There has been a recurring frustration among residents along the St. Louis riverfront. Mosquito season runs late this year, just when you think they are done attacking us into November. All that could not be truer than along the waterfront, where the Mississippi River creates a special microclimate to hold temperatures mild and humidity high. This creates an ideal habitat for these resilient mosquito colonies, which are unwilling to vanish after the first cold front.
For neighborhoods like Soulard, Lafayette Square, and Downtown West, mosquito activity lingers considerably longer than it does for areas located farther from the river. That incessant buzz during evening strolls and backyard cookouts transitions from a mere annoyance to an actual threat to health and outdoor enjoyment. For large properties on a riverfront, pointepestcontrol.com can offer solutions for mosquito problems that seem overwhelming.
Understanding Mosquito Behavior in Late Fall
Due to its location in the Mississippi River corridor, St. Louis remains warmer than surrounding regions in the autumn months. It provides mosquitoes with a temperature cushion, allowing them to stay active longer than they would elsewhere, even before and after they would typically enter a dormant state. Before winter truly sets in, females will hunt as savagely for blood meals to maintain egg production.
There are a number of reasons for the late-season persistence of mosquitoes:
- Temperature thresholds: When temperatures drop below 50°F (but this happens later near the river), mosquitoes remain active until conditions become consistent at those temperatures
- Breeding site availability: Autumnal rain fills pools in gardens, gutters, and riverbank plants
- Species variation: Asian tiger and common house mosquitoes have a higher thermal tolerance than summer species
Health and Comfort Risks for Riverfront Homeowners
1. Disease Transmission Concerns
The St. Louis County Department of Public Health in Missouri reports that most cases of West Nile virus occur in Missouri from August to October, and that mosquitoes continue to transmit the disease through November in warmer years. In fact, fall mosquitoes pose a greater disease threat since they have spent the entire season coming into contact with infected birds and animals. Just because it is cooler does not mean the risk goes away.
2. Outdoor Living Disruptions
The riverfront offers beautiful views and top-quality outdoor spaces, but the presence of fall mosquitoes makes them unusable during prime evening hours. In addition, patios, decks, and gardens are rendered no-go zones exactly when the weather is right for outdoor pursuits. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, 15-20 mosquito species are present around St. Louis during the fall months of September, October, and November. Some mosquitoes bite at night, while others are most active during the day.
3. Property Value Impacts
Unrelenting mosquitoes can compromise your ability to enjoy your investment and could make potential buyers uneasy if they view properties during the shoulder seasons.
Preventive Measures for Fall Mosquito Control
- Eliminate standing water: Check Planters, bird baths, gutters, and tarps covering outdoor furniture or other equipment.
- Maintain yard drainage: Downspouts should direct water away from the foundation, and any low areas that hold water should be filled
- Trim vegetation strategically: Keep grass short and trim dense shrubs, as mosquitoes tend to rest in them during the day.
- Install or repair screens: Inspect window and entryway screens for rips, especially at lower levels near the ground.
- Time outdoor activities wisely: Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk
- Use fans on patios: Mosquitoes have difficulty flying in wind speeds over 1-2 mph
Keep Your Riverfront Yard Bite-Free This Fall
Living next to the Mississippi comes with its own unique challenges, and protecting your riverfront property is one of them. Pointe Pest Control has developed a tailored approach to address the unique pest pressures facing St. Louis waterfront homeowners. They emphasize treating the microclimates that riverfront properties create, such as shaded foliage, dense bush, and moisture-prone areas where the fall mosquito breeds. Their seasonal treatments take into consideration the extended activity period along the river corridor and tailor application timing based on real temperature trends, rather than a calendar date.
