Scarborough Mosquitos? (Portland, South Portland, Saco: how much, houses, promotional)

[rossco17]

No, that's not my proposal for the Scarborough High School mascot. Actually, we are looking at a couple houses in Scarborough (pleasant hill area), and I was recently told that because of the marshes, there is a terrible mosquito problem in Scarborough. I was told that the mosquitos there somewhat ruin the outdoorsy time of the short summer.

While i can imagine that, as a whole, there might be more mosquitos in Scarborough than other Portland suburbs, but really, how much of a problem is it all over? I mean, does every Scarborough household need to spray their yards in the spring/summer? Is it generally focused around certain areas? I'm really curious... I have 2 kids and would not buy a house if i had to spray the yard with chemicals just to be comfortable outside.

Thanks for any information.

[libbykt]

I grew up in Scarborough and my parents still live there. I think the mosquitoes are actually worse over in west Scarborough than in the area where you are looking. The marshes and woods are definitely mosquito breeding grounds, but we have never had to spray for mosquitoes. Some years they are worse than others- the really hot and humid summers seem to be the worst, but that may just be my experience. They are most active around dusk.

My parents live in Pleasant Hill and the bugs are much less of a problem than in the wooded area that I grew up. I think the key is to keep your lawn well maintained and make sure there is no standing water in your yard. Some natural mosquito deterrents that I know of: Planting marigolds (apparently mosquitoes don't like the fragrance) and eucalyptus oil (supposedly much more effective than citronella).

[L-88]

I lived for many years in Bath, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Yarmouth, Scarborough, and North Saco.

Mosquitos are a fact of life in summertime Maine. As the last poster suggested, keep you lawn well mowed and remove all standing water. Deet helps if you want to spray yourself. Spraying a yard isn't all that effective long term. One shower can eliminate all the effects of the spray, and it generally is not good for all the creatures in the area.

You will probably have to resort to spraying yourselves with insect spray or get behind screens.

If it's a particulary wet spring and damp summer, they will be fat and plentiful. There really isn't a whole lot you can do about mosquitos in Maine. Some people are bothered more than others. I never was that bothered by them, but they feasted on my wife. They are a fact of summertime life.

[shadowfax1997]

As mentioned, mosquitos are a fact of life in maine. Aren't they the state bird? ;-)

They are typically worst early morning and evening. Mid-day we can sit on our deck all spring, summer and fall. Morning and evening it just can't be done. they are too thick and suck you dry. You either put clothes on and cover everything, wear clothes with nets to keep them out or put on bug spray.

I have not tried the propane powered systems to get rid of mosquitos - no idea how well they work.

[L-88]

I wonder if you have been warned about the black flies in Maine...they don't sting like mosquitos, they get in places you never realized you had, and they chew. They are pretty nasty creatures and can raise some sizeable welts that itch like you can't believe. They only last a couple weeks in May.

Then there are the deer flies...these little buggers hide in shady areas close to the edge of lawns...mostly inland, and when you get close, they dart out and bite. They are real pains, and they are tough to kill. I have raised many welts on my head from trying to swat a pesky deer fly only to bash my head with a ring and miss the freakin' deer fly.

If you live close to the shore, or if you go to the beach, you will be greeted by horse flies...greenheads. These nasty little bastar** hurt when they bite. If you are lucky, you will be able to swat and stun one. Then you will have the very distinct pleasure of picking it up and one by one tearing its wings off. You will never enjoy a moment any more than when you've plucked off the wings of the miserable horse fly that has just bitten you.

Good luck. If you can find the cure for flying, biting, stinging insects in summertime Maine, you will become a state hero as well as a very rich individual.

[rossco17]

Thanks for the replies. I have spent a little time in Maine and I am aware the mosquitos are a fact of life there and I have read some about various methods to cope. What I am talking about here is a specific mosquito "problem" in scarborough - one that is, reportedly, worse there than the other Portland subs - because of the wetlands it holds. This may or may not be a true phenomenon, which is the reason for my query.

L-88, it sounds like you are saying that you don't think the mosquitos are worse in Scarborough(?).

again - thanks for your help

[L-88]

Originally Posted by rossco17

Thanks for the replies. I have spent a little time in Maine and I am aware the mosquitos are a fact of life there and I have read some about various methods to cope. What I am talking about here is a specific mosquito "problem" in scarborough - one that is, reportedly, worse there than the other Portland subs - because of the wetlands it holds. This may or may not be a true phenomenon, which is the reason for my query.

L-88, it sounds like you are saying that you don't think the mosquitos are worse in Scarborough(?).

again - thanks for your help

Wherever there is marsh land or wet areas there will be mosquitos. Scarborough has always had a rep for being a mosquito haven. The best way to keep mosquitos away is to find an area that gets lots of breezes.

I'll never forget the first time my wife came to Maine to visit me. We went to Ken's for fried clams. She had on sandals with no socks. We ate outside at a picnic table, and the mosquitos attacked her ankles and feet. The next morning her ankles and feet had swollen up to the point we were concerned.

Aside from the discomfort and itching, all was OK. As has been stated...morning and evenings are when the hatches occur, and that's when they are the thickest. If you are intent on living in Maine don't let the mosquitos scare you away. After the first mild frost in late August or early September they are gone, and from that point until the first week in November, Maine is at its best. Humdity is gone, the skies are clear and blue, the sun is bright and warm, and most of the tourists have fled until the leaves turn.

[island mermaid]

I've been back home here in Maine for the last week, first trip this yr and soon to be here for the whole summer. I've been enjoying spending time with my 20 yr old son who's an avid fresh water fisherman.

While fishing with him over the last few nights, I've been eaten alive! Okay, I just lied. Not actually eaten, however the black flies last night were horrendous! Just about dusk, we were swarmed like something out of a sci-fi flick. I don't normally get bitten by mosquitoes, I think they just don't like me. However the black flies were all through my hair, flying near my eyes and ears and pretty much just a pain. Nothing I'm not used to, but I just wasn't prepared with bug spray! My son swears by Bens. Little orange bottle, he says you have to drown yourself in it, but it works!
Mind you we were deep within the thick woods on a pond, bugs are to be expected near any water source, especially deep within the woods.

Come visit, enjoy yourself, just be prepared with plenty of Bens bug repellant!

[elston]

I had read that the acidity of the bog water in the conservatory area between Saco and Scarborough kept the mosquito pop down as their larva cant thrive in the acid water. Is there anything to that or just chamber of commerce promotional smoke and mirrors?

[libbykt]

elston, I think that's a load of BS because as I mentioned earlier, I grew up in west Scarborough and I distinctly remember one time as a child being sent home from Blue Point School by the nurse because I had so many mosquito bites that they thought I had the chicken pox.