How to prevent mosquitoes after Arizona’s recent rainfall

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — With the much-needed rain, there’s a bug itching to ruin your evening.

“That means that we need to be reminded that mosquitoes may be just around the corner from our home,” said Johnny Diloné, the public information officer for the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.

Diloné said mosquitoes are buzzing about the current conditions in the Valley, and it’s important to be prepared. “It’s important to know that mosquitoes need a couple of things to happen. They need warm temperatures, not extremely hot, but warm temperatures, and they need water.”

Tips from Maricopa County:

• REPEL mosquitoes using EPA-registered insect repellent
• REMOVE standing water from your home and yard
• REPAIR or replace damaged window and door screens
• REMIND your family, friends and neighbors about mosquito safety

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. “It doesn’t matter how small that container may be, even if it’s the cap of your water bottle. you need toss any water from a container and if possible clean the container to not leave any mosquito eggs behind.”

The county gives this advice not just to keep you from getting bit when enjoying the evening outside but also to help you avoid catching West Nile virus or any other harmful diseases these pests can carry.

Maricopa County traps and tests the bugs multiple times a week across the county. So far this year, Diloné says they’ve had 11 traps tested positive for West Nile across the county. “We work every day. We deploy traps on Mondays and collect them on Tuesdays. Take them to our lab and then again Wednesdays and collect them on Thursdays and bring them.”

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