MMCD warns of mid‑summer mosquito surge, higher Lyme risk
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District is forecasting a slow start but a strong mid‑summer surge of cattail mosquitoes across the Twin Cities in 2026, with peak numbers expected in July. Because winter and early‑spring precipitation have been low so far, early mosquito season could be lighter unless heavy April rains change conditions. MMCD is also warning that deer tick nymphs may carry Lyme disease at higher rates than usual this year, urging metro residents to take extra precautions in May and June when nymphs are most active. Officials recommend light‑colored clothing, EPA‑approved repellents and thorough tick checks after time outdoors, and say black fly levels should be near normal unless April turns very wet. Aerial larval treatments over metro wetlands are expected to begin as early as April 13, meaning helicopters will soon be flying low over parts of the seven‑county area as the district tries to blunt the projected surge.
📌 Key Facts
- MMCD predicts another high year for cattail mosquitoes in the Twin Cities with a mid‑summer surge expected in July 2026.
- Low precipitation so far points to a slower start to mosquito season, but heavy April rain could significantly increase early‑season numbers.
- MMCD says deer tick nymphs may have a higher prevalence of Lyme disease this year, especially in May and June, and plans to start aerial treatments as early as April 13.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, Minnesota had an incidence rate of 51.4 Lyme disease cases per 100,000 persons.
Lyme disease incidence rates by state U.S. — Statista
The number of reported Lyme disease cases in Minnesota has been increasing for many years, despite yearly fluctuations.
Lyme Disease: Annual Summary of Reportable Diseases — MN Dept. of Health
Lyme disease incidence and prevalence are 1.2–3.5 times higher in White persons than in persons who identified as Asian or Pacific Islander in the United States.
Racial and ethnic disparities in Lyme disease in the United States — Wiley Online Library
Black patients are more likely to be diagnosed with Lyme disease at advanced stages and experience longer time to appropriate treatment compared to other groups.
Black Individuals More Likely to Experience Inequities in Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease, New Research Shows — Johns Hopkins Medicine
Climate change is contributing to warmer and wetter conditions in Minnesota, potentially changing the distributions of ticks and mosquitoes and increasing transmission of insect-borne diseases.
Ticks and mosquitoes in a changing climate — Hennepin County
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