With the summer comes the opportunity to get outside and spend time in the sun, but the warm weather and humidity also bring a nuisance to our area: Mosquitos.

Health Department officials say "Mosquito Season" starts now and runs until the first frost of the winter, which should be sometime in November or December.

They say many diseases, like Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus, are carried by mosquitos, so its important you remove any breeding grounds from around your home.

Mosquitos thrive in standing water, so Alachua County Health Department Director Tom Belcuore says make sure you pour out any water sitting in bird baths, kiddie pools, or plant pots in your yard.

Although we've had a fairly dry year so far because of the recent drought, Belcuore says that could all change during hurricane season.

By David Hamilton/WCJB TV 20 News