Minnesota's (Unofficial) State Bird.... Mosquitoes are Back

The last two years have been wonderfully mosquito-free, but this year, as you probably know, the mosquitoes are back, and they are hungry. I'll spare you the details of where they've bitten me so far.

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, who survey and control mosquitoes and other bugs in the Twin Cities metro area, say that this year is on course to be an average, bug ridden one. MMCD is currently spraying and fogging neighborhoods to kill mosquitoes across the Twin Cities. There's an interesting feature on MMCD's website for residents to sign up for email alerts for when MMCD is planning to spray in their neighborhood.

Here's more resources for avoiding, repelling, and controlling mosquitoes, and other biting bugs.

Mosquito Repellent: There's DEET, and there's natural repellents. Here's advice from About.com's Chemistry expert's on natural mosquito repellents, and here's what our Alternative Medicine expert has to say about keeping bugs away with natural products.

Controlling Mosquitoes: There's a lot you can do in your yard and around your house to limit where mosquitoes can breed. About.com's Insect expert has lots of tips and advice for controlling mosquitoes in your home and yard, and About.com's Landscaping expert shares many simple ways to make your yard unattractive to mosquitoes.