North Carolina battles mosquitoes after hurricane

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After Hurricane Florence blew through North Carolina, flooding took over parts of the state. Almost two weeks later, the flooding has led to a mosquito infestation in the region.

The storm brought nearly 20 inches of rainwater in some areas. Many mosquito species lay eggs that will hatch after heavy rains – or in this case, flooding. The gallinipper mosquito (Psorophora ciliata) was one of the species that hatched and can be two to three times larger than a regular mosquito. The Fayetteville Observer reports that North Carolina is home to 61 different mosquito species.

Gov. Roy Cooper said $4 million would go to controlling the enormous mosquitoes.