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Mosquitoes more active as weather heats up, experts say

Posted at 6:01 AM, Jun 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-16 09:08:29-04

As the weather heats up, experts warn mosquitos and summer bugs will be more active.

Peak season for mosquitos is April through October, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Recently public health and vector control professionals attended training to make sure they are prepared to prevent and control things like West Nile and Zika viruses.

Drew Lowry with AB Pest Control AZ gave the following tips: 

  • Remove any water from buckets and containers in backyards (mosquitos just need an inch of water to breed)
  • Treat pools with proper chemicals 
  • Don't over-water plants (mosquitos lay eggs in the excess water in rings)
  • Don't pile up boxes or yard equipment outside (scorpions and bugs like to live in there)
  • Clean gutters 
  • Cut back bushes (adult mosquitos like to live in dark, cool places)
  • Make sure window screens are snug and have no holes

As for scorpions, Lowry says it's a myth that you can't get rid of them. He says pest control companies have very effective sprays to kill them off.