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Rain, heat and humidity combo could spawn more mosquitoes

May 31, 2011|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter | By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter

ELKHART COUNTY — Your local health department is watching the weather closely. More rain, heat and humidity could cause a lot more mosquitoes.

"Right now we are seeing increasing numbers in our larvae collection and increasing numbers in our light trap collection," said John Hulewicz, supervisor for Elkhart County Environmental Health Services.

Hulewicz said the wet, cool spring kept mosquito populations in check, but it could lead to a population boom because of all of the flooded areas.

West Nile virus and other diseases aren't a concern this early in the season, but Hulewicz's staff checks mosquito populations daily. The department is also keeping an eye on the conditions. 

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More rain could mean a washout. It could also help populations thrive.

"If you can avoid mosquitoes then you are living in the Antarctic or in a bubble," said Hulewicz. "It's part of the environment. We have to live with that. Some years are better than others."

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