Not that I miss them but I have noticed there just aren't very many of those biting pests around this summer.

For some odd reason, mosquitoes don't like me any more. Over the last decade or so, I rarely have been bitten by a mosquito. My theory is that word may have gotten around the mosquito world that my blood may be toxic.  Whatever the reason, I'm just happy they aren't out in full force this summer.

The obvious answer to why a lot of mosquitoes are not around this summer is the extremely dry conditions. Mosquitoes like to breed in standing water and with the lack of any significant rainfall, there isn't much standing water to breed in.

98.1 Minnesota's New Country logo
Get our free mobile app

So, dry weather combined with treatment in keeping the number of these pests down, way down, according what the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District told WCCO.  “District wide we’re seeing lower mosquito numbers compared to what we usually see,” said Alex Carlson of the MMCD. “It’s been very unusual.”

The good news is that since there are so few mosquitoes this time of the summer, when mosquito populations are usually at their peak, chances are there won't be many next summer either.

Pretty exciting, right?  Well, don't get too carried away and throw out all your bug spray.

“The floodwater mosquitos are still very dependent on rain and their eggs can survived unhatched for up to seven years, so if we have one rainy year, that’s all it takes,” said Carlson.

Keep your fingers crossed. I've often said over the years that if it weren't for mosquitoes, Minnesota would be a perfect paradise in the summer.

Bucket List Attractions in Minnesota - Must Sees

8 Fast Food Chains That Should Come to St. Cloud

The 25 Best Places to Live in Minnesota

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Minnesota using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

 

 

More From 98.1 Minnesota's New Country