If it seems like mosquitoes are worse this year, they are.

Mosquito Joe, a pest control business, says the increased rain and rollercoaster temperatures this past spring are the two perfect factors that lead to an increase in mosquitoes breeding.

“They need a bottle cap full of water to lay hundreds eggs, and when you look at all of the rain we've had this year, that's a lot of bottle caps,” said Karlene Franasiak, whose family owns Misqutio Joe. “The other factor is heat spikes. It speeds up and accelerates their growth process.”

The Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein says prevention is key if you don’t want to get bitten this summer. She suggests buying bug sprays with at least 25 percent deet — this means it will last longer.

Burstein encourages people to wear long sleeves when they can and to avoid peak times of the day when mosquitoes are most likely to be out — which is at dusk and dawn.

Another thing people need to do is empty bird baths or outdoor water bowls at least once a week. Stagnant water and damp and cool places are good breeding grounds for mosquitoes. She suggests frequently spraying down piles of wood or outdoor furniture as well.

People may worry about an increased risk for West Nile; Burstein says there were only two reported cases of West Nile in Erie County in 2018 and only one case in 2017.

While it’s not common in the area, Burstein says most people with West Nile don’t show symptoms. In fact, she tells us only 20 percent of people with the virus do.

"Most people don't develop any symptoms, and if they do, they just develop flu like symptoms that resolve by themselves. There is no vaccine, no viral medication to treat it, so our big strategy here is prevention," Burstein said.

She says if you are worried, to contact your health provider. For mosquito prevention services, people can contact Mosquito Joe.