While Covington County is enjoying a much-needed break from the afternoon thunderstorms, residents should keep in mind the timing is perfect for those pesky summer insects — mosquitoes.

“We’ve had quite a bit of rain over last few weeks, and that’s water that could possibly be standing and creating the perfect habitat for mosquitoes,” said Terry Kyzar, environmental specialist at the Covington County Health Department.” “Most people don’t realize it, but we raise most mosquitoes around our homes.

“With the local heavy rains we’ve had, stump holes in the woods have standing water in them,” he said. “Now, that’s staring to dry. Sometimes it takes weeks, even months, for the mosquitoes to come out. We can’t do anything about the water in the woods, but we can around our home.”

“When you’re outside make sure to protect yourself, too,” he said. “Wear loose clothing and insect repellent. Mosquitoes can transmit malaria, yellow fever and encephalitis. The more active we are about eliminating the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the less of a mosquito problem we’ll have.”