Preparing for Mosquito Season
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) has started its seasonal preparations, conducting initial surveillance and making projections for the upcoming mosquito season. Technicians have begun dipping in wetlands to check for mosquito larvae, and treatments could begin as early as this week.
Season Outlook: Uncertain but Vigilant
As the weather warms up, mosquitoes are making a return, and the MMCD is already on high alert. The district brings in approximately 200 seasonal staff members each year due to the vast area they need to cover. This year, their efforts are even more critical following last year’s record-breaking number of West Nile Virus cases in Minnesota.
Alex Carlson, the Public Affairs Manager at MMCD, highlighted the importance of vigilance this season. “Last year was actually a record year in Minnesota for West Nile Virus. In the Twin Cities alone, there were over 50 cases, which was significantly higher than previous years,” he said. To prevent similar situations, MMCD is focusing on removing mosquito habitats, particularly human-made ones.
Behind the Scenes with MMCD Crews
Regional Operations Manager Josh Madetzke and Field Operations Supervisor Kathy Beadle from MMCD’s East Region provided FOX 9 with a glimpse into their work. They met with reporters at a wetland in Oakdale to discuss the tasks they perform and the expected mosquito activity this season.
“We use a dipper to look for mosquito larvae in swamps and wetlands. Once we find them, we treat them with materials that kill them,” Madetzke explained. He added that once the ice melts, mosquito larvae hatch and remain in the water for some time, giving crews a window to act.
The teams collect the larvae in vials and send them to a lab for testing. “We’re looking for the ones that bite humans. Our lab identifies them and lets us know if we can treat them,” Madetzke said.
Factors Influencing Mosquito Activity
MMCD notes that overall mosquito activity is influenced by rainfall. While long-term predictions are challenging, they can make some projections based on surveillance and models. They expect cattail mosquitoes, known for causing mid-summer surges, to be active again this year.
Additionally, they suspect that deer tick nymphs may have a higher prevalence of Lyme disease in 2026. These ticks are most active in May and June.
What You Can Do
To prepare for mosquito season, the MMCD recommends taking proactive steps. Ensure you have bug spray on hand, apply flea and tick preventative measures to your pets, and check your property for sources of standing water.
What to Expect Next
Residents might soon see helicopters or crews in bright neon vests conducting treatments as early as this week. The agency assures the public that the materials used are safe for people, pets, and pollinators.
“The materials we drop are very safe for the public, for pets, and for pollinators. They are specifically targeted at mosquito larvae, so there’s no risk. If you see a drone or helicopter nearby, it’s not a liquid spray, and the materials are designed to go into the water without harming the general public,” Carlson said.
“It’s a safe and effective way to control mosquito larvae while protecting pollinators and wildlife.”
