KENTUCKY — It's been a hot and humid summer so far in Kentucky, and that means mosquitoes are becoming more and more common. But there are ways to protect yourself and prevent mosquitoes from ruining any outdoor plans.

One of the most important things to look for, according to the Mosquito Authority of Louisville, is standing water—it's the perfect place for mosquitoes to hatch.

"Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, non-moving standing water. So you think about all of the people who have some cups left outside, some frisbees, maybe some children's toys," owner Nathan Butler said of common mosquito breeding grounds.

There are a few easy ways to reduce the mosquito population in your yard:

• Walk around your property regularly to locate any insect habitats
• Treat your property with larvicide to prevent larva from turning into mosquitoes
• Tip and toss: Get rid of standing water to prevent them from breeding
• Repair any leaky pipes or faucets

Mosquitoes can carry parasites or viruses that make humans sick, often severely so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says malaria, zika and West Nile virus are the most common worldwide, but luckily they're not common in the U.S.

Local cases of malaria in Florida and Texas found last year were the first recorded in the U.S. in 20 years, the CDC said. Scarce cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Louisville and Florence in recent years.

Experts say there's no need to panic if you're bit this summer.

"We're very fortunate here in the U.S. that those numbers of cases of malaria and Zika and West Nile are very low," Butler said.

It's also good to check your yard and property after rainfall to avoid mosquitoes:

• Remove leaves and debris from your gutters
• Pour out stagnant water from flower pots
• Don't let water gather on top of your grill cover

Any time you have to be out in hot, humid conditions, it's best to wear clothes that cover your arms and legs whenever possible.