Officials say there may be an increase in mosquitoes this season

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Warmer weather means a lot of things, including time out in the sun and down by the water, and the return of mosquitos.

Officials from the Rhode Island Department of Health said we may be seeing more of them this year.

“We had a very wet march and a relatively mild winter,” Rhode Island State Epidemiologist Dr. Suzanne Bornschein said.

That means it is time to lather up on bug spray this May and the coming summer months, but make sure you use the right kind of bug spray.

Officials said to use at least 20% DEET, but no more than 30%.

It also helps to wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts when you are outside.

“One of the things we know is that when we don’t have a hard freeze mosquitoes tend to have an easier time reproducing and coming back,” Bornschein said.

RIDOH advises trying to minimize your time outside at sunrise and sundown since that is when mosquitos like to feed.

“One of the great things about Rhode Island is that we are outside more in the nicer months,” Bornschein said. “[But] we do come more into contact with more mosquitoes.”

Officials add it is important to make sure any open windows have screens on them and to repair any broken screens.

RIDOH also said that, while they cannot predict any concerns about diseases like EEE, residents should keep an eye on the Department of Health’s website for reports of any raised concerns as the season continues.