If you’ve lived in Alabama for more than one summer, you know the mosquito season here feels like it just keeps going and going. One minute you’re grilling outside, and the next you’re swatting the air like you’re in a karate class.
So, when do mosquitoes go away in Alabama?
The short answer: they don’t fully disappear until temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on where you live, that might not be until late fall. But there’s a bit more to it than that.
Alabama’s mosquito season lasts much longer than many people expect, which is why mosquito control in Alabama is a year-round concern for homeowners.
Let’s break down how Alabama’s seasons affect mosquito activity and what you can do while they’re still buzzing around.
Key Takeaways
- Mosquitoes show up in March when Alabama warms up and spring rain fills yards with standing water again.
- Mosquito season peaks in summer when hot, humid weather boosts bites and mosquito-borne illnesses across the state.
- Cooler fall and winter temperatures slow mosquitoes down but do not stop them unless it stays cold consistently.
- Bites can be reduced by using repellent, covering up, dumping water, fixing screens, and calling for help.
Mosquito Season in Alabama: What Happens Each Season
To understand when mosquitoes go away in Alabama, it helps to look at how our seasons affect their behavior.
Here’s what you can expect throughout the year:
Spring: The Starting Line for Mosquito Season
In Alabama, mosquito season starts as early as March when the days begin warming into the 60s and 70s, kicking off several months of mosquito activity across the state. Lab studies show they survive and grow best at these levels, with nearly 90% making it to adulthood.
Spring showers fill up everything from clogged gutters to low spots in your yard, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.
Female mosquitoes start laying eggs in standing water, and with our mild winters, some eggs from the previous year are already primed to hatch.
This early jumpstart makes spring an ideal time to start mosquito control efforts.
Summer: Prime Time for Biting and Breeding
Once summer rolls in, especially across central Alabama cities like Birmingham and Huntsville, mosquito activity reaches its peak. High humidity and frequent rainstorms keep breeding sites like birdbaths, pet bowls, and puddles filled up.
It’s also when people spend more time outdoors, leading to more mosquito bites and increased risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, Zika virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis.
The Gulf Coast region stays especially active due to its longer, wetter summers.
Fall: Slowly Saying Goodbye
As temperatures dip below 60 degrees at night, mosquito populations begin to drop. But don’t expect a total break until we see several weeks below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some types of mosquitoes, like the Asian tiger mosquito, are stubborn and stay active later into the season.
That’s why fall is a good time to double down on removing standing water and wearing long sleeves and long pants when you’re outside at dusk.
Winter: A Temporary Break
In northern Alabama or higher elevations, mosquitoes might go away by December.
But across most of the state, especially the southern half, a few warm days in January can bring them back out.
That’s because mosquito species that overwinter as adults, like the Culex, can survive in crawl spaces, basements, and storm drains, just waiting for a warm day to emerge.
What You Can Do Before Mosquitoes Go Away in Alabama
Even before mosquitoes go away for good, there are steps you can take right now to reduce bites and keep them from swarming your home.
Here’s how to make a difference fast:
Eliminate Standing Water Weekly
Mosquitoes lay eggs in water, and they don’t need much.
A bottle cap full is enough. Check gutters, birdbaths, pet bowls, flower pots, and anything else that holds rainwater.
Dumping that water once a week interrupts their life cycle, since it only takes about 7 to 10 days for eggs to become biting adults.
Use the Right Mosquito Repellent
When you’re outdoors, especially in the early morning or late evening, wear mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
These insect repellents are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for protection against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and chikungunya.
Dress for Defense
We know Alabama summers are hot, but if you’re going to be out near water or in the woods, cover up with long pants and long sleeves.
It might not be comfortable, but it’s one of the simplest ways to avoid bites, especially in areas with heavy mosquito populations.
Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Home
Make sure your window and door screens are in good shape.
If mosquitoes are getting inside, it might be time for a screen repair or to check your weather stripping. You’d be surprised how many sneak in through tiny gaps around doors and windows.
Ready for a Mosquito-Free Yard in Alabama?
You shouldn’t have to wait for winter to enjoy your backyard.
At Magic City Pest Control, we offer safe and effective mosquito control services for homeowners in Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re dealing with heavy bites or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help you take back your space from mosquitoes, no matter what time of year it is.
Call us today or request a free quote online to get started on your journey toward a mosquito-free yard!
