Mosquito populations in Maryland expected to be almost three times as higher than normal

If you've been outside, you've noticed the influx of mosquitoes biting at you and if you feel like there's been more out and about, you're not wrong!

The population of mosquitoes in Maryland is expected to be three to four times higher than the normal levels. 

The University of Maryland Extension of Wicomico County says in the past several years there's been a bit of a drought. Despite the lack of rain, these mosquitoes can still survive for a number of years. They become dormant and when water re-appears for a longer period of time, they start to hatch. 

And this spring provided the perfect formula for these bugs: back to back days of still water. That means, these mosquitoes have been hatching and reproducing more than ever. 

Extension educator, Ginny Rosenkranz says, "A rainstorm that just gives a nice soaking, that isn't going to be a problem. But if you have rain but that's standing for a long time that gives all of those eggs that have been lying dormant for years a chance to hatch out."

Another big factor, the cold temperatures in the spring. The dragonflies didn't warm up as quickly, so they weren't out eating mosquitoes as they usually do. And brown bats are also known for eating mosquitoes. But they have been affected by a white nose syndrome, which is a fungus that has also affected their ability to get rid of our least favorite pest.