Mosquito Science Resources for Schools – Distance Learning Options
September 16, 2020
What impact do winter temperatures have on summer mosquitoes? (Fox 9 and WCCO)
February 24, 2021
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Highlights from 2020
2020 has been an unusual year for the entire world and at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District it was no different. Social distancing guidelines and the lack of public events made our job challenging this year, but fortunately our incredible staff, flexible commissioners, and supportive public allowed us to continue almost all of our normal services this year.
Below you will find some highlights from MMCD services in 2020. We look forward to continue serving you in what will hopefully be a more predictable 2021!
COVID-19 and Mosquito Control
2020 was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various challenges it has caused to state and local agencies like MMCD. We were able to adapt our operations to allow for social distancing and other CDC recommendations and we were able to maintain our inspections and mosquito control work with limited interruption.
Here are some numbers that summarize our 2020 activity:
breeding sites inspected
acres treated
catch basins treated
Another Quiet Year for Mosquito-Borne Illness in Minnesota
Fortunately, there were few mosquito-borne disease cases reported in 2020 in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) reported zero cases of West Nile virus as of December 1st, which would make 2020 the first year with no human cases since the disease was first discovered in the state in 2002.
Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) is a growing concern in Minnesota with two positive cases found in deceased horses in Aitkin and Benton counties. There were no human cases of EEE in Minnesota. 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.
Big MMCD News Stories from 2020:
Black Flies Were a Nuisance Again in 2020
In 2019 Minnesotans were swarmed with black flies near the end of May and in 2020 the numbers were high once again thanks in part to a less common species that was found in high numbers in our area.
MMCD employees controlled immature black flies (biting gnats) in small steams and large rivers throughout the metropolitan area. In 2020, 101 black fly larvicide treatments were made to the rivers and streams in the District, more than the 68 treatments completed in 2019. Unlike in 2019, when high river flows delayed treatments significantly, river flows in 2020 remained at normal levels allowing for treatments to be made throughout 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. Adult black fly abundance returned to more tolerable levels after May. We plan to investigate the source of these high adult black fly populations and work towards a solution for 2021
Black Fly news stories from 2020:
- Star Tribune: Now what? Gnats? Black fly invasion torments Twin Cities
- MPR News: First a pandemic, and now biting gnats
- KARE 11: Aggressive black flies now in the Twin Cities
The Great Minnesota "Virtual" Get Together
Almost all in-person gatherings were cancelled in 2020 including our favorite event of the year - the Minnesota State Fair. Like many others, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District adapted all of our educational programming to the internet with videos, blog posts, and social media updates to keep people Minnesotans informed and (hopefully) entertained.
MMCD Photo Highlights from 2020:
Looking Forward to 2021
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 2021:
- 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! Even though it's virtual, we are still 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, 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 2021!
