Missouri flooding creates early mosquito hatch

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Mosquitoes are buzzing around eastern Missouri earlier than usual this year, thanks to widespread spring flooding.

Jefferson County Mosquito Control Coordinator Steve Crawford said the pesky insects hatch in stagnant water, and that a small amount inside a tire can hatch 1,000 mosquitoes or more.

Crawford said Missourians can do their part to control the bug population down by removing standing water from their property.

One risk from mosquito bites is West Nile virus -- 77 cases were reported in Missouri last year, 16 in Jackson County and 14 in St. Louis County.

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Information from: KSDK-TV: http://www.ksdk.com