When Do Mosquitoes Become A Problem In Illinois

Mosquito season in Illinois begins around the end of May. That is when they start to appear again and become a problem. Mosquitoes come into our yards uninvited, and feed on us while we feed on tasty barbecued meats from the grill. They nibble on us while we're trying to get a little gardening done. And they do a great job of ruining a graduation party. If you're planning to enjoy your backyard this year, mosquitoes may have other plans for you.

Is this how it is for you? Do you look forward to spring but hate the reappearance of mosquitoes in your backyard? You're not alone. Many homeowners in our area suffer with high mosquito populations, but they don't have to.

There are several ways to reduce and control mosquito populations. Some you can do yourself and others that can be applied by a licensed professional.

DIY Mosquito Reduction

Take a moment to look out your window into your backyard. Do you see any toys lying in your yard that can be a container for rainwater? Do you see any tarps, tires, wheelbarrows, birdbaths, or other objects that can hold water? If you have stagnant water in your yard, there is a good chance mosquitoes took notice of it last fall, and right now there may be eggs in those standing water reservoirs. If you go out into your yard and empty all of that pooled-up water onto the ground, you can stop those eggs from developing into adult mosquitoes in the spring. This is a good preventative measure that you can do all year long.

Sometimes, it isn't possible to address stagnant water in this way. Sometimes it is a condition that is causing water to pool, such as an obstructed gutter system or a leaky exterior spigot. If you have conditions in your yard that promote water collection, it is a good idea to remedy them before spring gets here.

It may seem trivial to empty out still water to stop mosquitoes, but it has a bigger impact than you might think. Most mosquitoes don't travel more than a few hundred yards in their entire life. When you're being bitten by a mosquito in your backyard, it is likely that mosquito hatched in your backyard.