Mosquito season is in full force. That’s something weather and nature junkies were hoping wouldn’t happen because of the polar vortex. But IPR's MariamSobh reports that the record cold temperatures may have just given insects a perfect breeding ground.
The colder weather delayed the development of larvae but melted snow and spring rains have given mosquitoes a comfy place to hatch.
Chris Young is with the Illinois Department of Natural resources. He says because native plants, animals and insects are adaptable to weather fluctuations, mosquitoes are here to stay.
“It does not take very much space for a mosquito to breed and they don’t take very long, just a few days.”
And with all the excess water hanging around clogged gutters, Young says it’s the perfect habitat for mosquitoes to thrive. Which is why he says folks should keep an eye out for standing water and try to get rid of it.
“If we’re just vigilant about those things it will do a lot better job than the polar vortex did.”
Young recommends wearing long sleeves and pants when heading outdoors especially in the evening when mosquitoes tend to come out.