Mosquitoes Come Early To S.E. Mass.

Mosquito season has come early to Bristol County this year. County Mosquito Control Project Superintendent Wayne Andrews says the Asian tiger mosquito has been discovered in New Bedford nearly three months earlier than normal.

Andrews tells The Standard-Times that the mosquito named for the distinctive stripes on its body loves humans, is very aggressive, and can carry numerous diseases including eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.

The bug also loves breeding in urban areas, rather than wetlands, and often seeks its meals of human blood in broad daylight, rather than twilight like most species of mosquito.

He says the earlier discovery gives it more time to breed.

Andrews says residents should get rid of all standing water on their property to fight the mosquito's spread.