Mosquito Population Surges, New Species Discovered, Experts Concerned

Concerns are rising in Kings County, California, as the number of mosquitoes has surged due to increased water levels in Tulare Lake. The Kings Mosquito Abatement District is struggling to control the mosquito population, which has led to a significant budget overrun. Residents have reported an increase in mosquito activity since the reappearance of Tulare Lake. The district has taken action by spraying pesticides, but the high number of mosquitoes since April is unprecedented. Financial assistance from the state is helping with pesticide applications, but the district acknowledges that complete eradication is unlikely. The possibility of a second round of aerial spraying in Corcoran is being considered due to the detection of the West Nile virus.