Those larger-than-normal ‘mosquitoes’ aren’t actually mosquitoes
A case of mistaken identity — have you seen larger than normal mosquitoes lately? Or perhaps more than usual? It might not be what you think.
Officials said winter weather conditions were just right to create a spring full of buzz, and not necessarily the kind most of us like.
“I notice lately when I’m driving, a lot of bugs on my windshield. So, I guess it’s the season? I don’t have any idea on what’s going on,” Coachella Valley resident John Kiorpeoglou told KESQ News Channel 3’s and CBS Local 2’s Katie Widner.
On Wednesday, officials with Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control said insects are on the rise.
“When we have a lot of standing water around and the temperatures go up, they’re just a fact of life here in the desert,” said Rod Chamberlain, the interim operations manager for Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control.
Chamberlain explained that some bugs can be mistaken for mosquitoes when they are not.
“Generally, in the crane fly case, it’s very large. It’s sometimes up to an inch or two in length and mosquitoes don’t get nearly that large,” he said.
Chamberlain also said there is only a slight difference in look between mosquitoes and some non-biting flies, like midges.
“If you look at the antennae, midges have a small branched antennae,” Chamberlain explained. “That’s just a dead giveaway.”
He added that flies and mosquitoes do not live very long so if they are bothersome, the annoyance should not last long. Chamberlain also had three tips so that Valley residents can still enjoy their patios and those famous mountain views.
Midges are not strong fliers, so a simple fan to keep the air circulating would serve you well Keep the patio lights off; those attract the flies Avoid the use of bug zappers, as they can attract more bugs than they kill
In an effort to educate Valley residents, the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is hosting a Fight the Bite 5K run on Saturday, April 15 at 8 a.m. at Civic Center Park in Palm Desert. The event includes a ‘Community Resource Fair’ with music, face painting and booths.
The run costs money, but the fair is free. The free portion of the event will include information on mosquitos and how to identify the different species. Also, an area will be set up to simulate a backyard so people can look for larvae and other indications of mosquitoes.
