Mosquito forecast: A "whopper" season ahead for D.C.

State of play: Blame moisture. A wet winter, plus erratic yet heavy spring rains, equals perfect breeding conditions when temperatures rise.

• Even that big snowfall? Not a reset. "It makes it worse," Miles says. Eggs can freeze over winter, then thaw and hatch when it warms.

Between the lines: Miles has been in the mosquito biz for nearly two decades — a sprayer to the stars, responsible for embassies and yards of politicos —and knows when a season will pop.

• In dry years, "the phone stops ringing." This year? "Mother Nature has created a great atmosphere for it to be intense."

Zoom out: D.C. officials are watching closely.

• The city tracks mosquito populations, especially Culex, the main carrier of West Nile virus.
• These mosquitoes thrive in warm, stagnant water — often after wet springs.
• The city uses larvicides to stop them before they mature, and can respond if you report large mosquito infestations or breeding areas.

The intrigue: Yard sprays are booming — but there are tradeoffs.

• Treatments can deter pollinators and other wildlife.

🦇 Want a natural option (plus a little backyard theater)? Try a bat box.