Bloodsuckers bite and bother many

Mosquitos swarm College due to rain and warm temperatures

They're dying now. But just a few days ago, it seemed a full-fledged nuclear attack wouldn't exterminate the mosquitos.

Associate Professor of Biology Yolanda Cruz said that recent precipitation not only broke September rainfall records but also provided mosquitoes a few last glory days for reproduction before the cold temperatures prevent them from breeding. The temperature and moisture levels stubbornly remained at levels that facilitate mosquito larvae growth and development.

Students have yet to reach a consensus when the mosquitos first began to appear in large numbers. They first appeared "last week, indoors, like that one," sophomore Jesse Mausner said, as he pointed at one of the offending creatures.

First-year Liza Sapir, a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team, found a few of the insects outdoors. Sapir said she has been battling the mosquitos for several weeks at practice on North Fields. She said that the mosquitos "provided an incentive to sprint" for the team.

Some students are content to live peacefully with the airborne insects. First-year Mari Spira said that she had a few living in her room and that she "didn't want to kill them…it's kind of a moral thing."

The numbers of mosquitos, though annoying to many, are no cause for worry, said Judith Appleton, College physician. Wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants and no perfumes, she added, is one way to prevent bites but is by no means a cure-all.

As for insect repellent, an employee at Gibson's Market said that there was no increase in repellent sales but that he "sold some today."

The mosquito population has drastically decreased with the corresponding drop in temperature, according to Cruz. Suddenly, students sick of swatting have a reason to look forward to snow.

Blood thirsty: This mosquito led a short life, but many of its compatriots have been well fed. (photo by John Matney)