(Columbia, MO) —  University of Missouri Extension Urban Entomologist Emily Althoff says mosquito populations could be thick this summer, especially in southern Missouri which has seen heavy rain this spring.  She says there are about 50 documented types of mosquitoes in the state, although not all bother humans. She notes of the species that do bite humans, females depend on blood before they lay eggs and the males feed on nectar and are key pollinators.  Althoff says wet conditions are key, as mosquitoes spend about three-quarters of their life cycle in water.  She says that’s why it’s recommended property owners get rid of standing water.  She notes some mosquito species can advance from the egg stage to the adult stage in just eight days.

Althoff says the Culex mosquito carries West Nile Virus, which can make humans very ill and can be fatal.

She notes while no one really appreciates the mosquito, they do have an important role in nature, as a food source for birds, bats, and fish.