Health Officials Concerned About Mosquito Impact This Spring
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's only the first week of March and already state health officials are concerned about the impact of mosquitoes this spring.
The little bugs can already been seen buzzing around some Delaware Valley neighborhoods.
Linda Rebarchak, Community Relations Coordinator at the PA Department of Environmental Protection, explains why our area may see a spike in these pests.
"I haven't really heard too many complaints, but I'm really not surprised because of the warm weather and the wet conditions that we've been having periodically. I have a feeling it's going to be an early season this year," Rebarchak said.
She says the mosquitoes may be joined by "black flies, could be just as busy. They like to be around streams and creeks and rivers in the area."
Rebarchak says the Department of Agriculture issued an alert last week to area horse owners to start taking steps now to prevent West Nile Virus in their animals.
In addition, Rebarchak says homeowners should make sure there are no places on your property that can collect standing water for those mosquitoes to breed.
