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Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas?

Dallas, Texas skyline

As homeowners in Dallas, Texas, know we have large mosquito populations. Unfortunately, our city offers the conditions that mosquitoes love: warm, humid weather, plenty of rain and mild winters.

Contact a pest control service if you’re dealing with a mosquito problem on your property.

Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Dallas?

Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid climates, so Dallas is an ideal home for these pests.

Dallas has so many mosquitoes because the city has warm weather nearly year-long, with summertime temperatures consistently over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Dallas also enjoys fairly mild winters, which allows mosquitoes to have an extra-long breeding season.

Cold weather can significantly reduce mosquito populations, which is why they like to reside in warmer places like Dallas.

Another factor is humidity. Mosquitoes require moisture to breed, and humid air creates the perfect damp environment. In Dallas, humidity remains high in the spring, summer and fall seasons. Mosquitoes can reproduce and multiply more rapidly in these conditions.

Rainy Season and Mosquitoes in Dallas

While mosquitoes hate cold weather, they love rain. These pests lay their eggs in water and live underwater through several life phases until they emerge as adults. Heavy rain fills up ponds, puddles and other water sources around your home.

Precipitation in Dallas can vary, ranging from less than 20 inches of rain a rear to more than 50 inches. May is often the wettest month in Dallas; however, the city typically gets ample rain throughout the spring and early fall months.

During rainy months, it’s important for homeowners to stay vigilant about mosquito problems. Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to breed and lay their eggs in. Even a flowerpot or clogged gutter could become a breeding ground for hundreds of mosquito eggs and larvae.

It’s important to inspect your property often during the rainy months. Eliminate standing water spots whenever possible. You should also ask a pest control professional to inspect your property because they will likely spot mosquito breeding spots you miss.

Mild Winters in Dallas

Mosquitoes hate cold temperatures. Homeowners in cold climates typically get a break from mosquitoes during the winter months. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Dallas.

While Dallas may experience some cold weather, it does not typically last long enough to ward off mosquito populations. You must address the adults and eggs to fully control a mosquito infestation.

Mosquitoes in Dallas may stop breeding during the winter months, but they can still survive. In areas with milder temperatures, some adult mosquitoes become inactive once cool weather starts and hibernate to make it through the winter. Then, they begin breeding again when the weather warms up enough.

Mosquitoes in Urban Settings

Dallas’ urban setting is another reason the city has a large mosquito population. City structures trap water and create many places for mosquitoes to lay eggs. For example, an abandoned tire can become a mosquito breeding ground after a storm or heavy rain. Outdoor furniture, construction sites and storm drains filled with water are also viable options.

In urban and suburban neighborhoods, unmaintained yards become a paradise for mosquitoes. Messy yards provide plenty of shelter for mosquitoes. Untreated pools, playscapes and pet bowls are also attractive to these pests.

The more breeding locations mosquitoes have access to, the harder it is to control an infestation. The most effective way to control mosquitoes in Dallas is to work with a pest control professional. An expert can identify their breeding locations and create a treatment plan. They can also answer your questions about these pests, like how big mosquitoes are.

a mosquito on skin

What Part of the Body Do Mosquitoes Bite the Most?

Mosquitoes are frustrating pests that bite humans and pets. Mosquitoes can even carry dangerous diseases, so it’s important to protect yourself against them.

What part of the body do mosquitoes bite the most? Mosquitoes do not discriminate and will bite any skin that they can access. However, you will most likely get bitten around exposed areas of skin, such as around your ankles, face, arms, legs and the back of your neck. Mosquito bites on your feet can be especially frustrating.

These areas are most likely to be left uncovered by clothing, especially in the summer months when mosquitoes are very active. For example, you’re more likely to wear shorts, skirts and shirts with low collars, exposing your skin.

A few other factors play into why mosquitoes bite certain parts of the body more often. First, different parts of your skin have different levels of bacteria. Certain spots with a higher level of skin bacteria, such as your feet and ankles, are more appealing to mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are also attracted to warmth, so body heat plays a role in where they bite. Your head, neck and armpits produce more heat than other body parts, especially when you’re outside in warm weather. It’s common to notice bites in the areas after a long time spent outdoors.

Another factor is sweat, which is highly attractive to mosquitoes. The more you sweat, the more you attract these pests to your skin. It’s important to apply mosquito spray if you plan to exercise outside in warm weather.

Next, mosquitoes find their prey by sensing carbon dioxide. For this reason, it’s best not to exercise during peak mosquito hours.

Everyone’s body chemistry is different, and some people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves and pants is a great first step to help reduce the chance of getting bitten.

You can also avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors during peak mosquito hours around dusk and dawn.

The best way to control these pests around your home is to work with a professional pest control service to treat all types of mosquitoes.

a mosquito bite

Does B12 Prevent Mosquito Bites?

Several at-home tips and tricks claim to deal with mosquitoes. One of these claims is that taking vitamin B12 will prevent pesky mosquito bites. The idea is that B12 alters your body chemistry and makes your skin less appealing to mosquitoes. Some even say that taking B12 produces a body scent that mosquitoes actively dislike.

While this theory is alluring, there’s no scientific evidence to back it up. There have been some studies that have looked at the effect of vitamin B12 on mosquitoes, but they have been ruled inconclusive.

Luckily, there are several proven ways to prevent mosquito bites. The first is by using insect repellent. Products with DEET, picaridin or eucalyptus oil are proven to be the most effective.

Next, since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, wearing light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors may spare you from their bites. Covering your skin by wearing long sleeves and pants will also lessen their opportunities.

Installing mosquito nets and screens around your home is also a good idea. Using screens on your windows and doors will help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Mosquitoes reproduce in water, so eliminating standing water spots around your property can go a long way in avoiding mosquito bites. Dump and refresh the water in flower pots, bird baths and pet bowls regularly. Additionally, after it rains, eliminate standing water from your gutters, unused tires and any other areas where rainwater collects.

Finally, you can avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes by staying indoors during peak mosquito hours during dawn and dusk.

Work with a pest control professional for a long-term solution to your mosquito problem. The experts have the best tools and expertise to control a mosquito population. They can also help you put prevention methods in place to deter these pests from coming back.

Take Back Your Dallas Home From Mosquitoes

Dallas is a highly attractive city to mosquitoes, but residents don’t have to suffer. By working with a qualified pest control service, you can control these pests on your property and put prevention methods in place that help deter them in the future.

ABC Can Help With Your Mosquito Problem

Between the numerous diseases that mosquitoes can transmit and the itchiness of mosquito bites, it’s understandable to want as few of these pests on your property as possible. With the help of the mosquito control specialists at ABC Home & Commercial Services, your home and yard can be a safe haven from these pests. We’ll put measures in place to halt the mosquitoes’ reproductive cycle, as well as eliminate adult mosquitoes and offer you advice on how to make your home less appealing to these annoying pests.

Russell Jenkins

Russell Jenkins is the VP of Business Development for ABC Home and Commercial Services in North Texas. Russell has been working as part of the ABC Family since he was 12 years old under the direction of his father, Owner Dennis Jenkins, and has since held several leadership roles at ABC. Russell holds a degree in Agricultural Leadership from Texas A&M University, and is a Food Safety Specialist. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and two children, playing tennis, and gaming.

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