Iowa is experiencing its lowest mosquito numbers in a decade, with data from Iowa State University showing a significant decline attributed to a dry spring. Ryan Smith, an associate professor in the ISU Department of Entomology, said the low numbers are a surprise.
Mosquito Numbers Down
Smith, who runs a program that sets about 100 mosquito traps across the state, explained that the traps have captured only about 12,000 mosquitoes so far this season. In some years, at this point in the season, they’ve already had 100,000 mosquitoes.
The traps, which catch two types of mosquitoes, have recorded the lowest numbers since 2016. Smith noted that last week’s rains and flooding could lead to an increase in mosquito populations. At Water Works Park, fisherman Lawrence Manson and his son enjoyed a mosquito-free day, even though they didn’t catch any fish.
Manson added that he hasn’t needed bug spray this year, a stark contrast to last summer. Smith explained that shallow water left behind by recent rains could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes in the coming weeks, potentially increasing their numbers.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
