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Rain This Week Could Mean More West Nile Mosquitoes

CHICAGO (CBS) -- This week's heavy rain is long gone, but in the next few days we should be seeing more reminders of it – of the buzzing and biting variety.

As WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports, there haven't been many floodwater mosquitoes in the area this summer because of drought conditions. But now, they have what they need to breed – fresh rainwater.

And Culex mosquitoes – the ones that carry the West Nile virus – are already in big numbers, according to entomologist George Balis of Clarke environmental products.

"Although we've had a drought, we've had West Nile virus conditions that may be escalated because of an increased habitat for that type of mosquito to go in," Balis said.

Dave Zazra, communications manager for the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, says that is why you need to get rid of any standing water on your property.

"It could be as small as a bottle cap, could be bringing mosquitoes," Zazra said.

Experts also suggest using mosquito repellent if you're going to be outside anytime between dusk and dawn.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya reports

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