As temperatures rise and Iowans spend more time outdoors, mosquitos are becoming an unwelcome presence this summer, especially in Des Moines, where extra rain has intensified the issue. But is the mosquito problem actually worsening?
Laura McGowan, spokesperson for Clarke, the company contracted for mosquito control treatments in Des Moines, says the city is experiencing typical mosquito levels. However, evening strolls at Gray’s Lake might make it seem otherwise.
“Mosquito control is always weather dependent. More rain means more floodwater mosquitos, which are aggressive biters but don’t carry many diseases. They’re annoying but not major carriers of the West Nile virus,” McGowan explained.
Despite this, McGowan emphasized the importance of vigilance, as the first West Nile virus case of 2023 in the nation was reported in June. To minimize mosquito presence around homes, McGowan advises draining or covering standing water sources like bird baths, rain barrels, and splash pools to prevent mosquito breeding.
“The best way to reduce mosquito bites or mosquito-borne diseases is to eliminate breeding sites around your home. Mosquitos can breed in even small amounts of standing water, such as that in a bottle cap. Since mosquitos don’t travel far from where they hatch, reducing breeding sites in your yard will better protect you and your family,” said McGowan.
For those troubled by gnats, McGowan suggests using a small hand-held fan, as gnats’ small wings struggle against the breeze.
