It seems like Long Island has more mosquitoes every year.”
The mosquitoes come out earlier and earlier in the spring and stick around later in the fall.”
We hear comments like these frequently. Long Island residents tell us they’re seeing more mosquitoes, and that they’re encountering them both earlier and later in the year than they have in the past.
It’s not a coincidence that these concerns have come at the same time we’re learning that Long Island’s average temperatures are increasing by more than a half a degree every decade. That may not seem like a big change, but it’s enough to provide a hospitable environment for mosquitoes for a longer period of time each year.
What Type of Climate Do Mosquitoes Like?
The optimal mosquito climate is one with plenty of warmth and humidity – something Long Island has in abundance for an increasing percentage of the year.
Mosquitoes are at their most active around 80° Fahrenheit. They become lethargic at approximately 60° F and do not function at temperatures below 50° F. While mosquitoes don’t tend to venture out in the rain, they love humidity and use standing rainwater to lay eggs and as a nursery for their young.
From time to time, we may experience climate change-fueled periods of drought on Long Island. This might seem like a positive development when it comes to mosquitoes… but there is evidence that, during dry spells, dehydrated mosquitoes may be up to five times more likely to bite.
Is Climate Change Increasing the Number of Mosquitoes?
It’s not just your imagination: a warming climate is contributing to an increase in mosquito populations and in the duration of “mosquito season.” These droning, biting, disease-carrying pests are finding it much easier to thrive due in part to climate change. A warmer climate means more mosquitoes, faster-growing mosquitoes, and more mosquito bites.
Are Mosquitoes Becoming Worse?
When mosquitoes become more numerous in an area, their impact on people, animals, and the ecosystem worsens. Mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya are increasing and spreading to new regions where they previously did not reach.
There is evidence that a warmer climate also accelerates disease incubation time within a mosquito and causes them to bite more often. Mosquito-vector diseases sicken millions of people each year and cause at least a quarter of a million deaths worldwide… making mosquitoes the planet’s deadliest animal.
East End Tick and Mosquito Control® Protects You from Mosquitoes
As mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases increase, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself, your family, and your pets. East End Tick and Mosquito Control® can eliminate mosquitoes on your property and decrease the likelihood they will return. Contact us online or call for a free estimate. If you’re near Southampton, call (631) 287-9700; in East Hampton, call (631) 324-9700; or near Southold, call (631) 765-9700.
What Type of Climate Do Mosquitoes Like in NY?
Serving Southold
