The hot, rainy weather is bringing out the “biters.” Entomologist Edward Blumenthal says mosquitoes lay eggs in some cases a year prior. Because their larvae develop in water, the heavy rains will allow the eggs to hatch and the insects will appear a week or so later.
Blumenthal says repellent containing DEET is most effective and lasts the longest without reapplication. Citronella is good too. As for homeopathic approaches, the Marquette University educator says it’s possible something may work better than nothing depending on the circumstances. For example in a crowd of people any type of repellant may work as the bloodsuckers can go to another target, however alone in the woods, Blumenthal says that same repellant may not be as effective.
Mosquitoes have been known to carry West Nile Virus although, according the state Department of Health Services, few of them do. DHS reports there have been no confirmed West Nile cases in the Wisconsin this year.