LENOIR, NC (WBTV) -
There has been plenty of rain across most of western North Carolina in the past week and while that is good for lawns and crops it also means an unwelcome visitor is coming: mosquitoes.
It only takes a few days for mosquito larvae to become flying, biting pests. Any container that can hold standing water is a potential breeding ground. That includes bird baths and planters where water can collect.
"You do need to take precautions," said Jessica Carter of the Caldwell County Health Department. "Any container with standing water should be emptied," she said. "Mosquito repellent is a good thing to use as well."
Carter said it is important to read the instructions on chemical repellents because not all products are designed to be used on children.
Carter said it is best to avoid the outdoors at dusk and just before dawn.
"That's the busiest time for mosquitoes."
Officials said the biggest danger, besides the aggravation, could be La Crosse Encephalitis. There are a few cases of it every year. It is a mosquito borne illness that brings flu like symptoms. It is rarely fatal but can cause problems in the elderly and the very young.
April Vinson and Tonya Whipkey took several kids to the park in Gamewell just after lunch on Tuesday.
"It's the best time to avoid the mosquitoes," said April.
Both women said they have seen a marked increase in mosquitoes in the past week. While they are avoiding the worst time of day for the biting insects, there is a price to pay said April.
"Yes there is, we are burning up in the heat of the day."
Mosquito season will last until nighttime temperatures are consistently in the lower 50's.
