With mosquito approaching, local pest control companies say phones are ringing off the hook with people concerned about Zika virus.
One of those concerned consumers is mother of three Ashley Cray. She says she usually sprays, but the fear of Zika is one more reason to spray.
"We have a 5-month-old so we are not exactly trying right now but the thought of getting pregnant and the way I get eaten is very scary because I mean who knows if, it just makes me not want to go outside,” said Cray.
Even though it’s early in the season, Mosquito Joe in Johnson County says they are getting flooded with inquires.
"We're barely advertising at all, and we're already getting several inquiries a day, either through online quotes or through people just calling our office. This time last year we weren't getting hardly any," said owner David Maginnes.
The latest warning from the Center for Disease Control says mosquito breeds carrying Zika are found in both Kansas and Missouri.
READ: Solutions to backyard mosquito problems
Agriculturist Rick Miller says people should not panic. So far there are no confirmed cases of Zika being spread in the US through mosquitos. Miller does say people should pay close attention to the warnings from the CDC.
"We're learning all the time more about the virus, more about the mosquitos, the likelihood that it could happen, so certainly I want to be aware of that. And as the weather starts getting hotter and we get into prime mosquito season, I want to be ready," says Miller.
Local health officials say they, too, are paying attention to the warnings.
READ: Squashing mosquitos may be the key to stopping Zika
However, the Johnson and Jackson County Health Departments, along with Overland Park and Kansas City, say they are not doing anything differently to combat mosquito season this year.
If you are still worried, Miller says follow regular mosquito prevention tips, including:
1. Wear long sleeve shirts to protect your skin from bites.
2. Keep bug spray handy.
3. Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds, especially standing water.
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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com
