The Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District says the drought is increasing the number of mosquitoes and birds in city back yards.

District Superintendent Gene Abbott says the mosquitoes follow birds that can carry diseases.

“They’ll bite the birds, they can get the virus from the bird and then it amplifies in the mosquito’s body,” he said. “Then, the next time they feed on a human, they can give the virus to the human.”

Abbott said mosquitoes can breed in as little as one-sixteenth of an inch of water and people should make sure there is no standing water in their yards. He also said untreated pools are also prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

– Scott Thackrey