Why Are There So Many Mosquitoes in Illinois?

Get ready to break out the bug spray in Illinois—this summer's mosquito season is not one we want to remember.

I'm severely allergic to mosquito bites and am left with welts when I get bit, that's why summer is my least favorite season of all.

Whether you're laying out by the pool, getting some free Vitamin D on your back deck with friends, or taking a hike this summer, you might want to consider keeping a bottle of bug spray nearby. You're gonna need it!

Canva

Summer of 2024 is expected to be a year of high mosquito activity in North America. Climate changes have affected behaviors of mosquitoes, plus, experts predict a surge in severe mosquito-borne illnesses. These illnesses could pose a serious threat to our health.

Protect Yourself: Severe Mosquito Season Ahead for Illinois

Here's what you can do to protect yourself against the surge of mosquitoes this summer.

Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, and when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. [IDPH]

You should also avoid hotspots like warm, moist areas with standing water along rivers or creeks. That's where mosquitoes thrive the most, so stay away if you can.

Oh, and secure windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house!

Canva

Sometimes it seems like mosquitoes find certain people more attractive than others. If you fall under any one of these categories, you are considered a "mosquito magnet".