Wisconsin Mosquitoes & Ticks

Facts, Biology, and Local Insights from Certified Experts.

Why Control Matters

Our lakes, forests, and wetlands create perfect breeding grounds.

During peak season, millions of mosquitoes can emerge within a single square mile.

Wisconsin’s Ecosystem & Mosquito-Tick Habitat

Wisconsin’s beautiful mix of lakes, wetlands, and wooded landscapes also creates perfect conditions for mosquitoes and ticks. After warm spring rains, floodwater species hatch in bursts, while wooded areas hold moisture where ticks can thrive all season long.

Here in the Northwoods, our team studies these local patterns closely. Floodwater mosquitoes (Aedes vexans) often appear first after storms, while house mosquitoes (Culex pipiens) thrive around still water in yards and gutters. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), sometimes called deer ticks, stay active anywhere leaf litter and tall grass meet shaded cover. Knowing when and where they move helps us keep homes, cabins, and lakeside properties protected throughout the summer.

(Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vector Surveillance Program.)

Mosquito Biology & Life

Every mosquito goes through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid on or near standing water and hatch within days when temperatures rise. Larvae live underwater, feeding on organic matter, then transform into pupae before emerging as flying adults.
Certain species in Wisconsin can lay eggs that survive long dry spells, waiting for rain to trigger a new hatch. This is why mosquito populations can surge almost overnight after a storm. By understanding the timing of these cycles, we treat at the right stage and stop mosquitoes before they take flight.

(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mosquito Life Cycle Education Materials.)

Disease Awareness in Wisconsin

While most mosquitoes and ticks are just an annoyance, a few can carry diseases that affect people and pets. Staying informed is key to keeping Wisconsin summers safe.

West Nile Virus – Spread by the northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens). Activity peaks in late summer, especially during warm, wet seasons. Most infections are mild, but in rare cases can cause serious illness.

La Crosse Encephalitis – Linked to tree-hole mosquitoes (Aedes triseriatus), this virus is most often reported among children living near wooded neighborhoods.

Lyme Disease – Carried by the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Wisconsin remains one of the highest-ranking states in the U.S. for Lyme cases each year, particularly in northern counties.

Our team keeps an eye on public updates from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and CDC so we can align treatment timing with seasonal trends, not guesswork.

(Sources: Wisconsin DHS, CDC Vector-Borne Disease Division.)

Common Questions Answered

1. Can you really reduce mosquitoes by 90 percent?

Yes. While no company in Wisconsin or the U.S. can truthfully promise complete eradication, there are simply too many outside factors such as wind, weather, and neighboring property conditions. Our targeted treatments and routine follow ups consistently reduce mosquito activity by up to 90 percent.

Unfortunately, the industry is full of deceptive claims designed to win business. We take the opposite approach. Mosquito Guard is built on transparency, honesty, and trust. We will always share accurate information and keep you updated on any new products or methods that can improve results.

2. When is mosquito season in Northern Wisconsin and Northeastern Wisconsin?

Northern Wisconsin (Minocqua, Eagle River, Boulder Junction, Lac du Flambeau):Mosquito season starts in late May and runs through early October. Activity is heaviest in June, July, and August, especially around lakes, wetlands, and wooded cabins.

Northeastern Wisconsin (Green Bay, Oconto Falls, Door County): The season often begins a bit earlier, around mid May, and usually tapers off by late September. Peak biting pressure comes in June and July, but warm and rainy conditions can extend activity into early fall.

To enjoy the best protection, we recommend beginning treatments in early to mid May and continuing through Labor Day in both regions. This typically consists of 4 to 5 treatments throughout the season for consistent coverage.

3. Are treatments safe for pets?

Yes. We use EPA-approved products designed to be safe for families, pets, and
outdoor spaces when applied correctly. After each service, we recommend
keeping pets and children inside for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather
and drying conditions. Our technicians will always let you know the
recommended wait time before re-entering the yard..

4. How often do you treat?

For reliable protection, we recommend treatments every 21–24 days. This cycle
interrupts the mosquito life cycle and maintains consistent coverage all season.

5. Why do mosquito populations spike after rain?

Many mosquito species lay eggs in soil or low-lying areas where water collects.
These eggs can remain dormant for months until heavy rain or flooding triggers
mass hatching. That’s why you may see a surge in mosquito activity a few days
after storms.

6. Are mosquitoes active all day?

Most species prefer to bite at dawn and dusk, when the air is cooler and calmer.
However, aggressive species like Aedes vexans will bite throughout the day,
especially in shaded, humid environments.

7. Do mosquitoes carry disease every year in Wisconsin?

Yes, but the risk varies by region and season. West Nile virus and La Crosse
encephalitis are detected in Wisconsin every year, though cases are relatively rare
compared to other regions of the U.S. Our treatments significantly reduce
exposure by lowering mosquito pressure around your property.

8. What is the mosquito life cycle?

Mosquitoes go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Eggs are laid on water or damp soil and can survive months until flooded.
Larvae (called “wigglers”) hatch and live in water, feeding on organic
material.
Pupae (“tumblers”) develop into adults in just a few days.
Adults emerge ready to mate and feed. Only females bite, since they need
blood to produce eggs.

The entire cycle can take as little as 7 to 10 days in warm, wet conditions. This is why
consistent treatments every 21–24 days are critical — they break the cycle before mosquitoes
mature and multiply.

9. When are ticks most active?

Ticks in Wisconsin are active from early spring through late fall. Activity peaks in
late spring and early summer, though blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) also
experience a secondary peak in the fall.

10. Where are ticks usually found?

Ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, especially along edges of trails,
yards, and tree lines where they can latch onto passing animals or people.

11. Do all ticks carry disease?

No. Disease transmission depends on the tick species, life stage, and how long it
remains attached. Blacklegged ticks are the primary carriers of Lyme disease in
Wisconsin.

12. What should I do if I find a tick on me?

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull
upward steadily without twisting. Clean the bite area with alcohol or soap and
water. Monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever, or fatigue, and seek medical
advice if they occur.

13. How long must a tick be attached to transmit Lyme disease?

Transmission of Lyme disease typically requires a tick to be attached for 24 to 48
hours. However, some other tick-borne pathogens can be transmitted more
quickly, so it’s best to remove ticks promptly.