![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/MosquitoesWLafFeb22_2017_2.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo provided by Purdue Extension – Entomology<\/p><\/div>\n
Indiana saw record amounts of rainfall in August, resulting in flooding across the state. These rain events and flooding, along with a warm start to September, have created the perfect storm of conditions for a large boom in mosquito populations. Although flooding itself may temporarily wash away some mosquito larvae, the standing water left behind as floodwaters recede can provide abundant new breeding habitat. Floodwater is one of several important mosquito breeding environments in Indiana, along with woodland pools, slow-moving streams, ditches, marshes and the edges of lakes.<\/p>\n
Indiana is home to more than 50 species of mosquitoes, and different species use different types of water for reproduction. Some mosquitoes are associated with floodwater and other natural habitats, while others prefer smaller, humanmade containers. Following a period of heavy rain, water can collect in old tires, clogged gutters, rain barrels, birdbaths, catch basins, tree cavities and other objects around homes. It\u2019s important to empty these water sources to reduce mosquito populations around the home.<\/p>\n
The mosquito life cycle also helps explain why populations can appear to increase rapidly after a major rain event. Female mosquitoes can lay as many as 400 eggs after having a blood meal. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, eggs can hatch in less than three days. The larvae, commonly called \u201cwrigglers,\u201d take roughly 7-10 days to develop into pupae. After an additional 2-3 days, the next round of adult mosquitoes emerges. The water remaining after all of the August storms will produce many new generations of mosquitoes in a relatively short period of time. You may have already noticed an influx in these pesky insects!<\/p>\n
The increase in mosquitoes is not just an outdoor annoyance. Several mosquito-borne viruses are concerns for Hoosiers, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, La Crosse fever, Eastern equine encephalitis and Western equine encephalitis. Wild birds can serve as reservoirs for some of these viruses. Mosquitoes feeding on infected birds may subsequently transmit viruses when they feed on other animals or people. The Indiana Board of Health<\/a> monitors for vector borne diseases, and has identified mosquito pools that are positive for West Nile Virus across the state.<\/p>\n For Indiana residents dealing with the aftermath of heavy August rainfall, reducing standing water around homes is an important first step. Removing or disposing of objects that collect water, regularly changing water in birdbaths and unused wading pools, keeping rain gutters unclogged, draining stagnant pools and puddles, and covering stored water such as rain barrels and cisterns are all great preventative measures around your home. Eliminating these breeding sites interrupts the mosquito life cycle before adults emerge.<\/p>\n Homeowners can also reduce exposure to adult mosquitoes. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during periods of high mosquito activity, can greatly reduce the chance of mosquito bites. Mosquitoes are often most active around dawn and dusk, so limiting outdoor exposure during those periods or staying in screened areas can reduce the chance of being bitten. EPA-registered mosquito repellents can provide additional protection.<\/p>\n As Indiana moves beyond August, mosquito numbers may remain elevated wherever standing water persists. Removing that water, improving drainage and protecting against bites can help Hoosiers reduce mosquito populations and limit their potential impact on people and animals.<\/p>\n Resources:
\n<\/strong>Indiana Department of Health<\/a>
\nMosquitoes<\/a>, Purdue Extension Entomology
\nMosquitoes In and Around the Home<\/a>, The Education Store, Purdue Extension\u2019s resource center
\nCommunity-Wide Mosquito Management<\/a>, Purdue Extension – Entomology
\nMosquitoes, Ticks and Other Arthropods, CDC Yellow Book<\/a>, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
\nMosquitoes and ticks \u2013 little pests carry big risks<\/a> \u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
\nMosquitoes carrying Zika virus can be controlled and avoided<\/a> \u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR
\nField Season Upon Us! Be Prepared<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR
\nExcess Rain and Pond Integrity<\/a> \u2013 Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension \u2013 FNR
\nHealth & Wellness Lessons<\/a>, The Nature of Teaching
\nSubscribe<\/a> \u2013 Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel<\/p>\n