TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas is getting more rain and hotter temperatures than recent years, and some are noticing a rise in mosquitoes as a result.
Shawnee County received just over five inches of rain last month, according to the state climatologist. This is the county's highest total since 2019.
Terry Fritz is the owner of the pest control business "Mosquito Joe." He says this, combined with the humidity contributes to the mosquito boom.
"When it gets warm you've got the combination of water to lay the eggs along with the high temperatures, the population of mosquitoes just explodes," said Fritz. "One female mosquito can lay up to 200-300 eggs. So, it gets exponential real quick."
Earlier this month, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a high-risk warning for certain regions in the state due to West Nile Virus (WNV). This means they found a number of mosquitoes carrying the disease. Currently, three documented cases of WNV have been reported by the KDHE so far in 2024.
Fritz says while this can be dangerous, there is no need to panic as long as you make sure to eliminate as much standing water as possible after humid rains, and apply effective bug repellant.
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