Mosquitoes are back — and it's only March
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Near-record temps are speeding up mosquito season, pushing its arrival about a month earlier than usual, mosquito control officials told Axios.
Why it matters: The bites are an itchy nuisance and you shouldn't need to cover up when the weather's this nice.
Driving the news: Mosquito traps set in wetlands near the airport last week detected 200 mosquitoes of a species not regularly seen until the end of April, said Ary Faraji, executive director of the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District.
- He said this is "by far the earliest" mosquito season he's seen in his 12 years at the abatement district, calling it potentially historic.
State of play: Typically, activity isn't recorded until mid-April to early-May, but the timeline is being pushed earlier due to climate change, Faraji told Axios.
- The season has also been extended, running through the end of October in several recent years.
Threat level: The longer season could complicate control efforts and impact the way disease spreads, per Faraji.
Reality check: Early season mosquitoes aren't harmful beyond the annoying itching. Diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) don't typically show up in mosquitoes until between mid-July and September, said Michelle Rehbein, an education specialist with the abatement district.
- There are easy precautions you can take, she told Axios, like checking your property weekly for standing water — buckets and children's toys — and using EPA-approved insect repellent.
- Wearing long sleeves and pants can also help.
Between the lines: It's too soon to tell if mosquitos showing up earlier could prolong exposure to WNV, Faraji said.
- Last year's first human case of WNV in Salt Lake County was reported in mid-August.
How it works: As cold-blooded insects, mosquitoes thrive in warm weather, Faraji said.
- As it warms up, eggs hatch more quickly and larvae develop faster.
- Because mosquitoes are drawn to standing water, west side residents may see the worst of mosquito season as snowmelt flows down.
Kim's thought bubble: After enjoying some cocktails on the patio for my birthday earlier this month, I woke up the next morning with FOUR mosquito bites.
- If you attract mosquitoes like me and you plan to spend most of your time outdoors, carry tiny bottles of repellant. You won't regret it.