More and more of a certain uninvited insect may be making their way to your next family picnic.

Tom Cadwallader is an Agricultural Department Agent with the UW Extension. He says there are ways to can keep mosquitoes from dining on you during your next outdoor gathering.

He says the greatest increase has been south of Wausau because of the heavy rain and flooding. "We are definitely seeing more across the region, we've been fairly dry for the past few summers."

Cadwallader says mosquitoes are out in full force. "In the woods anytime of day, in the wetlands anytime of day, but around your yards in the evening and a little in the morning usually when the sun goes down, that's when the mosquitoes come out" says Cadwallader.

Other than causing irritating bumps and the itching, some mosquitoes may be carrying the West Nile Virus.
The virus can cause symptoms that include fever, muscle pains, fatigue, headaches, and eye pain... and in rare cases it is fatal. To protect yourself from all of the above, Cadwallader recommends using insect repellent that contains the chemical DEET.

Jeff Wieloch is the Camp Department Manager at Gander Mountain in Rothschild. He says their best seller is an electric repellent that omits an odor that humans can't smell but keeps the bugs at bay. Bottom line he says you have to protect yourself. "If you are going to be in the woods and in mosquito country make sure you are something with you."

Marathon County Health Department officials say no West Nile cases have been reported in Marathon County this year or last year.