What are the peak times for mosquitoes?
Kimpton: For mosquitoes to be out biting, the temperature needs to be cooler. So [they’re out] typically in the early morning hours and dusk in particular. During the day, they like to hide in bushes and seek shelter. But there are mosquito breeds that are out all day.
Will the flooding since late May have an effect on the number of mosquitoes this season?
Gould: Absolutely—the number of mosquitoes from these last rainfalls has increased a numerous amount, and it’s bad. I haven’t seen mosquitoes like this in a long time, honestly.
Kimpton: Just a little bit of extra water in your yard can lead to a huge increase in mosquito numbers. The problem with the flooding is not only has the water come in and sat for a while and eggs are being laid, but there’s so much water that it’s going to take a long time to evaporate.
How much water is needed for mosquitoes to breed?
Gould: As small as a teaspoonful of water can harbor enough eggs for 100 mosquitoes, so you can imagine what a small puddle or a wheel barrow full of water can do.
Kimpton: I think people have the impression that they need this stagnant, huge area of water for mosquitoes to breed, and it’s really not true at all.
What are some preventive measures people can take to avoid bites?
Gould: When it comes to avoiding being bitten, it helps to have a good mosquito control system in your yard and the immediate area around your house, particularly under decks and porches. When you’re going out into the wilderness and into other areas that may not be controlled, you should put on mosquito repellent with a formula that has 100 percent DEET—[a yellow oil with a chemical repellent smell that mosquitoes dislike]—and that will help keep you from being bitten.
Kimpton: There are certain people that are more prone to being bitten that others. There’s been research recently that shows that it might be a genetic issue. So it’s also important to just avoid obvious areas where mosquitoes might be prevalent, such as areas with stagnant water and marshy areas with
tall grass.
Tips for getting rid of standing water:
- Clean gutters regularly
- Eliminate debris that holds water
- Repair leaky faucets
- Maintain pools and spas
- Drain excess water from plant pots
- Change birdbaths and water bowls for pets twice a week
- Prevent water from collecting in toys and equipment by turning them upside down or storing inside
- Keep yard waste out of storm drains
- Avoid overwatering
Diseases:
- Dengue Fever: A worldwide problem since the 1950’s, Dengue Fever rarely occurs in the U.S. but has been documented in widely-traveled areas such as Puerto Rico and Latin America. Initial symptoms are fever combined with headache, severe eye pain, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, mild bleeding, low white blood cell count.
- Chikungunya: Transmitted to the U.S. from the Caribbean in 2013, Chikungunya causes symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, joint swelling and/or rashes.
- West Nile: The virus was first detected in North America in 1999. While most people show no symptoms, the virus can cause headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
- Yellow Fever: Found in South America and Africa, Yellow fever is a rare occurrence for U.S. travelers. Most of those infected suffer only mild illnesses, but yellow fever can cause fever, chills, severe headache, back pain, general body aches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness.
Montgomery County Precinct 2 prevention program:
Mosquito spraying takes place from May until October. Precinct areas are treated in sections throughout each month.
Harris County prevention program:
Mosquito traps are placed in 258 locations throughout the county and tested for disease throughout the year. Areas that test positive are sprayed three times a week.
To report excessive mosquito activity, call the Harris County Mosquito Control Division at 713-440-4800.
