How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida, is home to some of the best beaches and outdoor activities. But as much as we love soaking up the sun on Jacksonville Beach or hiking the Timucuan Trail, there’s one thing that can put a damper on the fun: mosquitoes! So let’s talk about how to get rid of mosquitoes in Jacksonville.

12 Tips to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Jacksonville

As a Northerner, I’ve always been envious of the beaches, theme parks, and tropical climate that Jacksonville homeowners enjoy year-round. However, I also know about the constant battle against mosquitoes that carry mosquito-borne diseases. 

Thankfully, there are many ways to combat these pesky insects. Below are the 12 best tips for mosquito control and prevention in your Jacksonville yard. 

Check them out:

1. Spray the yard with a mosquito yard spray for mosquito control. Yard sprays last for several weeks up to three months (depending on your chosen product).
2. Eliminate all standing water from recycling bins, trash cans, pool areas, uncovered boats, hot tub covers, etc. To avoid this chore, drill holes in recycling containers and trash cans so they drain on their own.
3. Clean out gutters of leaves and debris regularly. Repair any damage that you find. 
4. Scrub and clean, and then overturn your flowerpot saucers.
5. Live the “mosquito-free lifestyle” in the 21st century with a mosquito-repellent device. These devices keep mosquitoes away by using repellent mats so you can enjoy mosquito-free evenings with family and friends.
6. “Dunk” with a larvicide known as a mosquito dunk in your birdbath, fountain, or ornamental pond. This non-toxic product is safe for humans, pets, and fish but is a deadly dinner for those mosquito larvae. 
7. Get mosquitofish, which eat mosquito larvae, for your ornamental pond.
8. Treat your bromeliad plants. They hold water between their leaves, creating the perfect place to breed and lay eggs. Three ways to prevent this are:
   • Hose down the plant weekly to flush any larvae out. 
   • Use non-stick cooking spray or put a few drops of cooking oil in the standing water. (The oil covers the water’s surface and will suffocate the larva when it comes to the surface to breathe.)
   • Add a larvicide like Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) to your plant.
9. Be a fan of the fan. Mosquitoes are lousy flyers, so disorient them and disrupt your carbon dioxide and sweat scents by moving the air with a fan.
   • Use a pedestal floor fan to move air around outside.
   • Install a ceiling fan if you have a porch or enclosed area that is structurally sound enough.
10. Add plants that repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes detest the smell of citronella, rosemary, basil, and marigolds. These work best when burned or used as essential oils.
11. Repair holes or rips in screens around your house. 
12. Avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.

How Can I Protect Myself Against Mosquito Bites in my Jacksonville Yard?

Mosquito bites should always be avoided due to the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, infections, and allergic reactions. Here are some ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Apply mosquito repellent on your skin. Repellents are available in sprays, wipes, lotions, and roll-ons, to name a few. (Use those containing one of the following EPA-registered active ingredients: DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), picaridin, p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.)
• Wear insect-repellent clothing.
• Be bright and be covered! Mosquitoes prefer darker colors, so wear lighter colors, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

When is Mosquito Season in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville’s mosquito season typically runs from February to around November, though since it is in northern Florida, the season may end a little earlier than in Central and South Florida. The “sweet spot” for mosquitoes is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit; that’s when they are on “the top of their game” regarding breeding, laying eggs, and biting us.

Average Temperature in Jacksonville

Jacksonville experiences two seasons: hot and cool. Since mosquitoes thrive at temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (hot season) and die or go dormant when temperatures drop below 50 degrees (cool season), I wanted to give you a peek at the average temperature in Jacksonville, so you’ll know when they get especially active. 

Mosquitoes and the “Hot”  Season

The hot season lasts from around May to September, with the average daily high above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the hottest month of the year, with average temps from 74 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Mosquitoes love hot, humid weather, and they thrive in any temp around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so expect those female blood-suckers (the ones that bite us) to be rampant during this season. 

Mosquitoes and the “Cool’ Season

The cool season lasts from December to February. January is the coldest month, averaging 46 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Female mosquitoes will weather the cold by hibernating in dormancy, depending on the species. Male mosquitoes don’t make it to the cool season because their life span is shorter, and they don’t survive past the breeding season.

Mosquito Life Cycle

So, now that you know about Jacksonville’s mosquito season, let’s go over the mosquito’s life cycle. It’s important to know their reproductive cycle so you can kill them at certain stages in their growth.

Depending on the species and the temperature, the mosquito life cycle can take anywhere from four days to a whole month. However, some species can reproduce in as little as seven to 10 days during warmer temperatures.

Egg/Larva: The easiest way to control mosquito populations is to prevent eggs and larvae from becoming adults. Dump standing water and buy mosquito dunks to place in small ponds and other permanent water sources. Doing so will stop immature mosquitoes from becoming adults.

Pupa: Use oils, films, or liquids to suffocate pupae as they come to the surface of the water to breathe. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are also effective at this stage.

Adult: Use the best mosquito sprays for yards to kill and repel biting females.

Mosquitoes After Hurricanes and Rain

Certain mosquito species will appear in greater numbers after a hurricane or flood, specifically floodwater mosquitoes and standing-water mosquitoes. The reason for this is as follows:

• Floodwater mosquito eggs (Aedes epactius) begin to hatch when dry areas flood. 
• When the floodwater is prevented from flowing anywhere, it becomes standing water. Then, the standing-water mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) step in and lay their eggs in that standing and/or stagnant water. 

Note: Floodwater mosquitoes lay their eggs on moist soil, while standing-water mosquitoes choose a non-flowing water source.

Hurricane Season and Rainy Season

Keeping track of these two seasons in Jacksonville is crucial to ensure you’re ready for possible flooding and an increase in mosquito activity. The Atlantic hurricane season is a significant concern for the area, lasting from June to November. Additionally, Jacksonville experiences a rainy season with three phases, so staying informed and prepared is essential.

The three phases for the rainy season are as follows:

1. Late May through June is when severe storms are most likely to occur. You might see hail with damaging winds and frequent lightning. 
2. July through early September is when the rainy season peaks. Heavy flooding is possible.
3. Mid-September through early October is referred to as the “wind down” phase. This phase might have higher rainfall variability due to the potential tropical and early-fall cold fronts.

Local Resources for Mosquito Control In Jacksonville

The City of Jacksonville’s website has all your mosquito control resources in one place. You can also request a service or notify them of a problem on their MyJax page. Their phone number is also listed on the website, so call them directly to report any issues.

The city’s Mosquito Control technicians inspect areas regularly to decide whether spraying is needed and take proactive measures to control mosquitoes. These actions help prevent infestations and reduce mosquito bites, which can lead to the transmission of West Nile virus, Zika, and other mosquito-borne diseases. 

FAQ

Call In The Pros

Tired of taking on Jacksonville’s skeeters yourself? Pest Gnome connects you to your area’s best pest control experts. These mosquito control services can also help you with mosquito prevention. So, go on that hike and soak up some fun, knowing your property will be protected when you come home.

Main Image Credit: Getty Images / Canva Pro / License

Harley Grandone

Harley Grandone, a writer and landscape designer, enjoys writing blogs. After 20+ years of being a landscape designer for major residential home builders like Toll Brothers, she’s delighted to combine her love of writing with her love of the industry. When not writing, she can be found in the backyard trying to devise new ways to control mosquitoes and prevent the sycamore tree's bark from clogging up the gutters.

Posts by Harley Grandone