Scientists say drought, heavy rain and heat all combine to create a bad mosquito season
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There are more mosquitos than usual in parts of the U.S. this summer. Researchers at the University of Florida say it may be the worst in the Southeast, because the region is getting hit with three years' worth of bugs in one summer.
Two years of drought were followed by heavy rain this year. Mosquito eggs don't hatch during dry spells. This year's rain hatched eggs from the previous two years, along with eggs from the 2013 season.
Climate change also contributes to a bad mosquito season because the insects tend to do better in hotter weather.
Mosquito control in Lee county reports getting more than 300 calls every day from residents this summer. That's a much higher count than normal. Communities typically spray pesticides to reduce the mosquito population, but researchers say mosquitos are starting to develop a resistance to chemicals.
Mosquitos spread diseases. In the U.S., the biggest threat is the West Nile virus. In 2012 there were a record 286 West Nile deaths. 2013 is not as bad for people getting the disease.
Outside the U.S., mosquito-borne diseases are a much bigger problem. More than 600,000 people are killed by malaria every year in poorer countries.
To prevent mosquitos from biting, wear long pants and long sleeves. Wear light-colored clothes, because scientists say mosquitos are attracted to dark colors. And use repellents with the chemical "DEET."
For more information about mosquitos go to the American Mosquito Control Association website at
http://www.mosquito.org/ .
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