Preparing for mosquito season

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Zika Virus has a lot of people talking about safety, so today we sat down with a mosquito expert to talk about how to prepare for bug season. 

“We’re anticipating a very high increase in the number of mosquitoes out there this spring and summer,” said Brian Bostick, the owner of Mosquito Squad in Wilmington.

Spring is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about controlling the pesky bug population now.

“Especially this time of year you’ve got a lot of leaves in the yard, maybe firewood, be proactive and get that debris out. Tip anything that can contain water, all it takes is a cap full of water for mosquitoes to breed,” Bostick said.

There haven’t been any cases of the Zika Virus reported here in our state.

“There’s a lot of people kinda in a panic. Don’t worry. Just do your part. That’s all you can really do at this point,” Bostick said.

The Zika frenzy is not really impacting travelers in our area.

“We haven’t had any cancellations with Zika. There are some policies in effect with the airlines that will allow you to cancel your trip depending on what the situation is,” said AAA manager, Sarah Hall.

United Airlines will allow you to cancel flights to the the Caribbean or Latin America without any penalties. American Airlines requires a doctors note proving that you are pregnant and therefore at risk.

“We do tell them the concerns, but for anybody making a personal decision whether to go or cancel a trip, that’s something personal and that is left up to the traveler himself,” Hall said.

So no Caribbean spring break plans are on hold just yet.