Health officials are warning residents of Los Angeles County for what could be the worst mosquito season in years.
Recent heavy rains across the state have created favorable conditions and new places for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and rear their larvae. With warm weather looming in the coming months, these bloodsuckers could thrive.
There are two types of mosquitoes to be concerned about: the culex native breed and the so-called ankle-biter, which is an invasive species.
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“Are annoying. They hurt. They sting,” said Tarzana resident James Jimenez. They can also be vectors for diseases such as Zika and West Nile virus.
Jiménez is taking precautionary measures against a possible mosquito nightmare. On Wednesday afternoon, a Mosquito Squad technician used “Ghostbusters” type equipment to spray Jimenez’s home with chemicals that are harmless to humans but deadly to mosquitoes.
“Wherever it’s shady, cool, dark, that’s what they prefer,” said Joshua Hernandez, a Mosquito Squad worker.
Standing water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and any container with as little as a teaspoon of water can allow insects to spread, according to the Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
Sources of standing water can be anything from plant saucers to old tires and recycling bins, said Caroline Gongora, community liaison officer for the Vector Control District.
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Other sources of mosquito breeding can include things like wading pools, swimming pool pumps and drains, birdbaths, pet water bowls, etc.
The bone Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that once a week people vacuum and scrub items where mosquitoes are likely to lay their eggs.
This story first appeared on Telemundo 52’s sister station NBCLA. Click here to read this story in English.