The warm weather, coupled with lots of rainfall, is making conditions perfect for mosquitoes. But the batch bound for many backyards isn't just a nuisance. It's also dangerous.
The Culex Mosquito, a known carrier of the deadly West Nile Virus, is 10 times as common now as its less-dangerous counterpart, according to officials at the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District.
"Cooler temperatures this spring have kept the current mosquito population at bay, but abatement districts are seeing millions of breeders now that temperatures are rising," said Mike Szyska, the district's director.
Officials are spraying pesticides around standing water within the district, but advise people to not only wear mosquito repellents when going outdoors, but to be mindful of standing water near their residences.
"If we could have cooler temperatures and less rain it would help a lot," said Szyska.
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