Mosquito Season is Here Again!

Jolie Coates, West Nile Virus Program Coordinator, BCCD
It’s that time of year again! Mosquito season here in Bradford County runs from April through October. Of course, weather plays a large role in when exactly you may start to see those annoying pests flying around; warmer temperatures and heavy rains are key factors. Mosquitoes begin their life cycle in water, specifically standing water. Mosquito larvae will live in the water for approximately four to seven days depending on weather and species. As far as standing water is concerned, mosquitoes are not picky. Classic areas in backyards that will breed mosquitoes are birdbaths, tires, rain barrels, and wheelbarrows. Sometimes, their preferred habitat is a little less conventional; we have found mosquitoes breeding in the buckets of excavators, kayaks, abandoned swimming pools, and the most surprising, a jet ski. Anything that CAN hold water, WILL hold water, and that WILL breed mosquitoes.

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During the entirety of mosquito season, the BCCD biologist, Jolie Coates, will set traps that collect mosquitoes that emerge from their breeding habitat. These traps are set to collect species data (how many and what kind of mosquitoes are in a certain area), and most importantly, to track virus activity. The main goal of the BCCD program is to detect, track, and control West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquitoes that are collected will be tested for WNV. In 2024, there were 2 mosquito samples that tested positive for WNV in Bradford County, and in 2025 there were 9.

Mosquito traps are placed in areas where there is either a high human population, human recreation areas, or near mosquito biting complaints. These places include parks, municipal buildings, churches, cemeteries, and sewage treatment facilities. The traps are set overnight; since mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, this will ensure collection of the highest collection of mosquitoes in that area. Mosquito traps pose no threat to people, pets, or property. If you see a mosquito trap, we ask that you leave it be because disturbing them can cause damage to the trap as well as loss of data.

The BCCD program also responds to complaints. If you or your neighbors are continually being bitten by mosquitoes, you can give our office a call. A mosquito trap can be placed on your property to determine just how many mosquitoes are present. Sometimes, if a certain threshold is collected, a treatment can be done. Other times, we can discuss ways to remove mosquitoes from your yard, as well as different insect repellants that may suit your needs. Complaints can be submitted directly to the BCCD office or to the DEP West Nile webpage.

Although the BCCD mosquito program is relatively new, beginning in 2023, the Pennsylvania statewide program has existed since 2000. There is surveillance conducted by biologists in each county across the state. In 2025, there were over 3,900 positive WNV sample collected across the state, as well as 80 human diagnosis.

If you have any questions about the mosquito program, please contact our office.
 
The Bradford County Conservation District is committed to helping people manage resources wisely.  You can visit the Bradford County Conservation District at 200 Lake Rd in Wysox across from the Wysox Fire Hall. Contact us at (570) 485-3144 or visit our web page at www.bccdpa.com.