AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health (APH) officials are monitoring and testing mosquito pools in anticipation of a very busy season. APH is encouraging everyone to recognize the threat of mosquitoes and follow best practices to keep the buzz down this year.

From spring to fall, when the weather is warmer and wetter, mosquitoes breed throughout Austin and surrounding areas. While their bites are itchy and annoying, mosquitoes pose a much greater threat to people by spreading disease. Mosquitoes may carry diseases that contribute to outbreaks of Zika, West Nile, dengue fever, encephalitis and canine heartworm.

“Due to climate change, mosquitoes are breeding earlier this spring and even into the winter in central Texas,” said Environmental Health Services Division Chief Marcel Elizondo. 

In Austin-Travis County in 2023, three West Nile virus cases were reported, including one death, and 48 mosquito pools tested positive for the virus.

“The sun is out, and everyone is excited to get back to their favorite spring and summer activities. Let’s make sure that we’re taking quick steps to protect ourselves and fully enjoy this time of year,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Wearing long sleeves and pants, putting on repellant and clearing out standing water will protect yourself and others from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.” 

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.

• DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Find the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of repellents here. 

• Drain: Remove standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitos.  

Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your fun this summer. You can learn more about keeping you and your loved ones safe from mosquitoes at austintexas.gov/mosquito.