Complaints about mosquitoes are on the rise in the Valley
Mar 20, 2015, 6:00 AM | Updated: 6:00 am
May is normally the month that the Valley has to start dealing with mosquitoes.
But the pesky pests are bugging people earlier this year, and complaints about them are on the rise.
“Last year, between Jan. 1 and March 18, we saw about 350 mosquito-related complaints,” said Johnny Dilone, a public information officer for the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. “This year, for the same time period, we have registered 371 so far.”
Dilone says the weather is the reason there are more mosquitoes.
“We did have a wet winter here. Now that the temperatures are rising, we have the perfect environment for mosquitoes to breed,” said Dilone.
He suggests that it might be a good idea to get rid of any areas where mosquitoes might breed around your house.
“Eliminate any standing water,” advised Dilone. “You should also remove any clutter and tires, and check potted plants, birdbaths and any other areas where water might collect.”
The Environmental Services Department was scheduled to begin fogging in the areas of Tolleson and Tempe on Thursday night, weather permitting. They plan to spray in Mesa on Friday.
“We are scheduled to fog in an area from Guadalupe Road to Elliott Road and from Sossaman Road to Hawes Road,” Dilone said.
