A cool spring has delayed the inevitable mosquito season around the Southeast this summer.
Despite a mild winter, the Southeast experienced a relatively frigid spring, causing the number of mosquitoes flying around in May and June to drop.
The lower the temperature stays, the more lethargic mosquitos become. They are cold-blooded insects, unable to regulate their body temperature. Mosquitos function at their best in 80-degree weather, become more lethargic in 60-degree weather, and cannot function in temperatures of 50 degrees or lower.
The cold weather also slows down their development cycle, impeding early-season mosquito and other vector populations.
While the cool temperatures have undoubtedly helped keep the mosquitos at bay, Georgia is still home to 63 different mosquito species. Not all mosquito species respond to cold temperatures the same way. The Asian bush mosquito likes it cool and is already active in the region.
Many mosquitoes are still expected to arrive in the coming weeks. As the weather is expected to get warmer, mosquito prevention becomes even more important. Keeping backyards and communities free of standing water helps in keeping the mosquitos away. Light-colored clothes and a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellent should protect you from mosquito bites.
