Vicious mosquito season could be in store as summer nears
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Officials are worried this summer the county may see more mosquito's than ever.
During a press conference Wednesday, the Kern County Vector Control stated this summer might be one of the worst yet as high temps could lead to optimal breeding for the pesky pest.
Last year, Kern residents were faced with a new breed of mosquito, the Aedes aegypti, which is considered to be an especially aggressive breed as it can bite a person several times while it is feeding.
Kern Vector Control received almost 4,000 calls from residents requesting services because of mosquitoes in or near their homes and the bites they were receiving.
They want to remind the public that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can transmit Zika Virus, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya Virus.
These viruses have yet to be detected in Kern County however.
Another concern is West-Nile Virus as more mosquitos brings the possibility of more cases in the county.
In order to prepare, Public Information Officer Terry Knight, says to be diligent about checking standing water around your home and clearing out any standing water source.
This includes animal water bowls, pools, hoses, house and outdoor plants.
Residents should also wear protective spray when outdoors especially around sunrise and sunset.
