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.
Spring (March–May)
Frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall form temporary pools — ideal for floodwater mosquito species like Aedes vexans.
Rising temperatures awaken overwintering mosquito eggs.
Moist soil, clogged gutters, and yard puddles become early-season breeding hotspots.
Summer (June–August)
Peak mosquito season.
High temperatures combined with humidity rapidly shorten the mosquito life cycle.
Warm evenings and irrigation runoff create ideal conditions for Culex mosquitoes — known carriers of West Nile virus.
After storms, mosquito populations can spike within a week.
Early Fall (September–October)
Mosquito activity can remain high, especially in years with lingering heat and rain.
Warm fall temperatures delay the first frost, extending mosquito season well into October.
Populations slowly decline once nighttime temperatures dip into the 50s.
Winter (November–February)
Freezing temperatures significantly reduce mosquito activity.
However, many species survive winter in egg or larval form in protected or frozen water sources.
Milder winters — which are becoming more common — can lead to an earlier spring hatch.
