Mosquito, tick forecast released for Twin Cities — what you need to know

Minnesota could see a "mid-summer surge" of cattail mosquitoes. The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) released its latest forecast for the mosquito season, predicting a slow start before a spike in early July. 

"It's never the good news because it's always the time of year when everybody wants to be outside right around the Fourth of July, when everybody wants to be having picnics and fireworks," said Alex Carlson, a spokesperson for the MMCD.

Carlson said the increase in mosquitoes is due to heavy rain the year before. 

In mid-April, MMCD staff will be working on foot and in the air across the Twin Cities, looking for trouble spots in marshes and wetlands. Crews are trying to reduce the mosquito population even before the insects emerge from the water. 

The MMCD covers seven counties: Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott and Carver.

"[Mosquitos are] all throughout the metro, especially in Anoka county, where they have a lot of cattail marshes, so that's an area that will be a big focus this year," said Carlson.

MMCD is also focused on preventing West Nile virus after a record number of cases in the Twin Cities last year. A high number of the mosquito species that primarily transmits the disease and high infection rates among early mosquito pools contributed to the increased number of cases, MMCD said.

There are over 50 types of mosquitoes in Minnesota, but Carlson said scientists can predict the population of cattail mosquitoes more accurately. The cattail mosquitoes hatch in the fall and spend the winter underwater attached to cattail plants.

As for ticks, the control district said they are already active and are warning of an elevated risk for Lyme disease, especially in May and June.  

"When those nymph ticks are really active, try to protect yourself, make sure you are wearing those long pants, those light colors, putting on bug spray and repellents," said Carlson.