Minnesota Officials Monitor Mosquitoes and Black Flies as Bug Season Intensifies

Bug season is in full swing in Minnesota, and officials at the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District are stepping up efforts to control a variety of pests from mosquitoes and ticks to gnat swarms and biting black flies.

During a recent visit to the State Capitol grass in St. Paul, district representatives showcased their high-tech tools, including drones and helicopters, used to target specific species of mosquitoes. “We’re taking a lot of safety precautions when it comes to targeting specific species of mosquitoes, and our goal is to protect public health,” said Alex Carlson of the District.

Officials are also closely monitoring tick activity. Carlson noted that one staff member collected 10 ticks in just one day. Meanwhile, residents are experiencing heavy gnat activity. Tomas Alvarez mentioned that while riding Lime bikes around St. Paul, there were times when he got a “mouth full of gnats,” a sentiment echoed by Michael Prom from Plymouth, who expressed concerns after seeing clouds of bugs on foot.

In the laboratory, Black Fly Specialist Carey Lamere and his team are working to identify larvae collected from the Minnesota River. “What’s the difference in a midge or a black fly? Midges don’t bite people, black flies do,” Lamere explained. He indicated that most of the insects currently flying are likely midges that die off after two weeks, and treatment to curb biting black flies could begin as soon as tomorrow.

Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield noted that biting flies are most prevalent in south metro areas like Jordan, Chaska, and Shakopee. Despite the pest pressure, Lamere summed it up: “The bugs are definitely worth negative, below zero weather, I will definitely take that.”

With photojournalist Tom Aviles and input from local officials, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is finalizing its analysis and preparing to initiate targeted treatments soon.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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