Oklahoma City sits in a weather transition zone where humid southern air meets dry Great Plains winds. This clash creates unpredictable weather patterns, from spring thunderstorms to long, hot summers and mild autumns. These seasonal shifts directly influence mosquito populations across the OKC metro area.
Mosquito activity typically begins in late spring when temperatures consistently rise above 50°F. Heavy rainfall and flooding from spring storms create breeding pools in ditches, lawns, and roadside areas. By summer, high humidity and heat accelerate mosquito development, allowing larvae to mature into adults in as little as 5–7 days. Even short-lived rainfall can trigger a surge in mosquito populations if warm temperatures follow.
Spiders are natural pest controllers, but several species are frequently found inside garages, sheds, and homes across the region.
Common species include:
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) – One of the most medically significant spiders in the region. Prefers dark, undisturbed spaces like attics, closets, boxes, and basements.
Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans) – Found in woodpiles, sheds, and outdoor corners. Recognizable by the red hourglass marking.
Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) – Builds webs around windows, ceiling corners, and garages.
Seasonality:
Most active from spring through early fall. During extreme summer heat or winter cold, they move indoors searching for cooler or warmer environments.
Ants are one of the most persistent household pests in the metro area, often seeking food and moisture indoors.
Most common species include:
Odorous House Ants – Known for emitting a rotten coconut smell when crushed. Common in kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpenter Ants – Burrow into water-damaged wood; can cause structural problems.
Red Imported Fire Ants – Found in yards, playgrounds, and fields. Highly aggressive and deliver painful stings.
Seasonality:
Ant activity begins in early spring and peaks through summer. After heavy rain, colonies may move or appear more visibly.
Earwigs are nocturnal insects often mistaken for dangerous pests due to their pincers, but they are mostly nuisance insects.
Habits and behavior:
Thrive in moist, shaded areas — mulch beds, under stones, around foundations.
Attracted to damp basements, bathrooms, and kitchens when outdoor soil dries out.
Feed mostly on decaying plant matter but may target garden plants during drought.
Seasonality:
Peak activity occurs in late spring and summer, especially during wet-to-dry weather transitions.
Though more common in Western and Southern Oklahoma, scorpions — particularly Striped Bark Scorpions (Centruroides vittatus) — are increasingly spotted in OKC’s northern and rural suburbs.
Key traits:
Nocturnal and light-sensitive; hide under rocks, firewood, debris, and in attics or crawl spaces.
Enter homes during drought seeking moisture or after heavy rains when burrows flood.
Their sting is painful but rarely dangerous to healthy adults.
Seasonality:
Most active from late spring through early fall, with peak movement during hot, dry summer nights.
