The calendar may say its officially fall, but Hays County Epidemiologist Monty Gomez is reminding residents that mosquito season is still with us and to take precautions to avoid getting bitten.
“In Texas, there are numerous types of mosquitoes, and some of them can carry diseases such as West Nile virus, Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus, all of which can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe and can even cause death,” Gomez said. “Mosquitoes are an almost year-round problem in Central Texas, so we suggest that you continue to take precautions to avoid and prevent them.”
Hays County participates in a mosquito-trapping program funded by the Department of State Health Services that helps monitor mosquitoes for the diseases they carry. Trapped mosquitoes are tested by the State laboratory in Austin to identify which types of disease mosquitoes have in a particular area.
To help prevent mosquitoes habitats and the risk of associated disease, follow the four D’s: Drain, Dress, Dusk, DEET.
- Drain all free-standing water. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in less water than fills a bottle cap! Empty flower pots, gutter spouts, clean up toys, put away lawn equipment, and check grill covers for pooled water – anything in the yard that dew, rain or your irrigation system might get wet could be a place mosquitoes lay eggs. Change water in bird baths and pet water bowls at least once a week.
- Dress in long sleeves and long pants so mosquitoes can’t bite you as easily.
- Dusk (and dawn) is when mosquitoes are out feeding. Take extra precautions when you go out at these times, or stay inside during these high-risk periods.
- DEET has been tested and approved by the EPA as an effective mosquito repellant. There are other approved insect repellants that may have varying results. For a complete list visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.
More information about the mosquito-trapping program and mosquito prevention, in English and Spanish, is available by choosing the Fight the Bite icon at www.co.hays.tx.us.