By Susan Donaldson
With recent rains preceded by a mild winter, this summer has been an active mosquito season. Of particular concern are mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV).
Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year round, but the population is largest and most active from April through September. During the season, adult mosquito populations are monitored and tested for mosquito-borne viruses by the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. Check the Austin/Travis County Arbovirus Surveillance Maps for the latest information on West Nile Virus-confirmed mosquito activity.
Travis County has seen a total of 108 mosquito pools testing positive for WNV in 28 zip codes as of Sept. 4, 2012 — the highest number of positive pools detected since surveillance activities began in 2003.
In Travis County, there have been a total of 68 human WNV cases and three deaths reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 12, 2012. In Texas, there were 1,182 human WNV cases and 53 deaths were reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 12, 2012.
Preventing mosquitoes from biting you is the best defense. To help prevent bites, follow the four Ds:
- Dusk and dawn: Try to stay indoors at dusk and dawn. That is the time when mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.
- Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside.
- DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.
- Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Check out this comprehensive article on less toxic or green mosquito control, including product toxicity comparisons, for additional options.
To report a mosquito problem, call (512) 978-0370 or click here to send an email to the City of Austin.
More information visit www.austintexas.gov/westnile.
