Latest figures from environmental group show mosquito-friendly days are on the rise in central and eastern Kentucky

The latest data by a New Jersey-based nonprofit shows central and eastern Kentucky have become more habitable for mosquitos. The report by Climate Central show Lexington’s mosquito season increased by 21 days and Hazard’s by 27 days between 1979 and 2022. Jen Brady is a senior data analyst with the organization.

“Mosquitoes like a certain temperature. That's why we have mosquito problems in the summer, because they like summer temperatures. Unfortunately, we're seeing summer-like temperatures in May and in September, and we're seeing more hospitable temperatures for longer periods.”

Brady said they began with a research paper showing the conditions under which mosquitos thrive.

“What we did is they gave a temperature range and humidity range. And so all we did was, we looked at the temperature and humidity in all these cities and said, ‘How many of those days would mosquitoes be happy living in those cities?’ And that's how we got our number.”

Brady said climate change is to blame for the increase -– and if the trend continues, mosquitos most common to Kentucky could be replaced by others carrying different diseases. She said that’s already happening in Florida and Texas.

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