Delayed Arizona monsoon means reduced number of mosquitoes

PHOENIX — As long as the Arizona skies remain free of monsoons, most of us will not be bothered much by a common summer pest: mosquitoes.

Maricopa County Environmental Services Department spokesman David Guerrieri said the lack of rainfall was preventing mosquito breeding sites from popping up.

“We are experiencing kind of a low right now with our mosquito complaints,” he said.

However, the lack of rain — and mosquitoes — does not mean the bugs are any less dangerous.

“We are seeing an increase in our West Nile-positive mosquitoes,” Guerrieri said.

The county has about 750 traps to monitor and test the mosquito population.

People can take steps to reduce the amount of mosquitoes present in their yard.

“You still need to be vigilant: making sure you’re not overwatering and leaving water standing for more than a couple of days,” Guerrieri said, adding that people should use repellent and wear long pants and shirts while outdoors to prevent bites.

The monsoon rain may not be far off. On Thursday, the National Weather Service said that isolated thunderstorms were possible this weekend.

Do you like mother nature's fireworks more than the Fourth of July? Monsoon storms will be possible by this weekend. #azwx pic.twitter.com/EtshxzEoKQ

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 5, 2017

Maricopa County confirmed its first case of a West Nile-positive mosquito this year in May.

KTAR News’ Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.

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