When is Mosquito Season in Alaska
Mosquitoes are a nuisance wherever you go. From the humid marshes of Florida to the jungles of South America, mosquitoes can breed practically anywhere. This includes regions like the Alaskan wilderness, which can sustain a level of biodiversity that may surprise anyone who doesn't live there. So, how exactly do mosquitoes breed in Alaska? When is mosquito season, and how can you prevent mosquitoes from ruining the warmer months? In this article, we'll discuss how mosquitoes survive in Alaska, when to expect them and how to keep your summers mosquito-free.
Can Mosquitoes Breed in Alaska?
As previously mentioned, mosquitoes are very resilient pests. They can breed almost anywhere in the world, including regions like Alaska that have longer winter seasons than other regions. There are multiple types of mosquitoes across the world, and some are more resistant to colder climates than others. This is especially true for mosquito eggs, which are designed to survive for long periods.
You might wonder where mosquitoes go during the winter months. Depending on the species, mosquitoes hibernate either as adults or in embryos throughout the winter. Mosquitoes will take up residence in animal burrows or hollow logs or anything similar and wait out the winter by entering a state of dormancy. In colder regions, mosquito eggs are laid by the last generation of females in late summer. Once the winter ends and the air warms, these eggs hatch, giving birth to the first generation of mosquitoes each year.
This is also true for Alaskan mosquitoes, where mosquito eggs freeze and thaw in late spring, which begins mosquito season. This can result in hordes of mosquitoes filling the landscape each year.
Mosquito Breeding Locations
So, where exactly do mosquitoes breed in Alaska? Now that we know how they survive the winter, just where are they coming from? Because of how snowy Alaskan winters can be, much of the melted snow makes for prime breeding locations for mosquitoes during the warmer months. As this snow and ice melts, it accumulates on the flat areas of Alaska, and ponds, marshes, bogs and fields that hold frozen water become melted and wet once again. All of this accumulated water provides many locations for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and repopulate, leading to high amounts of pests throughout late spring and summer.
The mosquitoes that survive the winter typically come from hollowed-out or covered locations across the ground or in forests. This includes fallen trees, manmade containers, ponds that do not entirely freeze, ground covered in fallen leaves and beneath loose tree bark. These locations help keep the mosquito eggs from becoming too cold or from being destroyed by ice and water.
When do Mosquitoes Breed in Alaska?
Mosquito season in Alaska is similar to mosquito season anywhere else. It begins when the weather warms up and ends when the temperature drops. Mosquitoes require a temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to survive, though certain species of mosquitoes can survive in temperatures lower than this. In Alaska, this period is shorter than in other locations, so mosquito season tends to be shorter as well. Typically, mosquito season begins in late May or early June and ends in late August or early September with the population spiking throughout July.
Due to the size of Alaska, this season and the population of mosquitoes can change dramatically. For example, cities like Anchorage and areas along the coastline or in the mountains tend to be relatively mosquito-free. Mosquitoes need still air and consistent, humid weather to thrive, so a light breeze or rainy day will also dissuade them from biting visitors or residents.
Preventing Mosquitoes from Breeding
As mentioned, not everywhere in Alaska has a mosquito problem - but you'll still run into these pests throughout the state. If you're one of the lucky individuals who lives in a mosquito-free region of Alaska, you won't need to take precautions to prevent them from breeding. But if you live in the south-central areas of Alaska or if you're visiting for vacation or to do some hiking during the summer months, you'll need to take some precautions to prevent them from reproducing.
One of the easiest ways to prevent Alaskan mosquitoes from reproducing is to eliminate standing water. This includes shallow locations on your property, hollows created by manmade objects, trash bins, bird baths and other areas where water can collect when snow melts or after rainfall. Raking and gathering leaves before winter can also prevent mosquitoes from hibernating close to the soil and help slow down their reproduction during mosquito season. You may also want to locate any logs, stumps or dying trees where mosquitoes might be hiding during winter.
Eliminating Your Mosquito Problem Altogether
Removing mosquito breeding locations can only do so much, however. If you live near a wooded location, by a pond or are simply visiting Alaska, you will likely still have to contend with these pests. By investing in some of the services offered by MosquitoNix®, you can keep mosquitoes off your property, away from events and from bothering you during your travels.
Mosquito misting systems utilize nozzles installed across your property and deliver a fine mist of all-natural mosquito control solution into the air on a timer or at the touch of a button. This solution is eco-friendly and biodegradable and only harms pests like mosquitoes, so you won't need to worry about your family or pets. QuickNix® mosquito fogging treatments can eliminate mosquitoes for up to two weeks, making them great for outdoor events or rented cabins while on trips. MosquitoNix On-The-Go is a portable misting system that keeps mosquitoes away for up to 300 square feet, making it great for visitors and travelers.
With these tips, tricks and solutions, you can keep mosquitoes from ruining your time in Alaska. For more information, contact us today and get rid of your mosquito problem for good.
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