Pima County Health Department's vector control laboratory says this year's above average temperatures in Tucson have brought the mosquitoes out early. Due to the monsoon, it will only continue to get worse.
Water is a mosquito's primary source for breeding, which is why the problem is significantly higher after the monsoon, but we can't just blame the weather. You can attract mosquitoes simply by watering your lawn or putting out a bird bath. In fact, a mosquito only needs a capful of water to breed.
David Ludwig, Program Manager at Pima County Health Department recommends making sure you are not collecting water. He suggests dumping out your water after it rains. Also, do not overwater your plants. Ludwig says that water should not stand for more than one day.
To protect your home, Ludwig suggests having good screened windows and keeping your doors closed.
If you are unable to handle the problem on your own, the Pima County Health Department can come out and put traps around your property, or they can use their newest solution, Gila topminnows. These species of fish look like your typical minnow and are native to Arizona. They feed on mosquito larvae, which reduces the amount of mosquitoes breeding around your home. The department hopes this will combat some of the city's mosquito issues.
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