Mosquito explosion in the Chicago area caused by heavy rains

WILL COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) – After weeks of heavy rains, the mosquito population is exploding in the Chicago area.

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Will County officials installed mosquito traps in 14 localities in the county. The numbers they see confirm the high number of mosquitoes.

"We see a lot more flooded mosquitoes coming out with all the rain we've seen, and in terms of the number of tests, we usually do about 50 mosquitos per test, but in the very nets we collect, we see a lot more, "said Kyle Moy, of the Will County Department of Health.

Until now, a single mosquito has been tested positive for West Nile virus in Will County, Plainfield. Mosquitoes that carry the virus usually only come out later in the summer.

"After heavy rains and then we see hot, dry weather, we will see many more West Nile mosquitoes," Moy said.

If you spend time outdoors between dusk and dawn, experts advise you to use an insect repellent against DEET and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants.