NORTH CAROLINA -- Mosquito season is here.
Once this week's rain lets up, be sure to dump any standing water around your home. Experts say it's a prime mosquito breeding ground.
North Carolina is home to about 50 species of mosquito, and not only are they annoying, but they can be dangerous too. Mosquitoes can carry deadly diseases like the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Experts say eliminating breeding grounds now is the best way to protect yourself in the future.
"Looking around your home, finding the places where the water levels or things that can hold water, those are places the mosquito eggs may be laid. Eliminating those, wear insect repellent, and of course, look into getting your backyard taken care of," said Jeff Weidhaas, training and safety manager.
Experts with Terminix say there are 5 ways people attract mosquitoes without even knowing it. They include:
1. Dressing in dark colors - Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue. Consider wearing lighter colors made of synthetic fibers, since they are harder for mosquitoes to penetrate.
2. Getting sweaty - Though this is hard to avoid in the summer months, consider adding an outdoor fan and dressing in moisture-absorbing clothing.
3. Standing water - Bird baths, kiddy pools, pet bowls all are hotbeds for mosquitoes. Dump the water to prevent breeding grounds.
4. Giving off carbon dioxide through breathing - Though this is impossible to prevent, running or exercising outside will only increase the amount of carbon dioxide you produce. Consider wearing mosquito repellent if exercising outside in the summer months.
5. Wearing perfume, cologne and deodorant - Strong and sweet smelling scents attract mosquitoes. Consider leaving them off if hanging out outside.
Mosquito season typically runs from April to October.