Fewer Mosquitoes Expected This Summer

As summer approaches, so does the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes.

Some years are worse than others, and this year brings good news, according to officials at Madison County Mosquito and Weed. They say this summer should bring fewer mosquitoes than in years past.

“I really don’t see it being too awful bad,” said foreman Tony Pozenel.

Those words are just about as soothing as calamine lotion on an itchy mosquito bite.

Pozenel thanks a mild winter in eastern Idaho for the low number of mosquitoes that is likely to turn up this year.

“Less water coming down, you know,? Pozenel explained. ?Less flood water.”

He says that recent overnight freezes probably killed off a lot of larva.

Pozenel trekked out to the nearest body of standing water, a breeding ground for mosquitoes. He found none.

Still, Pozenel says it never hurts to be prepared. Areas like Henry’s Fork could be dealing with quite a few of the blood-sucking pests this year.

“Cover yourself up,? Pozenel urged. ?Long sleeves in the evening, and as much as everyone doesn’t like to, a little bit of DEET helps.”

Meanwhile, Pozenel and his fleet of mosquito sprayers are on the ready.

There are some risks associated with a mosquito bite, including West Nile Virus. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, rash and sore muscles.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should consult a doctor.

Fortunately, the mosquito-borne disease malaria is not present in Idaho.