Mosquito season expected to be another buggy one in Berrien County

NILES, Mich. -- Mosquito season has started in Michiana, and officials say it will only get worse from here. These bugs tend to avoid direct sunlight but become active in the evening, especially near standing water.

Berrien County was one of two Michiana counties to report a human case of West Nile virus in 2024. Health officials there say they haven’t seen as many cases as other parts of Michigan but are still preparing for a busy season.

With warmer temperatures arriving earlier and lingering later in the year, mosquito season is lengthening.

“Mosquitoes love stagnant water, they love humidity, they love heat,” said Brian Murphy, Berrien County Health Department health supervisor. “If you have a pool in your backyard that you haven’t opened yet, make sure that water is drained.”

So far this year, warmer temperatures and above-average rainfall are creating ideal breeding conditions. Murphy said that means the mosquito population is likely to grow—and with it, the risk of getting infected.

Murphy recommends using mosquito repellent and regularly checking your property for trouble spots, such as standing water or unclean gutters. Overwatering potted plants can also attract mosquitoes, which may lay eggs in the damp soil.