August
11
2011
woodtv.com
Updated: Thursday, 11 Aug 2011, 11:27 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 11 Aug 2011, 10:35 PM EDT
By Crystal Hilliard
LOWELL, Mich. (WOOD) - A Lowell family noticed an abundance of larger, striped mosquitoes in their yard this week and 24 Hour News 8 discovered Thursday, they are not alone.
According to Mark VanDerwerp, an exterminator with Rose Pest Solutions, the bug breed is called "Psorophora ciliata" or Gallinipper.
"They're native to Michigan, they've been here," VanDerwerp said. But he admits, "they're everywhere this summer."
Whether gardening or mowing the grass, Matthew Stone and his family have been under attack in the yard this week.
"You almost think it's the size of of a wasp but its actually a mosquito," Stone said. "You definitely notice the bite more."
VanDerwerp told 24 Hour News 8 the Gallinippers are not much different than any other blood-sucking, disease carrying mosquito.
The only difference is the Gallinipper larvae actually eat other mosquitoes.
VanDerwerp said he does not know why there are more Gallinippers in West Michigan this summer.
