Mosquito Prevention Tips For Scranton Residents

As summer approaches, so does one of Pennsylvania's most persistent backyard pests—the mosquito. Here in Scranton and the greater Lackawanna County area, the return of warm, wet weather means mosquitoes are gearing up for another active season. Between spring rains and the natural moisture in our region’s wooded and hilly terrain, it doesn’t take much for mosquito populations to explode.

At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners across Northeastern Pennsylvania enjoy their outdoor spaces without swatting and scratching. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, gardening, or just trying to relax on the porch, we want to make sure mosquitoes don’t ruin your summer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why mosquitoes thrive in our region, how you can prevent them from breeding in your yard, and what makes Evergreen the trusted mosquito control provider in the Scranton area.

Why Mosquitoes Love Northeastern Pennsylvania

It’s easy to assume mosquitoes are only a problem in hot, humid southern states—but Pennsylvania has its fair share of mosquito trouble, especially during the warmer months. In fact, Scranton’s mix of forested areas, older infrastructure, and frequent summer rainstorms creates prime conditions for mosquitoes to breed and thrive.

Here’s why mosquito season hits hard in our area:

• Rainfall: Scranton averages over 40 inches of rain per year. In spring and summer, standing water left behind by heavy downpours becomes mosquito nursery space.
• Shaded properties: Mosquitoes rest in cool, dark places like under decks, in overgrown shrubs, and around sheds and woodpiles.
• Urban breeding zones: Even in residential neighborhoods, things like clogged gutters, old tires, or kiddie pools can collect water and hatch hundreds of mosquitoes.

What You Can Do Right Now

The good news? You’re not powerless when it comes to mosquitoes. While it’s true that weather and geography play a big role in mosquito activity, your daily habits and yard maintenance can make a difference. At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we believe prevention is an important step in mosquito control. Below are the top strategies we recommend to homeowners throughout Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Step 1: Eliminate Breeding Sites Before They Start

The number one thing Scranton homeowners can do to prevent mosquitoes is to get rid of standing water, even the small stuff. A single bottle cap of water can produce over 100 mosquito larvae!

Here’s where to look:

• Buckets, flower pots, and watering cans left out after rainfall
• Toys, plastic playsets, or sandbox covers that trap water
• Tires, wheelbarrows, and tarps not properly stored or drained
• Gutters clogged with spring debris (leaves, twigs, shingle grit)
• Pet bowls, birdbaths, or open compost containers
• Wading pools, rain barrels, or neglected ornamental ponds

Be especially vigilant after rainstorms. Empty, scrub, or cover containers to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs—and if you have a decorative pond or rain barrel you use, Evergreen offers larvicide treatment to make them mosquito-safe.

Step 2: Protect Yourself and Your Family

In Scranton and across PA, mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, especially from late May through early October. When you’re outside during these peak hours, take steps to protect yourself from bites.

We recommend:

• Wearing long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and body heat)
• Using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Installing and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows and doors
• Covering baby strollers and playpens with mosquito netting when outdoors
• Running oscillating fans on decks and patios—mosquitoes aren’t strong fliers

These steps can dramatically reduce your exposure to bites and the diseases mosquitoes carry.

Step 3: Know the Health Risks in Pennsylvania

Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance—they’re known carriers of disease. In Pennsylvania, West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness, and positive mosquito pools have been confirmed in Lackawanna County in past years.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include:

• Fever and body aches
• Headache or fatigue
• Skin rash (typically on the torso)
• Swollen lymph nodes

While most cases are mild, some can develop into serious complications like encephalitis or meningitis. There is no specific treatment or vaccine—so prevention remains the best defense.

That’s why we always encourage homeowners to take mosquitoes seriously, especially when spending time outdoors with young children, older adults, or people with compromised immune systems.

Why Scranton Trusts Evergreen Pest Solutions for Mosquito Control

At Evergreen Pest Solutions, mosquito control isn’t just a seasonal service—it’s a specialty. Our local team understands the unique pest pressures Scranton residents face and brings years of experience in treating yards, wooded areas, and problem-prone properties throughout the region.

Here’s what sets our mosquito control program apart:

• Thorough property inspection to identify breeding sites and mosquito harborage areas
• Actively treat the property from May through October to knock down active adult mosquitoes
• Mosquito trapping stations set up for the duration of the season to further reduce the mosquito population
• Barrier spray treatments along shrub lines, under decks, and around high-traffic areas

Unlike one-size-fits-all mosquito plans, we customize every treatment based on your property’s unique layout and mosquito pressure. 

Your Backyard Doesn’t Belong to Mosquitoes

This summer, you don’t have to settle for citronella candles and hope. With Evergreen Pest Solutions, you can take back your outdoor space and enjoy a mosquito-free season in Scranton, Dupont, and nearby areas.

Whether you’re trying to reduce bites, prevent illness, or simply spend more time outside, our expert mosquito treatments give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Get started today by scheduling a mosquito inspection or seasonal plan with our local Scranton team. We’re here to help you enjoy summer—not suffer through it.