Recent rains could bring more bugs to Valley

PHOENIX — Tuesday’s big storms could bring any itchy problem to the Valley.

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department said residents could see new mosquitoes.

“[But] not yet,” said Field Supervisor David Guerrieri. “The complaints that we are receiving right now were generated by the rain event that we got last week and the week before.”

But he said that more mosquitoes are on the way.

“Every area of the county got water,” Guerrieri said. “New breeding sites (will) open up and that will generate more mosquito activity, usually in about 7 to 10 days after the rain event.”

The county has set over 17,200 traps to catch the pests so far this year.

“We monitor these traps on a regular basis so that we have a good idea where the mosquito activity is going throughout the entire year,” he explained.

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Guerrieri said residents can prevent some of the flying insects by getting rid of any standing water around their house.

“Flower pots, tires, wheel barrels, kids toys, birdbaths, anything that has standing water in it,” he said. “Any of those places will bring mosquitoes.”