Insect Update – Week of July 19th – West Nile virus found in mosquito pools

Results from the July 19th Monday night surveillance show mosquito numbers are low, but West Nile virus is present in some areas

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.

Overall mosquito numbers remain below average due in large part to our region's drought conditions. However, Culex mosquitoes which are a container and permanent water species remain present and last Friday seven pools of Culex mosquitoes that were collected in gravid traps tested positive for West Nile virus. This means that the disease is active in the community and people should take precautions when spending extended amounts of time outdoors. Read more about the West Nile virus detections.

Otherwise, the overall mosquito numbers remain low. The latest maps from the MMCD entomology lab show that most traps collected fewer than 100 mosquitoes last week with a few high spots in northern Washington County, northeastern Anoka County, northern Dakota County, and northern Carver County: