After David watched the television news and weather last night, he said the weather forecaster said, “It’s over, guys. Summer’s here.”
It’s been so nice. For weeks. Here it is the end of July and we’ve not had any scorching temperatures. There’s been rainfall several times. EACH WEEK!! Several weeks ago, we had the sprinkler guy come out and check all the sprinkler heads. Everything was fine, and we ran the sprinklers a couple of times (when we’d not had rain). That was back in May. Since then, God’s been doing all the sprinkling. Apparently, that’s coming to a screaming, screeching halt. Summer has arrived.
According to the weather outlook on my phone, we’re looking at temperatures of 97 to 99 all next week. And there’s a little sun icon by almost every date. Next Wednesday has a little cloud over the sun, but it’s a little white cloud, not a little storm cloud.
I’ve been enjoying being outside for so many weeks. I have, however, been constantly spraying myself with bug spray. I’ve bought several cans of bug spray, just to make sure I don’t run out. We’ve had mosquitoes for quite a while, and I’ve had a few bites, but not many. They’re mostly out at the back of the yard, but not exclusively there. They fly right on up to the patio, and even if I’m just taking the trash to the bins, I still stop and spray. I hate to itch, and I know I’m not supposed to scratch. I have some itch cream, but it doesn’t always relieve the itching, especially if I wake up in the middle of the night and find myself scratching away.
I looked up some mosquito facts, such as at what temperature do mosquitoes not bite.
From insectcop.net
Mosquitoes are generally most active above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and prefer humid climates. However, they become less active when conditions become too hot and dry, and many species become completely inactive or will die below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Seriously, I’m not really OUTSIDE very much when it’s 50!
Mosquitoes are one of the world’s most widespread pests, and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Iceland is also a mosquito-free zone.
Mosquitoes are most active in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also more comfortable in humid climates. I prefer that mosquitoes NOT be particularly comfortable. Under these conditions, mosquitoes are more likely to bite, feed and breed. They are also more likely to transmit diseases in a hot, humid climate. Studies have shown that malaria and zika are both more likely to be transmitted at temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature is too hot for mosquitoes? Mosquitoes may thrive in warmer climates, but it can get too hot and dry for mosquitoes. Direct sunlight can dehydrate these insects, which is why many species are most active at dusk and dawn. If the temperature climbs too high, mosquitoes will become less active. Yes, that’s when I’m also less active, too.