ST PAUL, Minn. — There's some serious buzz happening across the Twin Cities right now and we're not talking about all the events happening this summer.
Mosquito activity is higher than normal, meaning you’re seeing a lot more of the pests outside.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District says the heavy rain this spring is the biggest factor behind this recent uptick in mosquitos.
“Some of these areas we're finding excessive mosquitos, more than 50 larva per dip, which is extremely high," MMCD spokesman Alex Carlson says.
For reference, Carlson says two or three larva in a sample is usually enough to warrant a treatment.
“So, 50 is way above and beyond,” Carlson says.
The rain isn’t only leading to more mosquitos. Carlson says the rain and wind often prevents the MMCD from sending out their helicopters to treat wetlands from above.
"It's just the rain has been relentless and every time we get that excessive rain more and more eggs hatch,” Carlson says.
Entomologists with the Minnesota Department of Health say the good news is the species of mosquitos we're seeing right now don't typically carry diseases, those mosquitos won't start hatching until later this summer.
And even though parts of South America are seeing a massive increase in Dengue Fever this year, local experts say it shouldn't be a problem here in the Midwest.
"We don't have the right mosquitos here all the time that can transmit that virus,” MDH entomologist Elizabeth Schiffman says.
But entomologists say West Nile Virus can be a problem this far north, so Minnesotans should take precautions like using bug spray and wearing clothing that won't attract mosquitos.
"We say long, light, loose. Long sleeves, light colors and loos- fitting. That's going to be your best bet against mosquitos."
Carlson says a dry June and July, like we saw last year, could lead to fewer mosquitos later this summer, but in the meantime, expect to see a lot of 'em.
"Right now, there's just no end in sight to the rain and so it's going to be a little while before the mosquitos start to decline."
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