NMCAW: Mosquito Field Technicians Lane Bagus and Max Nivala
June 22, 2021
NMCAW: Maple Grove Field Staff John Hedberg, Kyra Kjeldahl, Lila Berg
June 24, 2021
MMCD Assistant Entomologist Scott Larson sent out this graphic summary of overall mosquito numbers.
Results from the June 14th Monday night surveillance show human-biting mosquito numbers are low district-wide
Every Monday night starting in mid-May through September, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District sets out a variety of mosquito and black fly traps throughout the district and employs a network of sweep net collections done by employees and volunteers. Any insects collected are brought back to our lab on Tuesday to be identified throughout the week with maps published to show current mosquito and black fly activity.
The results from the June 14th surveillance published by the MMCD entomology lab show that adult mosquitoes declined slightly this week, thanks in large part to the dry weather we have been having. According to MMCD Assistant Entomologist, Dr. Scott Larson cattail mosquito (Coquillettidia perturbans) numbers are climbing as expected as we near their typical emergence peak in the next week or two.
The number of Culex mosquitoes being captured all across the District remains high, as this species thrives in warm weather. Culex mosquitoes (Cx. pipiens, Cx. restuans, and Cx. tarsalis are the main species found in Minnesota) are of particular concern because they are the primary vector of West Nile virus (see vector update below). KARE 11 and Fox 9 recently ran stories about the summer mosquito outlook.
VECTOR UPDATE: Latest samples of Culex mosquitoes tested for West Nile virus are negative
In his latest update MMCD Vector Ecologist Kirk Johnson said that 46 mosquito pools (9 from CO2 traps, 37 from Gravid traps) were tested for West Nile virus and all samples came back negative. The high number of Culex overall implies that we may find West Nile virus earlier than in previous years, but MMCD has yet to find a positive sample and the Minnesota Department of Health has not reported any human cases.
Learn how MMCD conducts RAMP tests for West Nile virus.
It's National Mosquito Control Awareness Week!
This week mosquito and vector control agencies from around the country team up to spread the word about mosquito-borne illness, mosquito biology, habitat, and control. Follow along with us on social media for the latest updates!
For the latest updates on mosquito control, disease activity, and planned treatments, follow MMCD on Twitter or Facebook.
