Record rainfall breeds booming mosquito population
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Mosquitoes continue to torment central Indiana thanks to record rainfall totals this season.
Marion County Mosquito Control officials said this month that we’re seeing about triple the amount of mosquitoes this season compared to what’s normal for the region.
Since June 1, nearly 20 inches of rain has fallen on Indianapolis, according to the National Weather Service office at the Indianapolis International Airport. More than 10 inches of that has happened in the last 10 days. The region is on track to set the record for the wettest July and the entire summer season if the trend continues.
- Read more about 2015 rain totals on the WISH-TV Weather Blog
- Photos: 8 facts about mosquitoes in Indiana
It’s caused a lot of flooding across the area, but those shallow puddles left behind in your yard and gutters is a breading ground for mosquitoes. Crews have been treating as much as possible where standing water is present and then fogging neighborhoods impacted as well. If you want to request mosquito treatment for your neighborhood you can call Marion County Mosquito Control at 221-7440.
As for the West Nile Virus, at last check Marion County has not had a positive test for the disease yet this summer, but officials say warmer temperatures could increase that possibility.
You can take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and, therefore, the virus. The Marion County Health Department uses the 4 D’s to remind you of some simple steps.
- Dusk: Stay indoors from dusk until dawn.
- Dress: Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
- Deet: Use an insect repellent with deet to protect exposed areas.
- Drainage: Help keep the population in control by removing water from toys in your yard, gutters, wading pools and recycling unused tires
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