC ranked #3 worst U.S. city for mosquitoes, Maryland ranked #8 for ticks and Virginia ranked #9 for ticks*! Learn more by reading “Mosquito Squad Reveals Top 10 Cities and States Affected By Mosquitoes & Ticks“? Getting a mosquito or tick treatment is an effective and easy way to rid your home of dangerous diseases these insects and arachnids carry. DC Mosquito Squad’s work is backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you don’t like the results, they promise to spray your yard again for free or refund your money.

We went to local expert and owner of DC Mosquito Squad, Damien Sanchez to learn more about the itchy insects and gather some tips to help prevent mosquitoes from taking over your space.

Q1. As mosquito experts, can you share what makes the Washington, DC region one of the worst cities for mosquitoes?

Damien Sanchez: I am often asked why mosquitoes are so bad in Washington, DC. Our recent report, “Mosquito Squad Reveals Top 10 Cities and States Affected By Mosquitoes & Ticks,” pulled data from over 200 national Mosquito Squad locations and found that Washington, DC ranks the third worst city for mosquitoes in the U.S. Mosquitoes have always been an issue in the southeastern United States but it used to be an evening and early morning issue unless you were deep in the woods. Unfortunately, with the introduction of invasive species such as Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian Tiger mosquito, combined with our warm, wet summers, and a city environment that has infinite places to collect water, we now have a diverse mosquito population that bites all day and in open areas. Between the native and invasive species of mosquitoes, there is currently no time of day when a mosquito isn’t aggressively biting you. These factors make summertime spent outdoors in our nation’s capital almost intolerable.

Q2. How long does mosquito season last here in Washington, DC?

Damien Sanchez: The Washington, DC mosquito season lasts more than half of the year but the menacing mosquitoes can make it feel longer! Typically mosquitoes begin emerging in late March to the middle of April and the mosquito season lasts through the end of September to mid-October. Our team at DC Mosquito Squad stays busy helping eliminate these pests with the goal of protecting Washingtonians from the nuisance and possible health concerns that can result from mosquito and tick bites.

Q3. What are some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes to preventing or eliminating mosquitoes?

Damien Sanchez: Some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is not taking the time to understand where mosquitoes make their habitats and breed, as this is the key to preventing and eliminating mosquitoes. The more shade and green foliage you have on your property, the more mosquitoes will harbor there. Bamboo, boxwoods, arborvitae, and ivy all provide great harborage for mosquitoes around your yard and outdoor living space.

In order to understand why mosquitoes bite, some people don’t realize that only female mosquitoes bite humans, as they need blood to produce their eggs. It’s important to note that mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, and they only need a small, thimble-full amount of water. Removing standing water on your property will help prevent future mosquito eggs from hatching.

A big mistake I often see results from lawn irrigation which provides consistent runoff and keeps drains on the property filled with just enough water to support an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Another common mistake is not addressing clogged gutters which become an ample mosquito breeding site. Other mistakes include not surveying your yard for items collecting standing water including everyday toys, tarps, and yard debris which collect organic matter and water.

Q4. What are some simple ways to prevent mosquitoes from invading your yard and biting you?

Damien Sanchez: A simple way to prevent mosquitoes is to simply keep up on yard maintenance and ensure your drains and gutters are not clogged. If you want to keep mosquitoes away I do not recommend planting dense greenery by the entrance of your house. Also, consider using less irrigation on your lawn and removing containers from your yard such as toys and tarps, as these tend to create mosquito breeding sites.

Many neighborhoods in our area have incredibly aggressive mosquitoes and depending on the severity of the bug situation on your property, you may want to seek the help of pest control professionals. Our DC Mosquito Squad team is ready to help more Washingtonians reclaim their outdoor living space and enjoy time outdoors without relentless bug bites.

I also highly recommend homeowners use the 7 T’s to mosquito control: Tip, Toss, Turn, Remove Tarps, Take Care, Team Up, and Treat.

About DC Mosquito Squad:
Protect your family and pets from the nuisance and dangers of mosquitoes and other outdoor pests. Get rid of them with Mosquito Squad, the original and most trusted mosquito eliminator since 2005. Mosquito Squad of Greater Washington, DC has proudly been serving the DC region since 2008. Popular services include: 21-Day Traditional Mosquito Barrier Protection, 14-Day All-Natural Mosquito Protection, Intensive Tick Treatment, and Special Event Treatment. Additional Client Services available: Fire Ants, Fleas, Flies, Gnats & No-see-ums. Schedule your mosquito control treatment by calling (571) 364-6956 and find a service that is right for your family here. 

This post was written in partnership with D.C. Mosquito Squad who is providing standard barrier treatment for our yard this summer.

*Data for this ranking was collected and determined by the number of services provided in 2018 by more than 200 national Mosquito Squad locations and national sales from Mosquito Squad’s tick control tube partner, Thermacell, between 2018 and 2019.