With at least nine pools of water in Travis County testing positive for West Nile virus this summer, now is the time to brush up on how to protect yourself from Austin’s pesky mosquitoes.
🦟 Mosquitoes Thrive in Summer
Mosquito season in Austin typically starts in the spring and lasts into the fall, as the bugs breed in warmer and wetter weather. Austin has had a wetter-than-usual summer, and temperatures continue to reach into the triple digits. July alone saw 6.08 inches of rain, which is more than 4 inches above normal, according to the National Weather Service.
“We’ve seen the weather changing over the years here in Austin, and as a result, we’ve seen mosquito seasons running longer than before,” said Austin’s Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo.
Mosquito species that carry West Nile virus, according to Austin officials, are most active between dusk and dawn.
💧 Keep Your Space Dry
Mosquitoes can breed in just a tablespoon of water, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services, so it’s important to drain any and all water where you live. That means doing a weekly emptying of trash cans, buckets, pots, and other items that could hold water, and keeping your gutters and roofs free of standing water.
Change the water in your bird baths and wading pools weekly, cover your trash bins, and change the water in your pet dishes every day.
👖 Take Precautions
- Wear long pants, long sleeves, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing when you’re outside
- Look for mosquito-repellent clothing to wear
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET or is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
