NEW ULM — The bugs are back this summer with a vengeance.

While summer activities can expose us to lots of insects it’s good to be aware of prevention methods for a number of things including tick and mosquito bites that transmit diseases to humans and animals.

For those outside a lot this summer, mosquito bites are nothing to take lightly. Multiple generations of mosquitoes can even appear at once.

There are a variety of factors that affect the number of mosquitoes in a given summer, but moisture is one of the big ones, said Elizabeth Schiffman, an epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health.

“Mosquitos need water to have a place to lay their eggs,” Schiffman said. “When there’s a lot of standing water around, there are more opportunities for mosquitos to hatch. The insects can reproduce in bird baths, water that collects on outdoor toys, and semi-permanent water sources like drainage ditches and marshes.”

The fact that Minnesota has seen several dry years followed by a wet spring and summer could also potentially have had an impact on mosquitoes, Schiffman said.

The eggs of some mosquito species can withstand some drought, so when moisture returns it’s possible to have multiple generations of mosquitoes emerging at the same time. There can also be some overlap between mosquito species that hatch in the spring, and those that hatch in the summer, she said.

“You can kind of get a bit of a perfect storm,” Schiffman said.

Loose-fitting clothes, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best to avoid mosquito bites.

Prevention measures include filling water-holding tree holes with dirt or sand, recycling old tires and storing them where rain can’t collect. Empty standing water around your home. Check gutters and eaves for proper drainage.

Conventional pesticides to avoid mosquito bites include DEET products that pose no health risk, even to children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Safe application of insect repellent advice includes applying sunscreen first, not applying repellents under clothes and not spraying it directly onto the face. Spray your hands and rub repellent on your face. Avoid eyes and mouth. Don’t allow children to apply repellent themselves. Wash your hands after applying repellent.

Use oscillating fans to keep mosquitos away from your deck. Spreading coffee grounds and tea waste can limit mosquito reproduction.

New Ulm Park & Recreation Director Joey Schugel said the City of New Ulm does not spray for mosquitoes in the city.

Sleepy Eye City Manager Bob Elston city crews sprayed for mosquitoes up until a couple weeks ago in Sportsman’s Park.

“We weren’t impressed with the results, so we haven’t ordered any pesticide after we ran out,” said Elston.

“Luckily, there are ways to prevent these diseases from happening,” said Brown County Public Health Director Jaimie Brand.

She said black-legged (deer) ticks cause the most tick-borne diseases in Minnesota, by far.

“They climb onto a person or animal. They do not jump, fly, or ball from tree tops,” Brand said.

While the risk level of tick-borne disease in Brown County is low, it is established.

In 2022, 2,685 probable Lyme Disease cases were reported in Minnesota, based on confirmed lab evidence. Low incidence counties had 188 of the cases in 2022, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Minnesota tick-borne disease risk was high in much of northern, central and southeastern Minnesota, based on MDH data from 2007-2022.

The disease risk level was moderate in the Twin Cities metro and low in southwest and south central Minnesota.

Initial tick-borne disease symptoms show up 2-4 weeks of being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms include rash, fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint aches.

Most tick-borne diseases are treatable.

Ticks would be removed as soon as possible. Grab the tick near the head with a tweezers, pull it outward, and clean skin with soap and water. Tumble dry clothing and gear in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes. If clothes need to be washed first, wash with hot water and increase dryer time to 90 minutes. Ticks can survive wash cycles.

There were 22 West Nile virus (WNV) disease cases reported in Minnesota in 2022, according to the MDH. Most of the cases reported symptoms beginning in August or September and were severe illnesses affecting the central nervous system.

The highest risk areas are western and central Minnesota. Most WNV cases go away on their own.

For more information, visit www.health.state.mn.us/ or call 651-201-5414.