If you’ve lived in Louisiana long enough, you know the familiar whine of a mosquito is a sign that things are about to get itchy.
For homeowners from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, the return of mosquito season is a health concern and a quality-of-life issue. If you’re wondering when the battle begins each year, you’re not alone.
Let’s break down when mosquito season starts in Louisiana, what triggers it, and most importantly, what you can do to protect your home and your family.
Key Takeaways
• Mosquito season in Louisiana starts around late February and brings mosquito bites and illness risks as spring moves in.
• Warm temperatures, muggy weather, and leftover rainwater help mosquitoes grow fast and show up earlier than most people expect.
• Mosquitoes in Louisiana bite during the day and night, which makes them hard to avoid without real prevention steps.
• The best way to stay protected is by clearing water, using repellent, adding fans, and calling in professionals.
When Mosquito Season in Louisiana Begins and What It Brings
Mosquito season in Louisiana typically starts as early as late February or early March and ramps up quickly through the spring. By April, full-scale mosquito activity is usually in motion.
And when they come, they bring more than just itchy mosquito bites. They also bring the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and Zika virus, both of which have been reported in southern Louisiana.
The early start of the season also means mosquito populations can grow quickly, turning your backyard into a breeding ground if you’re not prepared.
Once they start breeding, a few mosquitoes can turn into an infestation fast.
Why Mosquito Season Starts Early in Louisiana
There’s a reason mosquito season starts so early around here. In Southern Louisiana, the weather and environment give mosquitoes everything they need to get going fast.
Here’s what makes our region such a hotspot for early activity:
Warm Temperatures Come Early
Southern Louisiana rarely sees a hard winter. By late February, temperatures often climb above 50°F, which is all mosquitoes need to become active.
In cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where mild winters are the norm, mosquito season kicks off much earlier than in northern states.
High Humidity Speeds up the Life Cycle
Humidity isn’t just uncomfortable. It speeds up mosquito breeding.
Mosquitoes thrive in damp, muggy environments, and with humidity levels consistently high in the spring and summer, they complete their life cycle faster and multiply quicker.
That’s why they seem to explode overnight once the weather changes.
Abundant Breeding Sites
From forgotten toys and flowerpots to old tires and bird baths, there’s no shortage of mosquito breeding spots around Louisiana homes.
The rainy spring season doesn’t help either, leaving puddles and standing water behind as ideal habitats for larvae to develop.
Variety of Mosquito Species
Louisiana is home to several mosquito species, including those that prefer to bite during the day and others that are more active at night.
This makes controlling them especially difficult. There’s no break from the swatting.
What to Do When Mosquito Season Starts
Mosquito season doesn’t give you much warning. One day it’s a few bites, the next it feels like a full-on swarm. Once it starts, here’s what you should do to keep your yard from turning into a mosquito hangout:
Eliminate Standing Water Around Your Home
The number one thing you can do is eliminate breeding sites, like standing water. That means checking anything that can hold water for more than a day. Buckets, clogged gutters, pet bowls, and even small dips in your yard can become breeding grounds.
Be thorough. Mosquitoes don’t need much water to get going.
Invest in Proven Mosquito Repellents
Use EPA-approved mosquito repellents like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when you’re outside. These insect repellents are effective at keeping mosquitoes off your skin and reducing the chances of mosquito bites.
Wearing long sleeves and pants can also help, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks.
Install and Maintain Outdoor Protection Systems
If you’re frequently outside, consider installing fans on patios or adding a mosquito repellent system. They are weak fliers, and something as simple as a box fan can drastically reduce bites in a small area.
Use Professional Mosquito Control
Once mosquito season starts in Louisiana, it moves fast. DIY efforts may help, but professional mosquito control is the best way to get year-round relief.
Waiting too long to act means dealing with skyrocketing mosquito populations, itchy bites, and increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, we offer same-day mosquito treatments, Saturday service, and expert technicians who know exactly how to deal with unique local challenges, from the bayous of Thibodaux to the neighborhoods of Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
We combine monthly fogging treatments, which target larvae and adult mosquitoes at their source, right where they breed.
Don’t let mosquito season take over your yard. Call LaJaunie’s today for fast, local help you can count on.
