4 days ago
Rainfall in May and returning heat is perfect environment for thousands of mosquitoes in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – If you've had any BBQ's or bonfires outside lately, you may have noticed them. Pesky mosquitoes come back every summer, but this year it may be worse.
According to the insect repellent company 'Off', Arkansas is under a high mosquito risk for May 30 – June 2, with a severe level expected by Monday and Tuesday.
Andrea McNutt is one of many Arkansans feeling the effects of the Natural State's persistent rainfall from May.
'Like, I'm some kind of mosquito magnet or something,' McNutt said.
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While the sun has returned, some lingering puddles of water have become the new home to thousands of mosquitoes. One woman said it's becoming unbearable.
'They're horrible. I can't even sit out on my porch and drink my coffee. Within five minutes I'm swarmed,' Holly Hipple said.
But there are some ways to try and keep mosquitoes from biting. Of course, one example is mosquito repellent.
'I don't like to go out a whole lot. And if I do, I'm spraying down with 'Off',' McNutt said.
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Other ways to try and avoid mosquitoes are clearing out clogged gutters and drains, and keeping your pool treated or covered and making sure nothing in your yard is holding standing water.
This, mixed with the returning heat, can quicken a mosquito's life cycle.
'I had to dump my bird bath the other day. It was full and we left the tractor bucket up and it was full of mosquito larvae,' Hipple said.
But the return of warmer weather is something these insects are going to have to share.
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