Mosquitoes are ‘severe’ on the MS Coast right now. Here’s who is most likely to get bitten.

With plenty of rain, humidity and high temperatures it will come as no surprise to most Coast residents that the mosquito population is on the rise.

In fact, Off!Cast, a website that forecasts levels of mosquito activity by ZIP code, labeled the Mississippi Coast as “severe” for the last three weeks in a row. The state is home to more than 60 mosquito species, according to the Mississippi State University Extension.

With the rising mosquito population, comes the threat of a host of encephalitis viruses like West Nile, LaCrosse, Dengue, Eastern Equine and St. Louis.

As of July 26, the Center for Disease Control has had no reports of these viruses on the Mississippi Coast. However, 21 Louisiana parishes — including bordering Saint Tammany — have seen mosquitoes infected with West Nile Disease.

In 2021, infected mosquitoes were reported in Harrison and Jackson counties; and Pearl River County had a human case of West Nile virus.

With or without disease, mosquitoes are a nuisance and scratching the bites can lead to secondary infections.

Some odors produced by skin can attract mosquitoes.

Here’s what mosquitoes like

• Carbon dioxide (that’s right, exhaling is all it takes to draw mosquitoes to you)

• Dark clothing

• People drinking beer or any alcoholic beverage

• Pregnant women

• Body odor

• High body temperature

• Perfume and scented lotions, especially floral scents

• Limburger cheese

• Human feet that smell like Limburger cheese

• People with type O blood

• The hands of identical twins

• Overweight people

• People with malaria

Here are a few tips to reduce your chances of getting bitten.

1. Remove any standing water around your house weekly. Water is an ideal breeding habitat for mosquitoes. Get into the habit of emptying and cleaning any pots, bird baths, toys and other items that can hold water.

2. Keep mosquitoes out of your home. Make sure door and window screens are in good shape and keep anything without a screen closed.

3. Avoid being outside in the early morning and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.

4. If you must be outside during those times, wear clothes that will help protect you. Wear light-colored, long and loose pants and shirts with sleeves if you can.

5. Insect repellent is another must. When looking at repellents, make sure it contains an EPA-registered active ingredient. Repellents with DEET as an active ingredient work well. Remember to always read and follow the product label instructions.

Find additional information at healthline.com or from MSU Extension.

Mona Moore

Sun Herald

Mona Moore was a Service Journalism Desk Editor for the Sun Herald in Mississippi; Mahoning Matters in Ohio; and the Ledger-Enquirer and Telegraph in Georgia. Originally from West Covina, California, she holds a bachelor’s and master’s in corporate and public communication from the University of South Alabama. Mona’s writing and photography have been recognized by press associations in Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida.