Insect Update – Week of September 20th – Wrapping Up Mosquito Surveillance Season
September 28, 2021
PRESS RELEASE: Mosquito Control activity begins this April
April 13, 2022
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Highlights from 2021
2021 was another unusual year for Metropolitan Mosquito Control District and not only because of the ongoing global pandemic. The big story for Minnesota in the summer was unusually dry weather and fewer rain events meant fewer broods of mosquitoes. Despite the difficulties of 2021 our incredible staff, flexible commissioners, and supportive public allowed us to adapt and continue almost all of our normal services this year.
Below you will find some highlights from MMCD services in 2021. We look forward to continue serving you during whatever may happen in 2022!
Dry Summer and Impacts on Mosquito Control
Throughout June and July, much of Minnesota was under severe or extreme drought conditions according to the Department of Natural Resources which had a direct impact on mosquito numbers. Most mosquitoes rely on rain for their life cycle and the lack of precipitation brought mosquito numbers down below the 10-year average for the entire season.
Here are some numbers that summarize our 2021 activity:
breeding sites inspected
acres treated
catch basins treated
West Nile Virus Activity Higher in Minnesota in 2021
West Nile virus was more active in Minnesota in 2021 than during the past two years. In 2021, 60 mosquito samples tested in our lab were positive for WNV. In 2020 there were six positive mosquito samples and zero human illnesses reported in Minnesota. In 2019 there were five positive mosquito samples and five human illnesses in the state. The last active WNV year was 2018 when we saw 132 WNV positive mosquito samples and 63 human illnesses in Minnesota. For more information about vector-borne disease in 2021 look for the MMCD Technical Advisory Board report coming in February 2022.
Big MMCD News Stories from 2021:
Black Flies Were a Nuisance in 2021, But Not as Bad as 2020 or 2019
In 2021, 110 black fly larvicide treatments were made to the rivers and streams in the District. In the spring, river flows were slightly above or near normal levels allowing for treatments to be made but the persistent summer drought conditions in the region made for very low river levels which stopped most black fly larval production for rest of the season. In May, high adult black fly populations of a small stream species occurred resulting in increased customer calls from certain areas of the District.
Black Fly news stories from 2021:
- WCCO: Biting gnats out in full force in the South Metro
- Bring Me the News: South Twin Cities metro besieged by biting gnats
The Great Minnesota Get-Back Together
With COVID restrictions loosened for certain public events we were able to return to some in-person activities like the Minnesota State Fair, where 33 full and part-time MMCD employees worked shifts and we interacted with over 3,900 people! We also participated in several county fairs and other city events and we brought our inflatable mosquito and our mascot "Vectoria" to various parades throughout the District.
To supplement our in-person events we also created more online content this year to help educate the public and keep people up to date with mosquito, black fly, and tick news. This includes our new and improved Residents Guide page and video with tips on how to protect your yard from mosquitoes:
MMCD Stayed Social in 2021
We were active all season long on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages and we had great interactions with the thousands of people who follow us online. In 2021, MMCD launched a TikTok channel and technicians from our East facility created excellent videos to give a glimpse inside the world of mosquito control. Check us out on TikTok!
MMCD Photo Highlights from 2021:
Looking Forward to 2022
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 next year:
- 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! Whether in-person or virtual, we are available to talk about mosquito science! 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, Instagram, and now TikTok 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 2022!
