The dry conditions we are seeing is giving us a break from a frequent summer pest.  Laura Jesse, Director of the Interdisciplinary Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic at the ISU Extension says the mosquito population is lower not just in this part of the state but in all of Iowa.  She notes this is one of the lowest populations seen in recent memory because of the dryness.

Jesse says mosquitoes will breed all season long if there is any standing water present.  She recommends applying bug repellents that contain DEET to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects.