Mosquito levels rising along with heat and humidity

 

The bugs have given Michiana a bit of a break over the last few days, as temperatures have remained cool, and the humidity has remained low.

However, warmer and more humid conditions are returning soon, meaning that bug repellent for pests like mosquitos will likely become a necessity once again. 

Mosquitos thrive most when temperatures eclipse 80 degrees and in environments with high humidity.

Additionally, areas of standing water can be havens for mosquitos. That likely won't be a problem this time around, as Michiana is in the midst of one of the driest Augusts on record. In fact, abnormally dry conditions have resurfaced in the latest Drought Monitor released Thursday.

However, this is not really a cause for celebration. There is a link between times of drought and increased risk for West Nile virus.

This is potentially of particular concern to Saint Joseph County, Indiana residents with recent news of 38 pools of mosquitos testing positive for West Nile virus this year.

Our dry, hot and humid weather stretch is unlikely to budge anytime soon, meaning mosquitos could be bugging Michiana for quite a while.