Twin Cities metro to see resurgence of mosquitoes this fall – Fox 9
September 19, 2019
Mosquito Season Preparations Underway in Hennepin County – WCCO
March 5, 2020
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Highlights from 2019
Another year has come and gone and we at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District are proud to have served the seven county metro area in the Twin Cities for our 61st season. We love connecting with the people who make up our community and this year we interacted with the public in a variety of ways including booths at county fairs and the Minnesota State Fair, educational programming at local schools, parades in metro cities, and presentations for local organizations.
In 2019 we launched a new website with an updated look and more responsive design that will work on any device. We've continued to update our detailed maps where anyone can look up an address to view our activity at breeding sites in the area.
Below you will find some highlights from MMCD services in 2019. We look forward to continue serving you in 2020!
"Wettest Year on Record" Keeps Mosquito Control Busy
2019 was characterized by precipitation - lots of precipitation. Heavy snow in April, followed by a slow warm-up, and above average rain in May, August, and September led MPR meteorologist Paul Huttner to name 2018-19 the wettest "water year" on record and 2019 ends with the State Climate Office declaring that 2019 has eclipsed 1977 as the wettest calendar year since Minnesota began keeping records.
Late September precipitation followed by warmer than usual temperatures meant that we were doing treatments later than usual in the season. Overall we treated about 30,000 more acres in 2019 than we did in 2018. Here are some numbers that summarize our 2019 activity:
breeding sites inspected
acres treated
catch basins treated
Quiet Year for Mosquito-Borne Illness in Minnesota
There were few mosquito-borne disease cases reported in 2019 in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed three human West Nile Virus illnesses in residents of the state. Two of the individuals reside in the District; one in Dakota County and one in Hennepin County. Jamestown Canyon virus caused four illnesses in Minnesota including two in residents of Ramsey County. No cases of La Crosse encephalitis were reported in residents of the state. In addition to monitoring and controlling vector mosquitoes, MMCD staff also monitor the distribution of ticks capable of transmitting disease, and work with MDH to provide information designed to reduce the risk of tick transmitted diseases.
Nationwide, the story of Mosquito-borne illness was largely focused on the rise of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in 2019. As of December 17, 2019, CDC has received reports of 38 confirmed cases of EEE virus disease for this year spread over 10 states, including 15 deaths. No human cases appeared in Minnesota, but two horses stabled on the same farm in Otter Tail County succumbed to EEE illnesses. The virus was also detected in three ruffed grouse harvested in Itasca County. MMCD monitors vector species and is currently reviewing data and making plans to respond to any potential disease cases in 2020.
Big MMCD News Stories from 2019:
Black Flies Were a Nuisance in Spring of 2019
One of the big stories of 2019 were the unusually high number of biting gnats/black flies that bothered many Minnesotans, especially those near large rivers, in May and early June of this year.
MMCD employees controlled immature black flies in small streams and large rivers throughout the metropolitan area. At the beginning of June we experienced record high populations of black fly (biting gnat) adults associated with the Minnesota River flow being so high that larval treatments could not be made safely. Black fly adult abundance decreased after treatments resumed. This year, 68 black fly larvicide treatments were made to the rivers and streams in the District, similar to the 65 treatments completed in 2018.
Photo Highlights from 2019
Looking Forward to 2020
Preparations are well underway for next season's mosquito control activities. We will continue to inspect and treat breeding sites, control black fly populations, monitor tick activity, educate the public, and much, much more! Here are a few ways that you can connect with us in 2020:
- Work for MMCD! We are recruiting NOW for seasonal inspectors and the application will be live online soon. View our employment page for more details or sign up to receive e-mail alerts about jobs.
- Invite Us to Present! If you know any schools or community groups who would benefit from a presentation about mosquito biology, control, diseases, and ways the public can get involved, contact us today!
- Follow Us on Social Media! We are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we regularly post pictures, news updates, and fun facts. Give us a follow!
We hope you and yours have a very Happy New Year! We'll see you in 2020!
