Mosquitoes are common, flying insects that can be found just about everywhere on Earth. There are over 3,500 different types of mosquitoes worldwide. Here in Michigan, we have about 55 different species. Not all of them carry diseases but most of them are a nuisance to us humans and our animals. The two most common species of mosquitoes found in our area are the Aedes Vexans and the Culex Pipiens. While the Aedes Vexans species can be irritating, they do not pose a serious threat as a major disease carrier. The Culex Pipiens species on the other hand have been known to carry diseases. The most common diseases among this species are St. Louis Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and other Encephalitis Diseases.

West Nile Virus can cause serious illness that can be fatal while Encephalitis diseases cause a bacterial infection that could lead to inflammation of the brain.

To help with mosquito infestations we recommend removing all standing water in your yard, prune bushes and shrubs, thin out the density of all tree branches, keep your lawn well maintained by keeping the grass cut short, and clean up all debris and leaf piles.