National park officials have a plan to get rid of mosquitoes that spread avian malaria on Maui — by releasing more mosquitoes. (Getty Images)

HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — The Kings County Department of Public Health and the Kings Mosquito Abatement District are encouraging Kings County residents to prepare for the upcoming mosquito season.

Officials say the recent rains and current flooding are providing the necessary environment for this to happen
Mosquitoes thrive and breed.

These two factors increase the reproductive capacity of mosquitoes, including bodies with standing water and rising temperatures, officials say.

Female mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water and become more active when the
The weather is hot, while floodwater gnats can also hamper recovery efforts by increasing the risk of disease for outdoor work, according to officials.

Officials say the most effective way to control mosquitoes around your home is to empty and empty any containers that might hold water weekly. They say to check birdbaths, buckets, water bowls, garbage cans, discarded tires, or drainage ditches with standing water.

Kings County officials say residents are encouraged to report a neglected pool (green pool) or if they need help clearing other mosquito breeding grounds because a variety of services are offered free of charge.