Late-Summer Mosquito Activity Remains a Threat as World Mosquito Day Arrives

August 20, 2026 – On World Mosquito Day, Cook's Pest Control is reminding homeowners that even though summer is coming to an end, mosquitoes still pose a serious public health threat.

As of August 18, the CDC has recorded 222 human West Nile virus disease cases nationwide. The cases spread across 32 states, including five deaths. West Nile activity typically peaks in late summer and early fall, meaning mosquito activity remains a concern even as summer winds down, especially here in the Southeast.

According to Stephen Gates, entomologist at Cook's Pest Control, mosquitoes love the Southeastern climate.

"In late summer and early fall, mosquitoes can become more active," explains Gates. "They are taking advantage of the mild conditions to thrive before winter. This time of year often brings increased rainfall, which creates standing water – ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes, particularly in warmer climates where temperatures remain conducive for their survival."

According to the CDC, mosquitoes are considered the world's deadliest animal, spreading not only West Nile virus but also other diseases such as Dengue and Zika.

Simple actions at home can play an important role in protecting yourself and reducing mosquito populations.

Tips for Keeping Mosquitoes Away

• Keep your yard tidy and drain standing water weekly.

• Reduce shaded areas that mosquitoes like to rest in.

• Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.

• Screen windows, doors, and other openings with fine mesh.

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, such as one containing DEET on exposed skin.

How Cook's Can Help

DIY methods often offer limited relief and miss breeding sites and the places pests like to hide. Cook's Mosquito & Tick Control targets the areas where mosquitoes breed and rest. The service also protects against ticks, treating the grass, brush, and shaded property edges where ticks wait to attach.

Mosquito Fun Facts for World Mosquito Day

• Only female mosquitoes bite. They need the protein in blood to make eggs. Male mosquitoes only eat plant nectar.

• Females can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and some species can complete development from egg to adult in as little as one week.

• Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Black or navy clothing makes you an easier target.

• A full moon can increase mosquito activity by up to 500%.

• Mosquitoes have existed for more than 100 million years.

Sources: The American Mosquito Control Association, Pest World for Kids

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Cook's Pest Control, Inc., is a family-owned and operated business with over 300,000 customers and 1,700 employees. Cook's offers residential and commercial services, specializing in pest control, termites, mosquitoes, and more. The company has been serving customers for over 90 years and is known throughout the Southeast for its integrity, community involvement, and commitment to excellence. Cook's values of Faith, Family, and Community, along with its comprehensive employee training have made them one of the most successful pest control companies in the United States. For more information, please visit cookspest.com.