If you’ve been swatting more mosquitoes or pulling ticks off your pets lately, you’re not imagining things. Minnesota’s wet summer, marked by frequent rain, higher humidity, and warmer temperatures, is creating the perfect storm for a surge in mosquito and tick activity.
For homeowners, this means more than just itchy bites. It means increased exposure to vector-borne diseases, ruined outdoor plans, and growing concerns for pets and kids.
At Abra Kadabra Environmental Services, we’re on the front lines of Minnesota’s pest and wildlife issues. Let’s break down why wetter weather fuels mosquito and tick populations, the associated health risks, and how you can protect your home, yard, and family this season.
Why Wet Weather Means More Mosquitoes and Ticks
1. Standing Water = Mosquito Nurseries
Mosquitoes need just a small puddle of standing water — even something as small as a bottle cap — to lay their eggs. When there’s frequent rain and humidity:
- Puddles stick around longer
- Drains and gutters clog more easily
- Containers, planters, toys, and tarps collect stagnant water
This summer’s rainfall had left behind countless breeding sites across Minnesota backyards.A single female mosquito can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and under favorable wet weather conditions, those eggs are more likely to hatch and survive.
2. Mosquitoes Thrive In High Humidity
Humidity doesn’t just help with egg hatching — it also:
- Extends the life cycle of adult mosquitoes
- Increases their feeding activity
- Speeds up their reproduction cycle
This means longer-lasting and higher mosquito populations, especially in peak months like July and August.
3. Ticks Love Moisture, Too
Ticks are moisture-sensitive. They require humid conditions to survive, particularly in the nymph stage, which is when they’re most likely to bite humans and pets.
This year’s wet weather means:
- Higher survival rates for larvae and nymphs
- Increased activity in shaded, grassy, or wooded areas
- A longer tick season that may extend into the fall
Combine that with growing deer and rodent populations–ticks’ favorite hosts–and you have the ideal conditions for a tick surge.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Health Risks
While Minnesota isn’t a hotbed for tropical diseases, mosquito and tick bites can still transmit harmful viruses.
Mosquito-borne Diseases in Minnesota
- West Nile Virus
- Jamestown Canyon Virus
- La Crosse Encephalitis
Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. In severe cases, neurological complications require hospitalization
Tick-borne Diseases in Minnesota
Tick bites are often worse, with blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks) spreading:
- Lyme Disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Powassan Virus
Symptoms range from flu-like fatigue to severe neurological and joint complications if the condition is not diagnosed early.
If you or someone in your family experiences these symptoms, please call a healthcare professional or visit the nearest healthcare facility.
How to Protect Your Property and Family
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to cancel your summer or fall plans due to a few pesky mosquitoes. With the proper prevention steps, you can take back your yard and stay protected.
1. Eliminate Standing Water
Check your yard after every rainfall, even light showers, and remove any water-collecting items. Look for:
- Clogged gutters
- Buckets, flower pots, or wheelbarrows
- Kiddie pools and birdbaths (empty/refill every 3 days)
- Tarps and covers that collect water
- Low spots in lawns or driveways
Tip: Keep your grass trimmed and your landscaping neat to reduce shady, moist environments where mosquitoes rest during the day.
2. Maintain Your Yard to Deter Ticks
Ticks thrive in tall grass, brush piles, and shaded leaf litter. To make your yard less inviting to ticks:
- Mow regularly
- Clear brush and leaf litter, especially near fences and wood lines
- Create a 3-foot gravel or wood-chip barrier between your lawn and wooded areas
- Stack firewood in a dry, sunny location
- Deter deer and rodents with fencing or repellents
If you live in wooded areas or fields, consider having a professional perimeter treatment applied around your property.
3. Protect Yourself and Your Pets
When enjoying time outside, whether at home or hiking, take the following precautions:
For you and your family:
- Wear light-colored long sleeves and pants
- Tuck pants into socks in tick-prone areas
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil
For your pets:
- Apply vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives
- Check pets for ticks daily, especially around ears, neck, and paws
- Avoid walks through tall grass or wooded brush
4. Install Yard Treatments — Mosquito & Tick Suppression
At Abra Kadabra, our seasonal mosquito and tick suppression treatments are designed to:
- Target breeding and resting sites
- Eliminate adult pests and larvae/nymphs
- Create a protective barrier around your home
- Minimize environmental impact on pollinators and beneficial insects
Our licensed technicians tailor treatments to your specific needs and apply them every 3–4 weeks during peak season. We use eco-conscious solutions that are tough on pests but safe for pets, children, and the environment.
5. Know the Signs of Bite-Borne Illness
Even with prevention, it’s essential to watch for:
- Fever or chills after a bite
- Muscle or joint aches
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Headaches or rash ( bullseye rash may indicate Lyme)
- Neurological symptoms like confusion, numbness, or severe headaches
The earlier these symptoms are caught, the easier they are to treat.
Timing Is Everything: Act Now Before It Gets Worse
The reality is: the longer the moisture sticks around, the longer the pests will, too. That’s why taking proactive action before peak season is key.
This year’s summer pattern suggests that mosquitoes and ticks may linger well into the fall, so a late start can mean a longer season of bites, frustration, and risk.
Why Professional Help Makes a Difference
While DIY efforts are helpful, but professional pest control can:
- Target hidden breeding and resting zones most homeowners miss
- Apply longer-lasting, more effective residual treatments
- Customize treatment plans to your property and needs
- Provide peace of mind, especially for families with young kids, pets, or compromised health
With Abra Kadabra, you get more than just a spray — you’re getting a full-season protection strategy.
In Conclusion
Yes, this summer is wetter. Yes, it means more mosquitoes and ticks. But no — that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it.
By combining smart yard maintenance, personal protection practices, and professional mosquito and tick control services, you can enjoy your home, yard, and outdoor lifestyle without the bites or pesky bugs.
Call Abra Kadabra Environmental Services now to schedule your mosquito & tick treatment or book for a free inspection.