Mosquitoes

- High-pitched whining or persistent nocturnal biting in yards at dusk. - Clusters of small dark insects around dense shrubbery and tall grasses. - Standing water in gutters, birdbaths, planters or tree holes close to the house. - Bites that produce itchy, raised welts appearing after outdoor time.

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. Bench 359 recommends an IPM approach for Asheville properties: source reduction, larvicide for persistent water, and seasonal barrier sprays or misting for evenings—plus event treatments for riverfront and River Arts District gatherings.

• 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 and refresh birdbaths, pet bowls and container plant saucers weekly—critical after summer thunderstorms.
• Clean and flush gutters regularly on ridge-top and creekside homes.
• Keep vegetation trimmed and remove dense undergrowth where adults rest during the day.
• Install or repair window and door screens before mosquito season peaks.
• Use larvicide 'dunks' in water features and maintain moving water in fountains.

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.

Mosquito pressure is high in Asheville, especially near the French Broad River, wetlands and creek-fed hollows—summer evenings in riparian yards are the most problematic.