Local mosquito populations are exploding this spring. Experts say a mild winter has caused mosquitoes to annoy us about a month earlier than normal years.
Biologist Jim Erwin with Mosquito Control, a division of the Marion County Health Department, says the area had mosquitoes this year in March. He says this year, there appears to be more than three times the normal number of mosquitoes.
In addition, Ewin says he is concerned because of an increase in the local Culex mosquito population.
"That mosquito is the one that is the major contributor to West Nile Virus transmission," he says. "So, when we have three-and-a-half times more of those mosquitoes than normal, obviously, it is going to make us concerned."
Trucks equipped with mosquito foggers began spraying parts of the city last week. Old tires are popular breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Saturday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the health department and Mosquito Control are giving residents a chance to get rid of old tires. You can drop off up to six passenger tires for free at 401 East 21st Street in Indianapolis.