Expect 'a huge emergence' of mosquitoes this May. What to know

Mosquitoes are universally understood to be the major downside of spring and summer. Like ticks, there's no such thing as a good mosquito season — more often divided into categories of "bad" and "very bad."

According to Sam Telford, professor of infectious diseases and global health at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, unfortunately this year is going to be the latter.

"This year will be tremendous for mosquitoes," said Telford. "As it warms up, with all the standing water there will be a huge emergence in May."

April showers may bring May flowers, but they also leave a great deal of standing water — which means a number of ready-made mosquito nurseries.

What viruses do mosquitoes carry?

Mosquitoes can carry multiple viruses, with two most commonly reported in New England being West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, which they transmit to humans when they bite.

Though they are both rare, EEE is slightly more prevalent, with outbreak cycles lasting two to three years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly death in people of all ages. However, people under age 15 are especially at risk. In 2019, there were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts.

Both viruses are tested for in mosquitoes every year and if detected, the public is notified. Mass.gov provides a map detailing areas of the state with the highest risk of EEE.

Other New England states provide similar notifications. New Hampshire posts alerts on its Department of Health and Human Services website. Rhode Island posts weekly monitoring on its Department of Health website during mosquito season, and Vermont and Connecticut take similar measures.

Tick season outlook: 'Never going to be a good tick season,' expert says. What to know to protect yourself

What should I do to protect myself from mosquitoes?

Wearing clothes that cover your skin while outdoors is the most basic form of mosquito protection. Like with ticks, permethrin-treated clothing can also serve as an effective repellent, sold as shirts, pants and socks.

Standard insect repellent spray is always a good choice, as well as ensuring window and door screens are in place. You can also reduce the number of mosquitoes in your home and yard by removing breeding spots — that is to say, anywhere that can collect standing water, such as garbage cans, flowerpots, birdbaths, discarded car tires or other containers.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mosquito season is beginning. Expert says to expect 'huge emergence'