Mosquitoes Are Coming, Despite MN Late Spring

ST. PAUL (AP) - Despite the late spring, Minnesotans likely won't get a break from mosquitoes this year.

Jim Stark, who directs the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, says mosquitoes will simply start showing up a little later than usual.

Last year with the early spring, Minnesotans began noticing mosquitoes in mid- to late May. But Stark says that doesn't translate to a significantly late start this year.

Stark says the overall mosquito population will have more to do with how much rain Minnesota gets in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, he recommends getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds like standing water in bird baths and old tires.

The news about ticks isn't much better. The Minnesota Department of Health already received reports of blacklegged ticks, formerly called deer ticks.