Seeing more mosquitoes across SoCal? Why they’re popping up sooner, living longer and biting more people
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Extreme heat and humidity, combined with recent rainfall, are contributing to a growing mosquito population across Southern California.
Experts said the combination of mild winter conditions, summer heat and increased moisture has created favorable conditions for mosquitoes to breed, survive longer and expand their populations.
“So we had these mild winter months that allow for populations likely to build up earlier in the season than they normally would have, and that's sort of continued into the summer months, which is when we start to see the disease overlap,” said Angela Caranci with the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District.
Mosquitoes lack a circulatory system and rely on warm environments to sustain life. Increased humidity is also helping adult mosquitoes thrive.
“It allows for the adult insects to fly further, live longer, find mates, reproduce, and continue that cycle leading to higher abundance potentially,” Caranci said.
The larger mosquito population is leading to more bites and raising concerns about disease transmission.
“We're also seeing an increase in the number of West Nile virus mosquito pool samples that we test. We're looking at 20% positivity, which last year around this time, we were at 7.3%,” Caranci said.
Historically, peak mosquito season occurs in August, September and early October. However, experts say activity is now beginning about six weeks earlier than normal.
Officials are monitoring whether warming global conditions could lead to these trends becoming more common.
“We're certainly tracking it and doing what we can to make sure we're keeping those populations under control,” Caranci said.
With increased virus transmission concerns, officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
“Screen your windows, wear the repellent, long sleeves, long pants. I know it's warm out, but we're just trying to have folks make sure they're taking care of themselves,” Caranci said.
