It’s a slap dance we’re all too familiar with, and a conversation—if not a complaint—we all seem to be having right now. Mosquitoes.
Watching family or friends try to mow their lawn, go for a walk, sit through a ball game, or get any work done even indoors has been somewhat comical in recent weeks as they swat away armies of the blood-sucking pests.
But there’s nothing funny about the situation at hand.
For the first time this season, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus (WNV) have been found in South Dakota, just to our north in Brookings County. State health officials are urging you to protect yourself with bug spray and limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
The infestation, as you likely know, follows a month of heavy rain and floods.
State grants will go toward mosquito control in more than 200 cities, counties, and tribal communities with Flandreau and Egan among the communities receiving funds.
Health officials meanwhile also want to advise everyone individually to take proactive steps to reduce mosquito populations, as ongoing heavy rainfall has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, especially the nuisance species Aedes vexans. While Aedes vexans does not typically carry the West Nile virus, another species, Culex tarsalis, can pose a significant risk.

Action Steps to Remove Standing Water:
● Empty and Scrub: Turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
● Cover Water Storage Containers: Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
● Use Wire Mesh: For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
● Fill Tree Holes: Prevent tree holes from filling with water.
● Repair Septic Tanks: Repair cracks or gaps in your septic tank. Cover open vents or plumbing pipes with wire mesh.

Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites:
● Spray: Use mosquito repellant on you and your family to keep the bugs at bay.
● Water: Even in a small amount of water, mosquitos hatch in just a few days. Remove Standing Water.
● Arms: When outside, wear clothing that covers exposed skin, like arms and legs.
● Time: Mosquitos thrive most around dawn and dusk. Either stay indoors or be extra cautious at those times.