The drought in Kansas may lead to less of these aggressive, biting insects this summer

Lindsay Smith
·3 min read
2

Summer is approaching, which means the return of a common flying nuisance could be right around the corner.

Mosquitoes are most active in wet, hot environments, which means Kansas’ ongoing drought could mean less pesky bites this summer, according to Kansas State University entomology professor Raymond Cloyd, Ph.D.

“Hot temperatures and moisture [are] ... the conditions that will prevail with mosquitoes,” Cloyd said. “But when you’re ... experiencing dry conditions that will mitigate your problems with mosquitoes.”

But an accumulation of water could lead to more mosquitoes in the summertime.

Wichita is experiencing an “exceptional drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

The area has seen these conditions for about 10 months, according to a National Weather Service forecaster, but the state could see some relief by the end of summer. The transition to the El Niño weather pattern could also lead to cooler, wetter temperatures in the state. Even with the shift, forecasters expect the drought to remain a concern, however.

“If we all of a sudden got rain every day for two or four days, water is accumulating or puddling, well then that’s going to run the risk of mosquitoes becoming a problem for sure,” Cloyd said.

Tips to avoid mosquito bites

Measures to avoid the insect include knowing when it’s most active, wearing repellent and avoiding dark colors that attract them the most.

“We generally recommend not going outside between dawn and dusk, which tends to be the most active time period of day when mosquitoes are out looking,” Cloyd said.

Mosquitoes are the “deadliest insect on the planet,” according to Cloyd, because of they can carry many dangerous diseases, like malaria, yellow fever and Zika virus. With that in mind, Cloyd said people should “take them seriously.”

Not all mosquitoes carry diseases, however.

“Protect yourself with one of the repellents to minimize the bites,” Cloyd said.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one third of Americans use DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) to avoid contracting diseases carried by mosquitoes.

DEET is the active ingredient in multiple insect repellents and is designed for use directly on the skin. Unlike other types of repellents, DEET doesn’t kill the insect and instead makes it difficult for it to smell whoever is wearing the repellent.

Cloyd also says to remove any possible “breeding grounds” for mosquitoes on your property, like stagnant water, dog dishes and wheel barrows.

“Those are places for mosquitoes to breed because the female lays eggs on a raft or scattered on the water,” Cloyd said. “Then the larva basically comes out of the egg and then leaves in the water ... any way you can alleviate that life cycle is going to help out there.”

To prevent attracting the insect, you should avoid wearing dark-colored clothing and consider long sleeves and pants when you must be outside for longer periods.

Natural ways to fend off mosquitoes

If you are looking to avoid DEET, there are ways repel mosquitoes naturally, according to online resource Healthline. Here are some natural ingredients that deter the insect, from a February article:

  • Lemon eucalyptus oil

  • Lavender

  • Cinnamon oil

  • Thyme oil

  • Greek catmint oil

  • Soybean oil

  • Citronella

  • Tea tree oil

  • Geraniol

  • Neem oil

Healthline says to never use these ingredients directly on the skin. Instead, dilute the oil with a carrier oil.

Treating mosquito bites at home

If you spend anytime outdoors this summer, chances are you’ll get a mosquito bite or two. Thankfully, the bites are easily taken care of at home.

Mosquito bites usually lead to a raised, itchy bump on the skin where the bite occurred. More severe reactions can lead to large swelling, hives and swollen lymph nodes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here are ways to treat the bite, from the CDC:

  • Wash the area with soap and water

  • Apply an ice pack

  • Apply baking soda and water mixed together to reduce itching

  • Apply an over-the-counter itch cream to reduce itching

  • Refrain from itching the bite, which can lead to infection