Mosquitoes are back, buzzing, and biting in Connecticut.
One man who knows best is Philip Armstrong, a researcher with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The state agency in charge of monitoring mosquito populations at more than 90 sites documented a historic boom in the biting bugs.
“Last week was one of the worst weeks that we’ve ever seen in the entire 16-year history of this program,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong describes the “aggressive human biting mosquitoes” currently filling the air as more of a nuisance than a health concern. Noting “at this point in the summer what we’re seeing are what we call the flood water mosquitoes, so these are typically not carriers of West Nile virus.”
The uptick in mosquitoes can be attributed in part to recent weather patterns. “Mosquitoes love this type of environment, its humid its damp they’re not going to dry out and its over cast,” said New Haven Enviormental Health Program Director Paul Kowalski.
Ahead of popular outdoor Fourth of July events, New Haven officials are urging residents to take a few quick steps to avoid the bite of a mosquito. “Dress appropriately, light fitting ,light colored clothing,” Kowalski advised. “Restrict activities at dusk and dawn and be cognizant of your surroundings.”