Mosquito Season in the State of Indiana

County fairs, picnics next to a lake, and race cars rumbling at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are just some of the images evoked when considering the summer months in the State of Indiana. There is an annual nuisance that results in less than favorable conditions in Indiana, and that is mosquito season. These insects usually emerge onto the scene in the late part of April and remain active all the way through to the beginning of the month of October. Peak annoyances occur from June until August

The arrival of mosquito season is mostly driven by the warmer temperatures and the abundance of moisture within the state. In most instances, these insects are a mild biting irritant; however, there are several species that have the potential to transmit the West Nile Virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis. Documented, there are 55 different species of mosquitoes in the State of Indiana. Up to 15 of these hold a high level of significance when it comes to public health. By gaining a basic understanding of their biology, the habitats that they prefer, and specific strategies used to control them, you will have a greater enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Climate and Landscape

The State of Indiana has a climate that is identified as “humid continental”. There is a high level of humidity and heat during the summer months. In most instances, the state receives about 40 inches of rain each year. When combined, these conditions create ideal environments for mosquitoes. The relative humidity mostly stays above 50%. The temperatures vary from 70°F to 90°f. These all help create populations fast, with rapid development occurring from the egg stage to the adult stage.

The state has a relatively flat terrain. There is a highly extensive number of river systems. These aid in creating seasonal floods that aid in the hatching process of many species that thrive in flood waters. Retention ponds, stormwater containers, bird baths, agricultural-based ditches, and similar areas serve as sites for breeding. Most of the mosquitoes throughout the state originate in residential areas and not in bodies of water, such as lakes.

Species

There are many species of mosquitoes that dominate the landscape and are of concern in terms of public health. The following outlines these species:

• Culex Pipiens – This is also known as the “Northern House Mosquito”. It is a primary vector of WNV. It feeds at night and breeds in water that is stagnant, such as that that is in a bird bath.
• Aedes Vexans – This is an inland species that develops in flooded lands. It is highly aggressive, bites in an aggressive manner, and comes out in large numbers immediately following melting snow or rain. These are capable of traveling long distances.
• Aedes Triseriatus – This is also known as the “Tree Hole Mosquito”. It is a vector of the “La Crosse” version of encephalitis, especially in the wooded areas of the southern counties in the state.
• Aedes Albopictus – This is also called the “Asian Tiger Mosquito”. This is an invasive species that bites during the daytime hours. This type of mosquito breeds mostly inside artificial containers such as flowerpots. It is found across the entire State of Indiana.
• Culiseta Melanura – This type of species plays a role in the development of rare viruses that occur throughout the state and beyond.

Dynamics of the Season

The mosquito is an insect that undergoes a complete metamorphosis. They start as an egg, move on to the larva, the pupa, and the adult. Most of the different species overwinter as eggs, or they engage in the insemination of females in spots that are sheltered. The warm temperatures in the spring trigger the hatching to occur. Under summer conditions, the aquatic-based stages are capable of being completed in up to 10 days, which allows for the overlapping of generations.

The peak activity associated with mosquito season in the State of Indiana occurs in July and August when the temperatures and humidity are at their highest. By late summer, the threat of contracting the West Nile Virus has increased significantly. Once the first hard freeze occurs, activity starts to die down. This usually happens in late October or early November.

The Leading Mosquito-Borne Illness

West Nile Virus is considered to be the leading mosquito-borne illness in Indiana. It first arrived in the state in the year of 2002. That year, alone, it resulted in the development of nearly 300 cases. That was the largest outbreak for the state that is currently on record. It is a virus that seems to fluctuate with the patterns in the weather. Lower numbers of cases have occurred recently.

Birds are actually considered to be the primary reservoir. The mosquitoes serve as a bridge to this virus between people and horses. The Department of Health has performed surveillance through the means of trapping, reporting on dead birds, and sentinel chickens. If positive cases are confirmed, there is a prompt level of targeted control. When people become infected with the virus, the infection is asymptomatic. In most cases, the illness is mild; however, a neurological form of the illness can result in the development of nerve issues in the older adult population.

Other Diseases

There are several other diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes. These include La Crosse encephalitis and Eastern equine encephalitis. These often prompt horse owners to get their horses vaccinated. There is another disease, too. It is called St. Louis encephalitis.

Managing Mosquitoes

Controlling mosquitoes in an effective manner includes combining surveillance techniques, reducing populations at their source, agents that are biological in nature, and pesticides that are designed specifically for the termination of mosquitoes. Below, we have outlined information pertaining to each of these management methods:

1. Surveillance – You may use light traps that are baited in order to gain effective control over mosquitoes.
2. Reducing at the Source – This means taking steps such as getting rid of stagnant or standing water, maintaining the gutter system on your home, covering any rain barrels or stormwater gathering tools, and cleaning storm drains. Even managing retention ponds is a good strategy for eliminating mosquitoes.
3. Biological Agents – These include larvicides and mosquitofish in waters that are contained.
4. Chemical Agents – These include larvicides in basins used to catch in, adulticide at dusk when the weather is appropriate, and similar strategies.
5. Education – County Health Departments have materials regarding mosquitoes and their health risks in the State of Indiana.

Protecting YourSELF

There are many techniques that you may use to protect yourself from bites and diseases from mosquitoes. The following outlines some of the most common steps:

1. You should use a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or the oil of lemon-based eucalyptus.
2. When you are going to be outside at dusk and at dawn, you should wear clothing that has long sleeves and long pants.
3. The windows of your home should have protective screens installed on them to protect the indoor area from an invasion of mosquitoes.
4. To avoid issues with mosquitoes, you can treat your clothing and your gear with permethrin.
5. You may use fans outside in order to protect yourself from all flying insects.
6. If you own and/or operate an agricultural site, you should make sure that there are drainage troughs put into place and that you use fans in your barns.
7. In April and May, you should inspect your property, install screens on your windows and outside doors, and start with the act of reducing sources.
8. In June, July, and August, you should make sure that your empty containers that include stagnant water and other forms of moisture that mosquitoes may find appealing. You should also use repellents and monitor any local alerts for your area.
9. In September and October, you should stay highly attentive until the first hard freeze. You should be sure that you take the time to winterize items that hold water.

Conclusion

Mosquito season in the State of Indiana is a predictable occurrence that takes place each year due to the landscape and the climate of the state. By becoming attentive to the development of infestations, you can typically stay on top of them.

If you find that the county is doing little to help you, contact us here today at All Pest. We are fully capable of handling any mosquito infestation. Additionally, we can tell you how the infestation started, and we can give you tips on how to avoid a future infestation.

Hoosiers can reduce nuisance bites from mosquitoes and can reduce the risk of disease transmission from mosquitoes. You just have to consider integrating the health measures and prevention strategies outlined in this guide. By implementing this information, you can greatly reduce the possibility of being negatively impacted by new mosquito populations this upcoming season. For more information or to set up an appointment, call us here at All Pest at the following number: 765-965-2171