mrs/Getty Images
Audio By Carbonatix
Phoenix’s mosquito population has been thriving since late September, and Phoenix New Times readers had plenty to say about it.
Last week, New Times reported that mosquito complaints made to the Maricopa County Vector Control Division, which monitors and manages mosquito populations, have skyrocketed. Division manager John Townsend said complaints increased 400% compared to a year ago, jumping from 1,500 complaints in 2024 to 6,000 this year — so far.
The entire Valley has been a hotspot, with mosquitoes spreading beyond their normal rural and irrigated East Valley plots where they’re usually found. Vector Control sets traps to monitor mosquito activity at 850 sites across the Phoenix metro area and is finding a lot of mosquitoes where there usually are few.
While Phoenix usually experiences rainy seasons in summer or winter when temperatures make it harder for mosquitoes to thrive, October’s mild weather allowed the abnormal rainfall to stand for days while the pests propagated. The result is the worst mosquito problem in Phoenix in about a decade.
This year, make your gift count –
Invest in local news that matters.
Our work is funded by readers like you who make voluntary gifts because they value our work and want to see it continue. Make a contribution today to help us reach our $30,000 goal!
“The last time it was close to this activity was eight or nine years ago,” Townsend said, “when, later in the year, three different hurricanes came up from Mexico.”
On Instagram, New Times readers resonated with the story, which was headlined “You’re not nuts: The mosquitoes in Phoenix have gone bananas this year.” Readers had fun with that.
Said Allen:
“Bold to assume I’m still not nuts.”
Added William:
“I think both can be true.”
But mainly, readers commented on the misery they’ve endured. Said a user who goes by cammyjarv:
“I’ve gotten bit so often I barely even care when it happens anymore.”
Added Dean, conveying a tragedy in just four words:
“My ankles be crying.”
Other Instagram users jokingly looked for someone to blame. Said Gene:
“damn Californians”
Richard quipped:
“Thanks Bill Gates.”
Gates’ charitable foundation has spent a lot of money and effort on combating mosquitoes and the diseases they spread. On Facebook, users also seemed to point the finger at the Microsoft founder and mega-billionaire. Gates, who many conspiracy theories claim has inserted microchips into all of us, bought 25,000 acres of farm land west of Phoenix back in 2017.
Wrote Josh:
“Rain combined with Bill Gates?”
Other Facebook users explained their own practical responses to having more mosquito neighbors. Wrote Bryan:
“Vitamin B1 supplements will make them hate the smell of your blood.”
Susie D Williams had a strategy for the more nature-oriented:
“My very most effective repellant (sic) is rubbing fresh French Lavender leaves on my exposed skin. Definitely works for me.”
Someone else suggested rosemary or peppermint. We’ll leave it to the readers to figure this one out for themselves.
