Mosquito
Warm weather means more time outside—and more mosquitoes. Mosquitoes in Central Texas can spread West Nile virus, Zika, dengue, encephalitis, and canine heartworm. Don't let mosquitoes ruin your time outside: take action and report any problems you notice. Taking small steps now helps protect you, your family, and your neighbors.
Report Mosquito Problems
Austin Public Health monitors mosquito populations. When issues are found, we take steps to reduce risk. If you see standing water, drainage concerns, or mosquito problems, submit a report through 3-1-1. Your report helps to keep neighborhoods safe.
-> To report a mosquito issue, visit 311 | AustinTexas.gov.
Mosquito Activity in Austin
Austin Public Health performs surveillance on mosquito populations and tests for mosquito‑borne diseases throughout the season. When positive results are found, we share updates here.
In 2024, 101 mosquito pools tested positive for the virus. Preliminary results, pending finalization by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), show 33 West Nile virus cases, including two deaths, were reported in Austin-Travis County.
How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes are active most of the year, but risk increases in warm months. Use these easy steps below to reduce bites. For more information, explore our Fight the Bite Toolkit (PDF).
- Dusk and dawn: Avoid the outdoors at dusk and dawn. Mosquitos are active at different times of day, the species that spread West Nile Virus are most active between dusk and dawn.
- Drain: Drain standing water outside weekly. Search for Old tires, Pet water bowls, Containers and buckets, Planters, Toys, Birdbaths, Flowerpot saucers, Trash containers, Rain barrels, Clogged rain gutters, Wading pools.
- 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)-approved insect repellent.
- Mosquito Breeding Site Reduction
The most important way to prevent WNV is to reduce the number of mosquitos where people work and play. Mosquitoes can only breed in standing water, and it can be in as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.
Ways to eliminate mosquito breeding sites
- Reduce standing water around your home and neighborhood (including plant saucers, toys, buckets, and clogged gutters)
- Replace water at least once a week in pet dishes and birdbaths
- Repair leaky faucets and pipes
- Keep window and door screens in good repair
- Carefully screen rainwater harvesting cisterns to exclude mosquitos
- Use “mosquito dunks” (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis) to reduce mosquitos in rain barrels and permanent bodies of water. These products slowly release a biological larvicide that kills the pest
Using insect repellents and wearing protective clothing is the best way to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes.
- West Nile Virus - Illness and Symptoms
Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus will not get sick. However, it is estimated that 20% of people who become infected will develop West Nile fever with mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph glands.
About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. Those older than 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, or may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Mosquitoes are small, lightweight insects that feed on nectar, while only females bite to collect blood needed for egg development. They typically live a few weeks, fly close to the ground, and are attracted to body heat, movement, and odors like CO₂ and lactic acid. Some species can spread diseases, but they cannot transmit HIV. Effective protection includes EPA‑approved repellents like DEET or Picaridin, treated clothing, and reducing standing water.
- Mosquitoes and the Diseases they Transmit
Mosquitoes are widespread in Texas and can transmit several diseases that affect people and animals. They develop through four stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—with the first three stages occurring in water. Different species breed in different habitats and have varying flight ranges, feeding habits, and roles in disease transmission. Mosquitoes can cause irritation through bites and may spread diseases such as encephalitis, West Nile virus, dengue, malaria, and dog heartworm. Effective control requires reducing standing water, improving sanitation, using biological or chemical controls when appropriate, and taking personal protective measures like repellents and protective clothing.
- AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System
The ISEC Home Pest Management site—part of Texas A&M’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program—is an educational resource designed to help homeowners address common household pests. It features detailed guides on the “Top 10 Most Wanted” pests (including ants, pantry pests, mosquitoes, roaches, fleas, spiders, scorpions, small flies, carpenter ants, and small mammals), and offers tools like evaluation surveys, training PowerPoints, and DIY “IPM Toolbox” kits for managing pest issues effectively at home.
- Phone: (512) 978-0300 and select option 5.
- Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov
- Mailing Address: Environmental Health Services, PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78767.
*All overnight or expedited mail should be sent directly to our Rutherford Lane office to ensure timely processing. - Physical Address: Environmental Health Services, 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754.
Safe and Effective Insect Repellants
When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven to be safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding people. Repellents may include DEET, Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US), IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), Para-menthane-diol (PMD), 2-undecanone. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Choosing an Insect Repellent (PDF) and find a repellant that works for you.
-> Find the Repellent that is Right for You | US EPA
Mosquito Guides
For additional information on how to reduce the impact of vector-borne disease in your area, click on the links below:
Contact Information
If you need assistance, we're here to help. Use the contact us form or reach us by phone, email, mail, or in person at the address below. You can also view a map of our location for easy directions.
Have Feedback?
We welcome your feedback and use it to improve our services. Please share your experience through the online survey below. If you need to address a concern or request a second opinion about an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
--> Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services
To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.