A new kind of mosquito is coming to Florida this summer, and it promises to make the regular mosquitos look like..... well, mosquitos. According to the Huffington Post on March 13, the new mosquitos, called Gallinippers, should hit the state during the rainy season that begins in July, and they are likely to make life a lot worse than usual for residents.
The gallinippers are about as large as a quarter, up to 20 times as large as a regular mosquito, and it is said their bite feels like a stab from a knife. Also, they reportedly don't care to seek out only uncovered flesh, but can bite clean through clothing. And apparently you will not be taken unawares; one mosquito control expert commented that it feels "like a small bird lands on you."
The eggs can lay dormant underground for years, and a good tropical storm, like Tropical Storm Debby in 2012, which caused extensive flooding throughout northern Florida and the panhandle, can bring the eggs to life.
Various local governments throughout the state are planning massive insect repellant spraying campaigns, and professionals suggest avoiding open green areas and wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants. Exactly the right advice for a hot Florida summer.
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