Protect Yourself as Warmer Weather Approaches
As the weather warms up, it's not just adventures that await you outside - mosquitoes are also making their seasonal return. Unfortunately, mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they can also transmit dangerous diseases such as Zika, West Nile, dengue fever, encephalitis, and canine heartworm.
In 2023, Austin-Travis County reported two cases of West Nile virus, one of which resulted in a death. A total of 48 positive mosquito pools were identified throughout the area. To prevent or minimize the risk of such outbreaks, it's essential to control mosquito populations effectively.
By reporting any mosquito-related issues you encounter to 3-1-1 or through an online Service Request, you can help the community stay safe and enjoy the outdoors without any unnecessary risks. Don't let mosquitoes ruin your time outside - take action and report any problems you notice.
Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself from mosquitoes and prevent bites and diseases
Fight the Bite Day and Night with the Four Ds:
- Dusk and dawn: Although different species of mosquitos are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito-repellent clothing is also available.
- Defend: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven to be safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding people. Repellents include:
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Find the right insect repellent for you by using the EPA’s search tool.
- Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. They breed fast – in just a few days, they can lay hundreds of eggs. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out containers that hold water, including:
- Old tires
- Pet water bowls
- Containers and buckets
- Planters
- Toys
- Birdbaths
- Flowerpot saucers
- Trash containers
- Rain barrels
- Clogged rain gutters
- Wading pools
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your fun this summer. Keep you and your loved ones safe from mosquitoes.
Mosquito Guides