KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — We’ve all been talking about the millions of mosquitoes making us itchy in West Michigan recently. But what is the best remedy and how exactly did this happen so fast?
For southwest Michigan, it’s been drought, followed by downpours followed by lots of mosquitos. To be precise, the ones causing chaos right now in the state are known as summer floodwater mosquitoes.
This spring, females laid their eggs along roadside ditches and grassy areas awaiting rainfall, which was late. Then, with June rains, they hatched by the millions. Those mosquitoes kept laying eggs and the cycle continues.
So far, West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis have not been detected in Michigan in 2021, but state and county officials will maintain surveillance. The best advice to avoid being bit? Apply repellents with the active ingredient DEET and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when heading outside, even if for just a short time. Also, emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home like birdbaths can help too.
