If you live in Northern Virginia, you already know the feeling. You step outside on a warm evening to enjoy your patio and within minutes the mosquitoes find you. Northern Virginia’s combination of humidity, standing water, and wooded neighborhoods makes it one of the worst regions on the East Coast for mosquito activity.
But mosquitoes are more than just annoying. They carry serious diseases that affect thousands of Virginians every year. Here is what you need to know to protect your family this season.
🚨 Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Virginia
- West Nile Virus: The most common mosquito-borne disease in Virginia. Causes fever, headache, and in severe cases neurological damage.
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): Rare but very serious. Fatality rate up to 30%.
- La Crosse Encephalitis: Primarily affects children. Causes brain swelling.
- Zika Virus: Dangerous for pregnant women. Causes birth defects.
- Dengue Fever: Increasing in the US due to climate change.
Mosquito Season in Northern Virginia
Mosquito season in Northern Virginia typically runs from April through October, with peak activity in June, July, and August. The Asian Tiger Mosquito, which is extremely aggressive and bites during the day, has become increasingly common in our area over the past decade.
🦟 Common Mosquitoes in Northern Virginia
- Asian Tiger Mosquito: Black with white stripes. Bites during daylight hours. Very aggressive. Common in suburban yards.
- Common House Mosquito: Primary carrier of West Nile Virus in our area. Bites at dusk and dawn.
- Eastern Saltmarsh Mosquito: Found near wetlands in our region. Can travel miles from breeding sites.
Where Mosquitoes Breed in Your Yard
Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap worth of standing water to breed. You might be surprised at how many breeding sites exist in a typical Northern Virginia backyard.
- Clogged gutters holding water after rain
- Bird baths that are not changed weekly
- Children’s toys, buckets, and tarps collecting water
- Low spots in the lawn that stay wet
- Ornamental ponds without moving water or fish
- Tree holes and stumps collecting rainwater
- Potted plant saucers sitting in water
- Wheelbarrows and outdoor furniture covers
Why DIY Mosquito Control Does Not Work Well
Citronella candles, bug zappers, and store-bought sprays provide minimal protection and do nothing to reduce the mosquito population in your yard. They only work in a very small area and only while in use. The mosquitoes are still breeding and waiting.
Professional mosquito treatment works differently. We apply residual treatments to the vegetation where mosquitoes rest during the day, eliminating them at the source. Our treatments reduce mosquito populations by up to 90% and last 3 to 4 weeks per application.
✅ Matar Mosquito Control Program
- Property Assessment: We identify all breeding sites and high-activity areas on your property
- Residual Barrier Treatment: Applied to shrubs, bushes, and shaded areas where mosquitoes rest
- Breeding Site Treatment: Larvicide applied to standing water that cannot be eliminated
- Monthly Service: Treatments every 3 to 4 weeks through mosquito season
- Combo Programs: Combine with tick control for complete outdoor protection
- EPA-Approved Products: Safe for your family and pets once dried
💧 Reduce Mosquitoes Yourself Between Treatments
- Empty and scrub bird baths every 3 to 4 days
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent water buildup
- Keep grass cut short to reduce resting areas
- Use fans on your patio since mosquitoes are weak fliers
- Wear long sleeves and EPA-registered repellent during peak hours
- Install screens on windows and doors and repair any holes
Protect Your Family This Season
With West Nile Virus cases reported in Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria every summer, mosquito control is not just about comfort. It is about protecting your family’s health. Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to mosquito-borne illness.
Matar Pest Control has been serving Northern Virginia families since 1991. Our seasonal mosquito programs are designed specifically for the types of yards and neighborhoods common in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Reston, and surrounding areas.
Take Back Your Backyard This Season!
Stop letting mosquitoes ruin your outdoor time. Call Matar Pest Control for a free quote on our seasonal mosquito control program.
📞 Call (703) 671-1170 💰 Get A Free QuoteServing Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Reston, Springfield and all of Northern Virginia. VA License #131609
