Mosquitoes are abundant across Georgia, thriving in the state’s warm temperatures and high humidity. The environment provides ideal conditions for multiple species to breed for a large part of the year. Understanding the timing of their activity and the specific health risks they present is key to effective management. This information details when these insects are most active and outlines strategies to protect yourself and your property.
When Mosquito Activity Peaks in Georgia
Mosquito activity in Georgia is dictated by temperature, resulting in a long season that spans from early spring through late fall. Mosquitoes emerge from overwintering once the average daily temperature consistently rises above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This threshold is usually reached around March and continues until temperatures drop consistently below that mark in late October or early November.
Activity peaks during the summer months (June, July, and August) when heat and humidity accelerate their life cycle and population growth. Different species have distinct biting habits throughout the 24-hour cycle. The Culex species, such as the Southern house mosquito, are most active around dusk, dawn, and into the night.
Conversely, the invasive Aedes species, including the Asian tiger mosquito, are aggressive daytime biters. They are active throughout the day, though biting intensity may increase in the early morning and late afternoon. Protective measures are necessary regardless of the time of day spent outdoors.
Disease Risks Carried by Georgia Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes in Georgia transmit several viruses that pose a public health concern, monitored by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). The state experiences endemic diseases, meaning the virus is maintained within the local cycle of mosquitoes and animals. West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most common endemic threat, primarily transmitted by the Culex species, which feed heavily on birds.
Another locally acquired illness is Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but severe disease that causes swelling of the brain, particularly in freshwater swamp regions. EEE is devastating to horses, but humans are susceptible to infection, often resulting in a high mortality rate. La Crosse Encephalitis Virus (LAC) is also endemic, often affecting children.
Georgia also monitors for travel-associated diseases, acquired by residents traveling to areas where the viruses are widespread. These diseases include Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Malaria. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, both established in Georgia, are competent vectors for transmitting these viruses locally if an imported case is introduced. The DPH conducts surveillance to monitor vector populations and changing risks for arboviral transmission.
Essential Strategies for Prevention and Control
Effective mosquito management relies on a dual approach: personal protection and source reduction on your property. For personal defense, the use of EPA-registered insect repellents is recommended for time spent outdoors. Repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus offer reliable protection against bites.
Wearing clothing that covers the skin provides a physical barrier, especially during peak biting hours. Loose-fitting, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants are effective. Homeowners should also inspect residences to ensure all windows and door screens are intact and fit tightly to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces.
The most impactful control measure is eliminating standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. This practice, often called “Tip ‘n Toss,” should be performed at least once a week after any rainfall. Containers that must be emptied include:
- Old tires
- Flowerpot saucers
- Unused buckets
- Children’s toys
Regularly cleaning clogged gutters is necessary as they trap water and debris, creating an ideal habitat for egg-laying. For water sources that cannot be drained, such as ornamental ponds or rain barrels, the application of larvicides, often called “mosquito dunks,” can kill the developing larvae.