Texas is notorious for its mosquitoes, and while there’s no way to avoid mosquitoes completely, there are ways to prepare for them and minimize your chances of getting bitten.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to prepare for mosquito season in Texas and offer some tips on avoiding bites.
Key Takeaways
- Mosquitoes pose many problems to homeowners, spreading disease and making late afternoon lounging in the backyard unpleasant.
- Mosquito season in Texas is in the early spring until late fall when temperatures are above 50 degrees.
- You can prepare for mosquito season by keeping vegetation mowed, using insect repellant, and removing standing water (which is a breeding site for these pests).
When Is Mosquito Season in Texas?
Anyone who has ever been bitten by a mosquito knows that these tiny pests can be a big nuisance. Not only are their bites itchy and irritating, but mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
Here in Texas, we have to contend with mosquito season from late spring through early fall. These are the months when temperatures are warm enough for mosquitoes to thrive, and when residents are most likely to be spending time outdoors.
There are a variety of types of mosquitoes found in the state of Texas. The most common type is the Asian Tiger mosquito. This mosquito is dark with white stripes and is approximately one-third of an inch long.
The Asian Tiger mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter that can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and chikungunya virus. These diseases are dangerous all over the world, according to the Center for Disease Control, and the viruses have led to all kinds of problems in the United States. Complications of these diseases include birth defects, deaths, and more.
Therefore, mosquito bites are particularly dangerous for pregnant women and other immunocompromised individuals. But they’re certainly annoying to all of us!
Another type of mosquito found in Texas is the Southern House mosquito. This mosquito is slightly smaller than the Asian Tiger mosquito and is light brown in color.
The Southern House mosquito typically bites at night and can transmit malaria and West Nile virus. Both of these mosquitoes are a nuisance to humans and can pose a serious health risk. It is important to take precautions to avoid being bitten by these harmful insects.
It is also interesting to note that it is only female mosquitoes, not male mosquitoes, that bite.
How Do You Prepare for the Mosquito Season?
The itchy bites, the constant buzzing, and the risk of diseases like West Nile virus can make even the most laid-back person feel a little bit anxious.
Luckily, there are things you can do to prepare for mosquito season and minimize your chances of being bitten.
Eliminate Standing Water
One of the most important things you can do is eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water, so getting rid of any stagnant pools is an effective way to reduce the population.
Be wary of any kind of body of water, but especially stagnant water, as it is on the still water surface where mosquitoes will deposit their eggs.
You should also make sure to repair any leaky faucets or pipes, as even a small amount of water can provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Use Repellents
As the weather gets warmer, mosquitoes begin to appear, ready to ruin any outdoor activities with their itchy bites.
Insect repellents are one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes at bay. They can be used on all different species and types of mosquitoes along with other insects that might be looking for a blood meal.
When applying repellent, make sure to cover any exposed skin, and pay close attention to areas like the arms, legs, and neck. It is also important to choose a repellent that contains an active ingredient like DEET or Picaridin.
Keep Your Yard Clean
One of the most important things you can do is to keep your yard clean. Remove any standing water, and trim back any overgrown vegetation.
Avoid spending too much time outside at dusk or in the late afternoon/early morning hours though, as this is when these pests are most active.
Maintain Your Lawn
One reason why you don’t see as many mosquitoes if you live in the city is because mosquitoes prefer to inhabit vegetation.
A well-manicured lawn is not only pleasing to the eye, but it can also help to keep your property free of mosquitoes. Females lay their eggs in standing water, so by keeping your lawn free of puddles and stagnant water, you can help to reduce the mosquito population on your property.
In addition, all species of mosquitoes are attracted to tall grass, so mowing your lawn regularly can also help to deter them.
However, perhaps the most important reason to maintain your lawn is that it provides a barrier between you and the mosquitoes. By keeping your grass short and free of debris, you can create a space where mosquitoes are less likely to come into contact with you or your family.
As a result, a healthy lawn is an important part of protecting yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses.
Hire a Professional
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can pose a serious health risk. These pests can transmit diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever, making it essential to keep them away from your property.
While there are a number of do-it-yourself mosquito control methods available, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to hire a professional. A professional will have the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively eliminate mosquitoes from your property. In addition, they will be able to recommend long-term solutions to keep mosquitoes from coming back in the future.
Don’t take chances when it comes to your health; hire a professional to take care of mosquitoes on your property.
How Dangerous Are Mosquitoes?
These tiny insects are capable of transmitting a number of diseases, including malaria, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. In some cases, these diseases can be deadly.
Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other animal in the world. So it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, using mosquito repellent, and staying in well-screened areas.
By taking these precautions, you can help reduce your risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease.
When Does Mosquito Season End in Texas?
Though most people associate mosquitoes with hot summer days, the truth is that these pesky insects can remain active well into the fall. In Texas, mosquito season typically comes to an end when temperatures dip below 50 degrees.
However, there can be considerable variation from year to year. For example, warm winters may extend mosquito activity into December, while cold snaps in October can lead to an early end to the season. As a result, it is important to be aware of the local forecast and take precautions accordingly.
In general, however, Texans can expect mosquito activity to subside as the weather gets cooler in the fall.
Conclusion
If you’re one of the many Texans who are dreading mosquito season, take heed. There are things you can do to prepare and hopefully make your time outdoors a little more comfortable.
For additional information on how you can prevent all kinds of different mosquito species on your property, be sure to check in with your county cooperative extension. They may be able to recommend a specific treatment for the mosquitoes in your area.
