If you have spent a winter in Fort Lauderdale, you already likely know that mosquitoes don’t take any seasonal breaks. The area’s dense vegetation, environmental features, and warm, humid weather support mosquito populations throughout the year. Since these pests never go away, it is important to know how to protect your family from mosquito bites and the hazards they introduce.
Continue reading to learn how to keep your family safe.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Lauderdale’s subtropical climate supports mosquito activity all year.
- Environmental features common in Fort Lauderdale, like dense vegetation and standing water, support mosquito activity.
- Professional mosquito control is the best way to remain mosquito-free in every season.
→ Schedule Same-Day Mosquito Control in Fort Lauderdale
Why Mosquitoes Never Really Go Away in Fort Lauderdale
Mosquitoes in Fort Lauderdale are very well adapted to the subtropical climate and can easily find places to reproduce no matter what month it is. Most of the species in the area have also developed resistances to popular treatment methods, making them especially difficult to manage.
To develop a successful mosquito control strategy, it can be helpful to understand exactly what helps them thrive.
Fort Lauderdale’s Climate is Ideal for Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes need two things to thrive: moisture and warmth. Fort Lauderdale receives about 60 inches of rainfall each year, and the city rarely experiences cold weather.
Average temperatures in Fort Lauderdale rarely fall below 70°F, which means even the coolest temperatures are still well within a safe range for mosquito populations. Even in rare instances when winter temperatures briefly dip to the mid-40s°F, microclimates (like gutters, storm drains, and dense leaf litter) and the ability of mosquito eggs to withstand cooler temperatures ensure survival.
For most of the year, the warm, humid conditions support rapid development and a fast life cycle.
Urban and Coastal Habitats are Ideal for Breeding
Another reason that mosquito populations thrive in Fort Lauderdale is that there are many urban and coastal habitats that provide shelter and breeding sites for these pests.
Fort Lauderdale, AKA “The Venice of America,” has an extensive canal system that provides perfect conditions for mosquitoes to reproduce. Any neighborhood near one of these canals is at risk of continuous mosquito activity.
Residential areas with poor drainage create a similar problem. Without proper maintenance, it is not uncommon to see standing water remain in clogged gutters, ditches, uneven yards, flat roofs, and storm drains long after a rain. All it takes is a small amount of water for mosquitoes to breed.
Public Parks and Green Spaces Provide Refuge
In addition to breeding sites, mosquitoes also need places to rest during the day. Fort Lauderdale can get very hot, and these insects need shady areas to take refuge in. Fortunately for them, there are plenty of public parks and green spaces in Fort Lauderdale to choose from.
The dense vegetation in places like Snyder Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and many others creates safe spaces for mosquitoes by trapping moisture, blocking wind, and providing shade. When these green spaces are near water (like retention ponds, canals, or irrigation runoff), mosquito populations become very active.
Health Risks of Year-Round Mosquito Activity
The fact that mosquitoes thrive so easily in Southern Florida is bad news for Fort Lauderdale residents. Mosquitoes are vectors that spread dangerous diseases and parasites to humans and animals, and there have been many alarming reports of mosquito-related illnesses in the area.
Common Disease-Carrying Species
The three most common vectors in the Fort Lauderdale area are the yellow fever mosquito, the Asian tiger mosquito, and the southern house mosquito. They can all be found near homes in the area, especially when canals and parks are nearby.
Diseases That Affect Humans
Several mosquito-related diseases are consistently reported in the Fort Lauderdale area. The yellow fever mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito are known for spreading dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. The Southern House Mosquito is a known vector of West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Diseases and Parasites That Affect Pets
There are also several diseases and parasites in Fort Lauderdale that can affect pets. One parasite that causes particular concern is the heartworm parasite. It is most commonly spread by the Southern House Mosquito, but most of the region’s mosquito species can carry it.
→ Protect your family and pets — book a mosquito inspection in Fort Lauderdale.
Year-Round Mosquito Prevention for Homeowners
The best way to protect your family and pets from mosquito bites and the illnesses that come with them is to be consistent with your treatment strategy. You also want to follow an integrated pest management approach that allows you to identify, eliminate, and prevent mosquito infestations as much as possible.
Here are some things you can do to protect your family.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes need standing water to breed, so managing planters, gutters, birdbaths, and anything else that holds water can help you keep breeding sites away from your home.
- Maintain Your Landscaping: Keep overgrown vegetation trimmed to reduce shaded resting areas, especially near water sources where mosquitoes may be breeding.
- Reinforce Physical Barriers: Ensure that all of your screens are working correctly. Any small holes or tears should be repaired, and screens with large mesh should be replaced. Fans can also be used to create a boundary.
- Use EPA-Approved Treatments: Repellents that have been approved by the EPA are generally safe to use and can be effective when used correctly. Products with DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most common.
While all of these methods can offer some relief and protection from mosquitoes, complete protection often requires a more targeted and comprehensive approach.
Seasonal Prevention Focus
Season | Main Mosquito Risks in Fort Lauderdale | How to Protect Your Family |
Winter | Warm spells allow mosquitoes to stay active around canals and shaded yards. | Eliminate standing water weekly and keep screens and door seals intact to prevent indoor bites. |
Spring | Increased rainfall and humidity jump-start breeding in gutters, planters, and drains. | Apply larvicides to standing water and schedule a professional inspection before summer. |
Summer | The peak mosquito season presents the highest risk for bites and disease transmission. | Use EPA-approved repellents, wear long sleeves outdoors, and get professional barrier treatment for your yard. |
Fall | Persistent heat and rain keep mosquitoes active longer than expected. | Maintain monthly yard treatments, clear debris, and continue protecting pets with heartworm preventatives. |
How Professional Mosquito Control Protects Families Long-Term
Applying an effective integrated pest management plan in a DIY context can be challenging. A professional mosquito control service can handle mosquito infestations quickly and effectively, providing guaranteed results and peace of mind. Technicians do this by eliminating breeding sites, reducing adult mosquitoes, and taking steps to prevent future infestations.
Here at Nextgen Pest Solutions, we customize our mosquito treatments to target the exact species that we are dealing with for the fastest results possible. We also provide follow-up services and continuous prevention services for high-risk areas.
With the consistent, professional mosquito services we provide, you can finally enjoy your outdoor spaces in Fort Lauderdale without worrying about constant bites and health risks.
→ Contact Nextgen Pest Control today for a free on-site inspection and same-day service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day are mosquitoes most active in Fort Lauderdale?
The most common time to see mosquitoes is at dawn or dusk when the weather is a bit cooler. However, some species, like the yellow fever mosquito, remain active during the day in shaded areas.
Do citronella candles and yard sprays actually work?
Citronella candles can offer some relief as repellents, but they don’t do anything to reduce mosquito populations.
Can mosquitoes breed inside my home?
Yes, and they do it all the time. Mosquitoes can easily breed in plant saucers, pet water bowls, and vases. The best way to prevent this from happening is to regularly empty and clean the containers.
How quickly do professional treatments work?
There are many variables to consider, but most treatments offer relief within the first 48 hours.
