Mosquitoes

- High nuisance biting at dusk and dawn, especially near river greenways and shaded patios. - Small wriggling larvae in gutters, birdbaths, pots, and any standing water after rains. - Adults resting in dense shrubs, tall grass, and shaded vegetation close to homes. - Audible low buzzing near ears when mosquitoes are close.

Source reduction (eliminate standing water), larvicide treatment of remaining water sources, adulticide perimeter spray or misting-system treatment to knockdown resting adults; professional barrier programs. We focus on source reduction (eliminating standing water), targeted larvicide for persistent breeding spots, and seasonal perimeter barrier sprays or misting for high-use outdoor living areas common in Asheville backyards.

• Empty and refresh birdbaths, pet bowls, and flower pot saucers at least weekly.
• Clean and flush gutters regularly to prevent water accumulation.
• Install or repair window and door screens to keep adults out.
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or IR3535) when outdoors.
• Mow tall grass and trim dense shrubbery where adults rest during the day.
• Empty/refresh birdbaths, planters and pet bowls weekly—Asheville's frequent storms refill small containers quickly.
• Clean and flush house and garage gutters after heavy leaf fall in the mountains to prevent pooling.
• Install or repair window/door screens and use permethrin-treated outdoor fabrics for screened porches.
• Trim tall grass and thin dense shrubbery where adults rest during the day in shaded yards.
• Use EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin) for evening outdoor activities along river trails.

Females breed in any standing water — gutters, birdbaths, tree holes, low-lying puddles, and containers holding as little as a bottle cap of water; adults rest in dense vegetation and shaded areas.

Mosquitoes are highly common in Asheville, particularly along the French Broad River corridor, low-lying yards, and wooded hollows where standing water collects after afternoon thunderstorms. Warm, humid summer nights bring the highest nuisance and bite activity across the city.