Mosquitos in Utah and Arizona?
 

Because West Nile Virus is a possible problem again this year in some states, I would like to know if it would be wise to pack mosquito repellent for our Sept. trip. I know that mosquitos thrive where there is water, and since the southwest is a desert-like enviroment, I tend to think insect repellent is unnecessary. However, I don't want to take any chances of getting this deadly disease. Utah residents, how are the mosqitotos out there? Thanks for the advice.

We saw very few this year. But I would still carry the repellent. Here's a link to a story for West Nile in Utah.

http://kutv.com/topstories/local_story_227181734.html

Utahtea

My son (we live in Eastern Utah)came home from the golf course the other day just covered in mosquito bites (this was the same day the news announced the first cases of West Nile virus in Utah). Even though we live in the desert, there are plenty of these pesky creatures buzzing around - some the size of turkeys. They tend to show up in the morning and evening. Although the chances of getting the virus is small, bring plenty of repellant and money to spend in our state.

Golf course= giant water source=skeeters. During my time in AZ we saw very, very, very few skeeters, but more near creeks, riverbeds, etc.
I don't mean to second-guess you, but West Nile isn't automatically deadly, and it's been identified in most states of the US, probably yours, so I wouldn't be unduly alarmed about the southwest.

Not all of Arizona is a desert. I'm in Phoenix and haven't seen a mosquito in years. As far as the high country in the northern part of the state there may be mosquitos. So, I guess it depends on where you are going.

I'd bring the stuff with me. Better safe than sorry.

We just returned from Utah, Arizona - Bryce, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon. We all commented that we did not see one bug (except for a really big nasty beetle of some sort). There must be bugs, since there are lots of birds and dragon flies (I guess those are bugs, too) and they have to eat something!

Bird:

Do your Utah mosquitoes say "gobble, gobble"?

Just curious :)

Jason888:

No - but they do sound like Apache helicopters and will sometimes carry off small dogs and children.

I take repellent with me when I will be outdoors just as a precaution - it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

FOR GOD'S SAKE. You're scaring the white people away.

The timing of this post is really incredible. Just today, The Arizona Republic, the daily newspaper in Phoenix had an article on this very subject. Basically, the Phoenix area hasn't been known for mosquitos, but with the residents moving in from other areas and insisting on grass and pools we are increasing our humidity levels and also providing a breeding ground for mosquitos. While I haven't really encountered any mosquitos, I'd go ahead and bring your repellent with you. If you happen to be in an area that seems to have the mosquitos than you can protect yourself.

But, whatever you do, don't worry. Your chances of seeing a mosquito and getting infected are very very slim.

Enjoy your trip.

Last year I got West Nile and I can tell you that if you are an otherwise healthy person and contract West Nile, you'll be just fine.
I felt pretty bad, my muscles were so sore and every lymph node/gland in my body was swollen. I live in an area of Texas that gets many cases each year and happened to be in Canada on business when it all started. I was pretty scared and could not wait to get home. I went directly from the airport to the hospital. I had the typical case and it was not that bad. I just stayed in bed for a few days (REALLY fatigued) and took it easy for a few weeks afterward.
Take some DEET and have fun!

just got back from Zion ( august 20-25) and NOT ONE mosquito did we see. i kid you not. i was shocked. perhaps the desert mountain areas dont have enough water for um, or they spray. but we didnt see one. and we stayed by the river too.

not one!