STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — They are here: Nasty mosquitoes. Although the ones on Staten Island seem no more nasty than others in the Northeast, they are easy to hate one you’ve been bitten.

Experts say we’re in for a bad mosquito season. To prevent nasty bites and the West Nile virus, remove standing water, and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

The Staten Island Board of Realtors suggests beginning with some information and advice from HouseLogic:

Mosquitoes spreading the West Nile virus are showing up across the country months before their usual summer schedule. So, it’s more important than ever to dry up wet breeding grounds in your yard.

Wading pools and birdbaths are obvious places for mama mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Change water weekly and add water wigglers to prevent water from stagnating.

But mosquitoes can breed in tiny amounts of water, as small as a capful, making it tricky to spot and eliminate all birthing places.

Here are some places to look:

  • Empty ceramic pots and saucers
  • Discarded water bottle tops
  • Old tires
  • Clogged gutters
  • Wheelbarrows