Minnesota faces rise in biting midges and mosquito activity

Minnesota is experiencing an increase in biting midges, also known as no-see-ums, despite lower overall mosquito activity across the state. Minneapolis has been identified in a recent report as one of the most mosquito-infested cities in the United States.

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD), a St. Paul-based agency serving the seven-county Twin Cities metro area, notes that while there are 51 established mosquito species in Minnesota, only about half are considered nuisances that bite humans or vector diseases.

To manage pests, the MMCD recommends five primary strategies: eliminating breeding sources, controlling larvae, using physical barriers, controlling adult mosquitoes, and personal protection.