After a fairly 'bite-free' summer, the local mosquito population has boomed over the past few weeks, with residents swatting and scratching and reaching for the bug spray.
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But why have they become such a force of late. And where were they throughout the rest of summer?
Dr Cameron Webb is a mosquito researcher with the University of Sydney and has spent plenty of time studying the mosquito populations along the Mid North Coast.
He believed the drought played a big role in keeping mosquito numbers down through the summer months.
"As soon as Christmas came it just got too hot and dry," he said.
"Hot weather really reduces their lifespan."
With no rain and the local wetlands experiencing extremely low water levels, there was insufficient water around for the mosquito larvae to hatch.
This is why most people were able to sleep through January and February without hearing the dreaded whine of mosquito wings buzzing around their heads.
Interestingly too, despite the region experiencing almost constant nor-easters throughout this period, Dr Webb said the wind would've had little effect on local mosquito numbers.
"Winds will certainly knock mosquitoes about, but it doesn't really change how many are around," he said.
"In some instances, the prevailing winds may be more likely to blow mosquitoes towards local towns from nearby wetlands."
The warmer it is and the more water there is in local wetlands, the more mosquitoes will be buzzing about.
- Dr Cameron Webb
Regarding the sudden proliferation of mosquitoes in recent weeks, Dr Webb said two factors were responsible.
The first was the large tides that inundated local wetlands in February.
These tides provided enough water for the mosquito eggs that had already been laid to hatch.
However, the brief drop in temperatures that followed again slowed down their activity.
But with the recent rain and return to warmer weather, conditions have combined to allow local mosquito populations to flourish.
"They're taking advantage of these conditions," he said.
"They won't start declining in number until closer to the end of April when cooler temperatures arrive."
With so many mosquitoes around, Dr Webb said it was important for people to take precautions as the occurrence of the Ross River virus in the local area was not uncommon.
"Even though summer is past, they shouldn't be complacent," he said.
"We see almost annual activity of Ross River along the Mid North Coast."
Dr Webb advised using insect repellents - especially those containing Deet - to reduce the risk of getting bitten.
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