Why Mild Oklahoma Winters Mean More Mosquitoes and Ticks This Spring (and What to Do Now)

Mild winters in Oklahoma have become a breeding ground for an earlier and more intense presence of mosquitoes and ticks. These pests not only cause outdoor discomfort but also carry diseases, affecting residents' health and safety. Understanding this seasonal change and taking early, informed measures is crucial for effective pest management.

The Quick Answer

Mild Oklahoma winters enable mosquitoes and ticks to survive in greater numbers through winter, prompting earlier and larger populations in spring. The combination of warmer temperatures and rain creates ideal conditions for these pests to reproduce quickly. Starting early mosquito barrier treatments and tick prevention plans now can significantly lower their populations before they peak. Proactive pest control is vital to protect your family and pets from bites and associated diseases (Tulsa Health Department; Oklahoma Department of Health).​

Why Do Mild Winters Lead to More Mosquitoes and Ticks?

Mosquito eggs and tick larvae survive mild winters better because cold freezes that normally reduce populations don’t occur or are less severe. Tulsa Health Department notes that warmer winters paired with precipitation increase mosquito breeding and cause ticks to become active sooner, sometimes when temperatures rise above 40°F. This leads to higher tick populations early in the season and a broader geographic spread. Without hard freezes, both pests thrive and reproduce longer into the year, raising health risks (Oklahoma State University Extension).​

How to Prepare for Increased Mosquito and Tick Activity This Spring

• Inspect Your Yard Thoroughly:
  Start by eliminating all standing water sources where mosquitoes lay eggs—this includes birdbaths, buckets, clogged gutters, and plant saucers. Regularly check for and drain any new water collection spots after rainfall. Remove piles of leaves, tall grasses, brush, and dense vegetation where ticks hide and breed.
• Schedule Professional Mosquito Barrier Treatments Early:
  Early-season barrier sprays applied by professionals target mosquitoes before their populations explode. These treatments disrupt the mosquito lifecycle by killing larvae and adult mosquitoes resting in shaded, humid areas around your property. Timing is critical to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Implement Targeted Tick Control Plans:
  Combine regular lawn maintenance—mowing, trimming shrubs, and removing leaf litter—with selective pesticide applications designed to reduce tick habitats. Consult pest control experts for treatments that protect family and pets while maximizing tick reduction.
• Protect Family and Pets Actively:
  Use EPA-approved insect repellents with DEET or picaridin on exposed skin and treat pets with veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives year-round. After outdoor activities, check yourself and pets meticulously for ticks, especially in hidden areas like behind the ears or under the arms.
• Monitor Local Weather and Pest Activity Alerts:
  Stay updated via local health departments and extension services to recognize when pest populations begin rising. This helps you adjust treatment schedules and increase vigilance during peak activity windows.
• Maintain a Clean and Uninviting Landscape:
  Keeping grass short, removing weeds, and spacing plants to allow airflow reduces the humidity that mosquitoes and ticks favor. Consider creating a dry, gravel border between wooded areas and your lawn to deter ticks from migrating closer to home.
• Community Cooperation:
  Coordinate with neighbors to eliminate breeding sites and share information about pest activity for more widespread control effectiveness (Tulsa Health Department; Oklahoma Department of Health).​

Options for Controlling Mosquitoes and Ticks

There are several effective ways to control mosquitoes and ticks, each suited to different needs and preferences. Chemical barrier treatments offer quick and powerful results, making them ideal for properties with higher pest risks. These treatments provide lasting protection and require scheduled reapplications to keep pests at bay. For those looking for a gentler approach, natural and organic controls are available—they are safer for the environment but often need more frequent applications to maintain their effectiveness. 

Another smart strategy is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines habitat changes, selective chemical use, and natural methods to control pests sustainably and for the long term. Finally, while DIY methods like repellents and eliminating standing water can help with minor infestations, professional treatments stand out for their precision, expert monitoring, and greater effectiveness against larger or persistent mosquito and tick problems. This expert approach ensures your property stays safe and comfortable throughout the pest season.

Prevention Tips for Long-Term Success

• Regularly remove standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Maintain landscaping to reduce ticks’ favorable environments.
• Repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes indoors.
• Use pet tick preventatives consistently.
• Promote neighborhood pest control efforts.

When to Call Professionals

If home measures fail or disease-carrying ticks are suspected, it’s best to call pest control specialists. Dandi Guaranty provides Oklahoma-specific mosquito barrier and tick prevention services tailored to local climate conditions. Early professional intervention maximizes protection and ensures peace of mind. Visit their mosquito and tick control service pages to learn more: Mosquito and Tick Control Services.

Get Ahead of Mosquitoes, Now!

Oklahoma’s mild winters are fueling an early surge in mosquito and tick populations, raising health risks. Taking early, comprehensive action, including yard inspections, professional treatments, and protective measures, is essential for safe outdoor living. Contact Dandi Guaranty now to schedule your tailored mosquito and tick control plan and stay ahead this spring.

Sources

• Tulsa Health Department – Epidemiology Program. “Tick & Mosquito Season in Oklahoma.” Tulsa Health Department, 15 July 2025, https://tulsa-health.org/tick-mosquito-season-in-oklahoma/.
• Oklahoma Department of Health. “Tickborne and Mosquito Borne Illness.” Oklahoma.gov, 30 June 2025, https://oklahoma.gov/health/health-education/acute-disease-service/tickborne-and-mosquitoborne-diseases.html.
• Oklahoma State University Extension. “Common Ticks of Oklahoma and Tick-Borne Diseases.” Oklahoma State University, 3 Jan. 2024, https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/common-ticks-of-oklahoma-and-tick-borne-diseases.html.
• Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. “Mosquito Control to Prevent the Spread of West Nile Virus.” Oklahoma.gov, Nov. 2020, https://ag.ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mosquito-Control-to-Prevent-the-Spread-of-West-Nile-Virus.pdf.