The mosquitos in our backyard are simply terrible. They are fast, aggressive and plentiful. The neighbors say they haven’t ever seen them so bad. I suppose it is because of all the rain we had this year. The mosquitos are different than the ones back home. Unlike most things in Texas, they aren’t larger. They are simply much more aggressive, yet flighty. They are hard to smack, because even while sucking you dry they’ll take off if you make a swing at them. There are so many that you can literally get covered, especially any exposed skin. Wesley spends a good chunk of his time outdoors whacking his arms and legs and yelling “SHEW!”. I’ve done what I can: kept the grass mowed, removed standing water, cleaned gutters, etc. But so far, nothing has really worked. So in keeping with US government policy I’ve made a threat meter. It doesn’t solve the problem, but it does make you scared. The terrorist threat level equivalents are in parenthesis.
Level 1 - Jillian (Green): No mosquitos. Go outside and play. Even Jillian is allowed outside to enjoy the warm evenings. [Note: We'll probably never see this one]]
Level 2 – Amber (Yellow): Some mosquitos, but not many. Amber will come outside for more than 30 seconds. [Note: We've never actually seen this one, but may some day. Sometimes Amber ignores the threat level and comes out anyway]
Level 3 – Wesley (Orange): Lots of mosquitos. The average person runs indoors or for the deet. Wesley is tough and determined so he stays outside. Much shewing occurs. [Note: Fairly common level in midday and on deck.]
Level 4 – Joshua (Red): Good God, lots of mosquitos. Only Joshua will go or remain outside. Even then it is for short periods, usually to do chores. Mosquitos cover you like bark on trees, only bitier. [Note: Most evenings and almost all the time in the grass. Westnile is almost imminent]
