Michiana mosquito activity to soar

Hopefully you have enjoyed the stretch of 70s, low humidity and relatively quiet bug activity over the last week or so. That's because there's a big change lurking in the form of heat, uncomfortable humidity and a return to much higher insect activity. Unfortunately, one of the insects expected to see the highest boost in activity by this weekend is the mosquito. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, muggy and moist conditions. And, by the end of the week we will have those conditions in place. That will especially be the case in and around any bodies of water. 

The mosquito activity meter will be in the "high" category for Thursday and Friday before rising even further into the "very high" category for the weekend. Looking beyond that, we may be dealing with "extreme" mosquito activity conditions by next week. If you have any plans to be outdoors, it would be a good idea to stock up on insect and mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid spending time outdoors during the early evening and early morning hours. Cleaning out any water from gutters, toys, tarps, yard tools, and other containers is a good idea to protect the land surrounding your home from large numbers of mosquitoes. 

Indiana has roughly 55 documented mosquito species, including 12-15 species that pose a risk, possibly significant, to humans. That includes some vectors (transmitters), such as some Culex mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus. If you suspect you've been bitten by a mosquito carrying a disease, it's best to seek medical help immediately.