Health officials are warning the public that the rain and warm afternoon temperatures are creating a perfect environment for the blood-sucking pests that invade the South in the summertime.
"Warm, wet weather is a perfect breeding ground and habitat for mosquitoes to lay their eggs," District Two Public Health Spokeswoman Natasha Young said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquito eggs can hatch within a few days of being laid, and in as little as five days after that, they transition from Larva to Pupa. 2-3 days later, it will become an adult flying mosquito.
In addition to being annoying, mosquitos can carry diseases that cause severe illness. Health officials in Southwest Atlanta recently reported some mosquitos testing positive for West Nile Virus. No cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported in Northeast Georgia so far, and health officials want to keep it that way.
"The most important thing a person can do to prevent mosquitos in their home or near their home is to do a 'tip and toss,'" Young told AccessWDUN. "[Empty] anything that is around your home that can hold water."
Items can include trash cans, potted plants, bird baths, unclean gutters, buckets and even uncovered boats.
Young also said that ensuring window and door screens do not have holes can prevent the flying vectors from entering your home.
"Make sure you wear insect repellent and cover your body with long sleeves and long pants when you're outside," she explained. "Mosquitos are there day or night."
