Mosquitoes in November? How to fight the bite

It’s not your imagination; all those bites prove it. Mosquitoes are buzzing around in mid-November, and they’re hungry.

This fall, the greater Sacramento area had just-right conditions for late-season mosquitoes: Lots of rain and warmer than normal weather.

Some species of invasive mosquitoes (the ankle biters) need only a bottle-cap full of water to hatch their eggs. And we’ve had plenty of moisture this month.

Early November tends to be dry; the first 13 days average .56 inches of rain total. But thanks to Thursday’s storm, downtown Sacramento has totaled 1.91 inches so far this month – including 1.44 inches on Nov. 13.

The November rain isn’t over, says the National Weather Service. “Definite rain showers and thunderstorms” are in Sacramento’s forecast for Sunday and Monday with another ½ to 1 inch of rain expected. Possible rain is also in the forecast for late Wednesday and Thursday.

Coupled with an earlier storm Nov. 5, that’s a lot of extra water that can accumulate around your home and garden. Opportunistic mosquitoes have made the most of those little pools and ponds.

In addition, we’ve been enjoying record warm weather; Sacramento hit 79 degrees on Nov. 2. So far, we’ve averaged afternoon highs of 71.8, three degrees above normal. Nights have been even warmer, averaging 50.5 degrees – six degrees above normal.

That not only has prolonged the life of some tomato and pepper plants, it’s been a boon for buzzers. Mosquitoes can thrive in those temperatures.

According to mosquito experts, Sacramento is seeing onslaughts from three different types of mosquitoes – those newly hatched invasive mosquitoes; larger mosquitoes retreating indoors and looking for a place to hibernate (as well as a pre-sleep meal); plus agricultural mosquitoes that head into suburban areas after harvest.

The good news: Most of these little monsters won’t be biting for much longer. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip down into the low 40s by the end of next week. Cold usually puts an end to their activity.

In the meantime, fight the bite:

* Dump any standing water in your garden. Look under pots in saucers or in wheelbarrows or garden tools. Invasive mosquitoes need very little moisture to hatch their eggs.

* Wear mosquito repellent while outdoors.

* Wear long sleeves and long pants when outside, especially in the morning or at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.