Experts predicting Vicious Mosquito Season

There are many things to enjoy in the spring, but mosquitoes are not one of them and especially not this year.  Experts across the region are predicting an especially fierce mosquito season again this year due to the warm winter, we experienced and in many areas, the infestations have already started.  A mild winter means we do not see the typical reduction in pest populations.  Combine that with wet weather and an early start to the reproduction process and it is the perfect recipe for a huge population.  In addition, in addition to leaving behind itchy red bites, they can spread diseases like West Nile Virus and Encephalitis. Mosquitoes breed very quickly in stagnant water; a bottle cap full is enough.  It only takes 10 to 14 days to develop from an egg into an adult. Additionally, these pests are always hungry and will travel up to 14 miles for a meal. To help homeowners protect themselves against mosquitoes this year, experts recommend the following proactive measures: eliminate all sources of standing water such as children’s wading pools, birdbaths and flower pots; keep rain gutters cleaned out to prevent water from standing in drains; get rid of unnecessary vegetation around the home where mosquitoes can breed; when swimming pools aren’t in use, keep them covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs; screen windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside homes; and consider using yellow bug light bulbs in outdoor light fixtures, the bulbs reduce the number of flying insects around your home.