After Heavy Rains, Mosquito Control Combats Pest Population
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A plan of attack has been made to combat the large amount of mosquitoes swooping into Anoka, Washington, Hennepin and Carver counties after the season's heavy rains.
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District knows when warm and rainy weather moves in, it must get moving too.
"Once the rain hits, we have about eight or nine days to get out there to treat those mosquitoes that are developing," the district said.
The district has already mapped out a 20,000 to 30,000 acre expanse to treat, and it works under a harsh deadline. It must attack the mosquitoes while they are still larvae in the water, because once they spread their wings, they fly away.
In its effort to curb the mosquito population, the district uses a helicopter to drop insecticide over targeted areas.
The aggressive approach has Brandon Steele's approval. Steele works outside at the Como Park canoe rental, and he deals with the unofficial state bird a lot.
"I can't really keep count [of my bites]," he said. "But I know they have been feasting on me."
A Reminder
Dump out any standing water around your yard to help stop the spread of mosquitoes. Also, keep your lawn mowed and hedges trimmed.
