I am not an entomologist. I do not track the growth of bugs. I have no "special" knowledge or education on this subject.  I have just lived long enough in Lubbock to know that the type of rain we had will result in swarms and swarms of the flying beasts.

"Hot Damn! Those mosquitoes in Lubbock are HUGE!" (Getty Images)
"Hot Damn! Those mosquitoes in Lubbock are HUGE!" (Getty Images)
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I Googled "Why are there mosquitoes?".  It seems they serve no purpose to me.  Apparently though, they are "an important food source for migratory birds" as well as fish and lizards and whatnot.  I even read an article called "Why Would God Create Mosquitoes" that made me dumber and dumber with every sentence.  It said that mosquito's infect 247 million people a year with malaria, killing one million and thus "helps with overpopulation".  So, there you go, mosquitoes are God's little winged messengers of death. The article went on to state that they are part of the ecosystem and if they were completely eradicated, "God would have to make something like them to take their place".  Okay, sure.

Anyways, I spend weekends in a HEAVILY mosquito infested area.  We utilize a three pronged approach to keep the little bastards away.  First, mosquito spray (usually Deep Woods Off" with Deet).  Second, we keep citronella torches burning.  Lastly, we try to mosquito bomb the high grass when ever we have a few extra bucks.

You can help too. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. If you have a tire, unused flower pots or anything else in your yard that is holding a little rainwater, knock it over and/or pour it out.  At least give it a kick so the mosquito eggs will sink to the bottom.

So what if you're bit?  Well, you may die (if you're reading this in a malaria infested area).  The number one thing to do is to wash with soap and water.  It takes away the mosquito spit that agitates your skin. Next if you put ice on it it will reduce the swelling.  Lastly, how about you quit being such a giant puss and just move on?   Okay, that wasn't a good one.  So let's go with, if it really hurts, mix a little baking powder or meat tenderizer (season salt) with water, make a paste and put it on the bite.

 

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