Before you know it, these tiny little pests appear to take over Arlington and have a way of making the neighborhood seem to be a no‐fly zone for bug-spray-free humans from one day to the next.
The climate and geography of Arlington and surrounding counties make for a perfect storm for mosquitoes. Inside, you will find practical tips, local context, and neighborhood-level advice on how to reclaim your outdoor spaces. We will also discuss how a good Arlington pest control company can be your strongest trump card in this battle.
Why Mosquitoes Thrive in Arlington’s Summer Climate
The Perfect Breeding Recipe
It also contributes to perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially in Arlington, which is located in Northern Virginia. We get consistent 80-90 degree F temperatures during our summers, just the weather that mosquitoes need to accelerate their life cycle. When it is this warm, mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in 7-10 days rather than the normal two weeks.
Humidity and Rainfall Patterns
Those summer thunderstorms that often rattle through Arlington County result in peak mosquito activity within the next 48 hours. That is because when it comes time for females to lay their eggs, they do so in any standing water they can find, and there is lots of it in our neighborhoods.
Common Mosquito Hiding Spots Around Arlington Homes
Water Collection Areas
There are probably more mosquito breeding sites around your Arlington home than you know. Check these hotspots weekly:
- Gutters and downspouts are a prevalent source of standing water in Arlington, particularly in established areas where leaf litter accumulates to form ideal water bodies.
- Flower pots and planters that hold water under the pot on your patio will contain enough water to fill dozens of mosquito eggs. Buckets, kiddie pools, flimsy toys, and upside-down frisbees are among items forgotten in backyards that collect rainwater, which, in turn, becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Landscaping Features
Arlington homes often have beautiful landscaping that unwittingly creates mosquito breeding grounds. Birdbaths and water features need new water every 3 to 4 days. Mulch holds on to water longer than bare ground does after it rains, and so it provides humid microclimates. One relatively minor thing, like a clogged storm drain on your street, can impact the mosquito population on your whole block.
When DIY Would Not Work
For most Arlington homeowners and property owners, the war on mosquitoes begins at the local hardware store with a bag full of citronella candles, a handful of DEET sprays, or those cute little mosquito repellent plants they picked up at the farmers market. That might buy you a couple of hours of peace during your backyard barbecue, but it is essentially a band-aid on a burst pipe.
The truth is: these approaches merely treat the symptoms, not the root. As you burn the candles and douse yourself with spray, mosquitoes are still breeding in that neglected plant saucer or clogged gutter, only 20 feet away.
This is why so many people here in Arlington decide to leave it to the pest control pros who really get our local neighborhood hurdles. For example, take Green Pest Services. With the help of all of the Arlington families (especially those closest to the Four Mile Run and along the Potomac), they have been able to reach. Their technicians are familiar with the breeding sites in our climate, and they utilize non-toxic treatments that will not affect your family, pets, or pollinators in your garden.
Early season action is your best defense against summertime mosquito misery; do not allow the problem to get out of hand!
