After a winter of record-breaking snow and rain, New Jerseyans are keeping a close watch on the upcoming mosquito season. State environmental officials say it’s too early to tell whether the insect, jokingly referred to as the state bird, will be a major nuisance this year. That will depend on how the weather plays out over the next few months. Bob Kent, an administrator with the state Office of Mosquito Control Coordination, says warm weather soon could mean an early appearance of the pests, but there are many other variables.

New Jersey is home to about 60 species of mosquitoes, with each having different habitats, life cycles, behaviors and preferred source of blood.

They’re not just a nuisance but also can transmit disease. AP/APP