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Entomology professor discusses E.L.'s mosquito population

July 10, 2015
	<p>A group of culex, a type of mosquito that could carry West Nile virus, is shown in this photo May 22, 2013, inside a research lab at Plant Science Greenhouses. Justin Wan/The State News</p>

A group of culex, a type of mosquito that could carry West Nile virus, is shown in this photo May 22, 2013, inside a research lab at Plant Science Greenhouses. Justin Wan/The State News

Photo by Justin Wan | The State News

As it rains more in the summer, mosquitos become a serious problem for the residents here in East Lansing. 

Michael Kaufman, associate professor in the Department of Entomology, said, "There are large numbers of what we call 'summer flood mosquitos'. It definitely relates to the rain. " 

In addition to the amount of rain happening during the summer, the warm temperature also helps the mosquitos' growing. "Also, if you look around and see standing water," Kaufman said. "You will know we have mosquito problems."

"If it will stop raining, the mosquitos will not be so much (of a problem)," said Kaufman. Unfortunately, the situation for mosquitos' growing only will be worse. Kaufman said, "it's fairly predictable...(because) there are enough predicated rainfall(s)."

Plus regularly, there are mosquitos coming from other water bodies during late summer. It will add up the number of mosquitos. 

But will the numerous amount of mosquitos will bring certain diseases to the area?  

Kaufman said, "Ironically, I don't think it's a good year for west nile virus. The mosquitos biting you now have nothing to do with the west nile." West nile virus is the most wide spread mosquito-born disease in the U.S. currently. There are not many cases in this part of the country. 

Kaufman said, "the condition is not right for the mosquitos to transmit diseases." 

Normally it will be hard to avoid the mosquitos during the daytime. But there are ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Kaufman said, "Make sure you have mosquito repellent, wear light-color clothes."

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