Mosquitoes and other bugs Aug 2025

Question

Thus will be our first time to LVNP, will be there mid-August. I am one of those people that mosquitoes love to bite despite dousing myself in DEET.

Are the mosquitoes and or other bugs bad this time of year? If so, which locations should we avoid? Are any of the lakes ok bug-wise this time of year?

Answer

Mid-August at Lassen Volcanic National Park is generally much less buggy than late spring and early summer. Mosquito activity peaks when snow is melting and marshy areas fill (typically June–early July); by mid- to late-August the park usually dries out enough that mosquito numbers drop substantially, though local conditions (recent rains, lingering snowmelt, or calm/warmer weather) can produce pockets of heavy activity.

Where mosquitoes and other bugs are most likely

Marshy, slow-moving water and soggy meadows (for example near Summit Lake and other wet meadows) — these are classic breeding zones right after snowmelt and can remain buggy into July and sometimes early August depending on the season.
Willow/cattail fringes and sheltered coves around small ponds and the edges of larger lakes — places with standing water and lots of vegetation.
Dawn and dusk along any wet area — mosquito activity is highest at low light and in still air.

Lakes and spots that tend to be better (less buggy) by mid-August

Open lakes and shorelines with regular breeze (a steady wind keeps mosquitoes down). Manzanita Lake often feels breezier along its exposed shore and around the loop trail, so visitors commonly report fewer bugs there in mid- to late-August than in June/July.
Higher, rocky shores and places with limited marsh vegetation — mosquitoes prefer sheltered, vegetated waters, so steep, rocky or windy shorelines are usually easier.
Avoid low, flat wet meadows (Warner Valley areas and small ponds) during calm mornings/evenings if you are particularly mosquito-attractive.

Practical tips — what to bring / how to minimize bites

Use a strong repellent (DEET 20–30% or picaridin) and reapply per label instructions — those remain the most reliable on exposed skin.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin (on tents, gaiters, pants) or buy pre-treated clothing — permethrin on fabric greatly reduces bites and is safe when used according to directions.
Wear lightweight long sleeves/pants and a wide-brim hat at dawn/dusk; consider a head net if you know you react badly to bites.
Camp and picnic in breezy, open sites when possible — a 5–10 mph breeze makes a big difference.
Bring permethrin-treated or well-screened shelter (tents with intact mesh) — screens keep most biting flies and mosquitoes out while you sleep.
Avoid letting wet clothing sit around camp and try to keep food and standing water contained — less standing water near camp limits local breeding.

Final, practical reminder

Expect generally improved conditions by mid-August compared with June/early July — many visitors report manageable mosquitoes in August — but remember that local weather (recent rain, late snowmelt, or unusually warm calm nights) can produce brief returns of heavier activity. If you’re especially sensitive to bites, favor open/windy lakeshores (rather than willow-lined ponds), carry repellent and permethrin, and plan to avoid dawn/dusk at marshy spots.

Mosquitoes and other bugs Aug 2025

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