![]() ![]() Floodwater mosquito larvae quickly emerge after water becomes available. Heavy rains saturate the ground and create standing puddles in ditches and low spots in fields and lawns. These mosquitoes are typically larger, more aggressive and more persistent biters from dawn to dusk. “It can help to understand what type you are dealing with, how to do your part to control them around your home and how to protect yourself and your family because we are in mosquito season.” First Wave: Floodwater Mosquitoesįloodwater mosquitoes are the first to emerge after rain events, Swiger said. “Mosquitoes come in waves and can overlap as the season progresses,” she said. Swiger divides mosquitoes into three categories – floodwater, container and stagnant – and they typically emerge in the order related to the breeding environment they prefer. “While the primary concern about mosquito species should be the disease carriers, all this rain has created plenty of habitats for floodwater and container species.” “Due to the recent, and in some locations continuous, rains, people should expect to see quite a bit more mosquito activity,” she said. Rainfall can significantly contribute to a boom in mosquito populations, especially with multiple storm systems that saturated and flooded areas around the state, Swiger said. Swiger said one case of malaria has been reported in Cameron County and public health officials will be monitoring for West Nile virus as well. Recent hot and drier conditions are raising concerns among health officials about the potential for rising populations of vector mosquitoes. Also, water availability and type - such as fresh, clear floodwater in ditches, a container collecting water or stagnant puddles left behind from previous weather events - all contribute to what sort of mosquito might be visiting you and your family. Swiger, who is based in Stephenville, said the type of mosquito present and whether it represents just an annoyance or a possible disease vector likely depends on such environmental conditions. ![]() Sonja Swiger, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist and professor in the Department of Entomology in Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said biting mosquitoes are a seasons-long problem that can change with the environment. Recent rains throughout the state have created an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed in, and many areas of the state have been experiencing a particularly strong mosquito presence.ĭr. ![]()
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