If you’ve been thinking there is an excessive amount of mosquitoes this year, you’re not crazy. Mosquito Abatement District Director Kirk Robbins confirms that this is a bad year for mosquitoes as well as gnats thanks to the extra wet winter and spring. Mosquito abatement workers are continually working to treat sources and combat the mosquito population. As far as mosquitoes, it’s estimated that the majority of them will be gone within 20 days but in the meantime it is very important to use a repellent with DEET. West Nile Virus is a concern, shares Robbins, and it’s especially important to cover up with long sleeve shirts and long pants from dawn to dusk as that is when the type of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are biting. Flood water mosquitoes can bite at any time and proper repellent is the best way to deter their bite. The Department of Health still show no data on West Nile Virus for this year though it is anticipated to amp up in the coming weeks.
