Warm Weather To Bring More Mosquitos, But Cool Weekend To Hamper Growth
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The next couple weeks could be a bit of a roller coaster ride for mosquito activity in the Chicago area.
Wet weather followed by warmer temperatures provides the perfect incubator for mosquito larvae.
"With the warmer temperatures, the mosquito larvae mature faster, so we should be seeing some adult activity in the next couple of days," said Douglas Wright, general manager of the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District.
However, with cooler temperatures in the forecast this weekend, there could be a slowdown as well.
Crews have been out performing inspections since mid-April, and already have come up with a positive result for West Nile virus in the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District.
"It's a little early at this time for that, but as the temperature warms, we're expecting to see more positive mosquito batches for West Nile," he said.
Wright said everyone can help.
"We're asking them to really follow what we call the Three Rs. That's reduce, repel, and report," he said.
You can reduce exposure to mosquitos when they're most active ; use insect repellent when outdoors; and get rid of standing water, even tiny amounts, as mosquito larvae can hatch in something as small as a bottle cap. You can also report dead birds, which can be a sign of mosquitos carrying West Nile virus.