The city of Abilene said rain last week caused a significant uptick in the number of mosquitoes reported. Because only one teaspoon of water can hatch about 500 mosquitoes, a little rain can make a big difference.

Glenn Bailey, the the city's environmental health manager, said more people are requesting mosquito sprayers this year.

"We've had a few mosquito calls over the season. A total of about 75 calls total probably since the end of March. We are seeing, since last week, a little uptick in the mosquito calls," said Bailey.

Bailey said rain is to blame when it comes to mosquitoes. The insects lay their eggs in standing water.

"A little bit of water in a swimming pool a wading pool or something can create a nasty environment for your neighbors," Bailey said.

KTXS Meteorologist Chelsea Humphrey said there has definitely been more rain this year.  

"Last year in July we didn't have much rain at all. We only got a trace amount. This year, even though we're below average for the year for rainfall, we're actually above average for July," Humphrey said.

With mosquitoes can come the threat of diseases like the West Nile virus. Bailey said it has been nine years since any mosquitoes in Abilene tested positive for West Nile, but he said there has been an increase in mosquitoes carrying the disease east of I-35 and in El Paso.

"For whatever reason there is a larger amount of the West Nile virus positive mosquitoes and perhaps human cases. So we may see something developing and since it is carried by migratory birds we could see it moving into Abilene," Bailey said.

He said the city will continue to monitor mosquitoes in Abilene. If anyone is having a mosquito problem, Bailey encourages them to call (325)-437-4590. When the city receives a cluster of calls in a section of the city they will send out trucks to spray for the mosquitoes.